Android The operating system already has a pretty functional lockscreen and always-in display. But, what if we say that it could have been a lot better, smarter and more contextual if Google had implemented the idea it had once had. Sounds interesting right?
Well, Android Authority has managed to secure some information about Google’s vision on a smarter lockscreen and AoD display for Android. The tech website has reported that Google started working on a new improved lockscreen during the development of Android 11, however, the company scrapped it and it never made it to the final version.
Reminisces of the lockscreen can be seen in bits and pieces in the Android operating system today, however, the actual concept was a lot better.
According to the report, Google has a project named Smartspace, which was the advanced version of Google’s At a Glance feature and it was capable of a lot more than the current version.
The report claims that the Smartspace was more than just a widget and it was also meant to integrate with lockscreen and always-on display to show relevant information right on the lockscreen and always-on display based on location, time, situation and requirement.
Basically, Google’s Smartspace was exactly how Google could have utilized the data they already have on the user of that phone. Android Authority also notes that this screen can show information like travel apps, maps when you are traveling or bring up payment apps when in a store, show tickets if it is stored in the phone and more.
Android Authority also notes that this screen can show other information like travel apps, maps when you are traveling or bring up payment apps when in a store and more. Bring up streaming apps and services or show recommendations from OTT platforms after plugging in the earphones.
For instance, at night, the At a Glance widget will automatically show a ‘Good Night’ chip on the always-on display with controls for smart home devices connected to the phone, another card
for alarm settings, sleep sounds and more.
While all these sound pretty interesting and it would have been really nice to see such things on our Android devices, but, the report clearly mentions that Google has dumped the idea and has implemented the features in bits and pieces on the operating system.
The exact reason behind this is not known to the source, according to the Android Authority, but the major concern could be the data privacy issue as this is sensitive information and if Google had implemented some authentication process here, the entire idea would have failed. However, Asus and Apple both have the option to only show the lock screen content if the face of the person is recognized. Google could have used something similar for this as well.
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