Android P Review: Innovative or iPhone X copy?

The final beta of the Android P operating system is finally here, and it has had a generally positive reception so far. However, many have been eager to draw comparisons to Apple’s iPhone X OS.

This system is set to be fully integrated into all Android products, and was displayed at their past Google I/O conference in California. So far, it has been included in Google Pixel models, OnePlus 6, Essential PH-1 and Sony Xperia XZ2. One of its most notable additions is the fact that notifications will now come with images that can be seen in alerts and from the notifications shade. Google will also notice the notifications users often ignore and start dismissing them. A significant change will also be done in the overall software design, as buttons will now come in colorful round shapes. The actions that can be accessed from the top of the phone will now have round fillings when selected.

Other innovations include:

• Navigation between open apps can now be done horizontally, rather than the previous vertical setting.
• Editing screenshots can now be done right after taking them and in a more practical way.
• It will include a vast update in Smart Selection, with everything from automatic Google searches to information pairing.
• Adaptive Battery, which maximizes battery power by prioritizing the apps you’re most likely to use next.
• Better messaging notifications, where you can see an entire conversation within it and even see full scale images.
• Smart automatic replies to messages through a new Google-based app, Reply.
• Shortcuts, or “Actions”, will now determine what action you are likely to do next, whether it is calling a friend or using a certain app.

Some of the comparisons drawn with the iPhone X is the fact that both have a similar notch design at the top. The notch that was first introduced with the Apple product caused controversy, as some users did not like the way it looked and even downloaded apps to hide it. The resemblance also comes from both having a digital home button through which all navigation is done.

However, people that have tried the OS have confirmed that it isn’t merely a copy of Apple’s latest design. The aesthetic and renovated features feel like a true upgrade and will definitely challenge previous Android users. The fact that a company as established as Android is still willing to innovate itself and challenge its customers can make significant changes in the industry.

Featured image via Wikimedia commons