As you know, Google lifted the veil on Android 12L at the end of 2021. This is a special version of the operating system specifically reserved for tablets and smartphones with foldable or screen displays. Released as Android 12.1 on multiple devices in March 2022 greatly improves the user interface on foldable smartphones and tablets.
This specifically includes the introduction of a new quick menu, but above all integration of a taskbar. This way, users can quickly switch from one app to another, such as on a Chromebook.
However, if we are to believe the information of Mishaal Rahman, former editor-in-chief of XDA Developers and renowned expert of the Android universe, Google is about to make big changes to the taskbar for sure.
Google will review the taskbar on Android 14
First, an insider confirms that a search bar has arrived in the taskbar. But be careful instead it will be in the app drawer and not in the taskbar itself. Thanks to this, users will be able to quickly search for an application among those already installed in the internal memory of their device. In other words, it cannot be used to search for files or search the web.
According to Mishaal Rahman, the Mountain View firm is also considering integrate an option to add recently installed apps directly in the taskbar. As a reminder, this is already possible with many competitors, notably Samsung’s Galaxy Fold, as well as Xiaomi and Vivo.
However, we think that the official implementation of this feature by Google will allow all manufacturers to benefit from it. Also and again according to Rahman the web giant wants to allow users to switch between a permanent or temporary taskbar. Thus, it will be enough to long press the taskbar to select one of the two modes.
According to the expert, these new features will only be available from QPR1 version of Android 14, which is not planned to be rolled out before December 2023. It should come at the beginning of the school year.
Google is preparing major upgrades for Android’s taskbar
With Android 14 QPR1 release (December 2023 Pixel Feature Drop), the taskbar can get some new, very useful features!
Details are only available on Patreon: pic.twitter.com/CIf5Q4Ya4z
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) 14 August 2023
Source: via Mishaal Rahman Android Authority
