Google today provided a first look at the next version of Android, currently known as Android M.
"We have gone back to the basics," Sundar Pichai, SVP of Android, Chrome, and Apps at Google, said during a keynote at Google I/O. "We have really focused on polish and quality."
That includes "thousands" of bug fixes and small tweaks, Pichai said, but Dave Burke, VP of Android engineering at Google, provided a rundown of the new operating system's most notable additions.
As expected, Android M will include customizable app permissions. Developers can create apps that only ask for permissions when necessary, rather than requesting broad access when users download from Google Play.
Burke used WhatsApp as an example. Going forward, those who download the messaging app will not be met with a barrage of permissions when they download. Instead, they'll get them on a case-by-case basis. If you want to send a voice message, for example, a pop-up will ask for permission to access the microphone. You can then modify permissions in the settings menu.
Android M will also improve how Web content is displayed within apps.
Right now, if you hit a website within an app, it will either take you out of that app into the browser or direct you to a sometimes-wonky version of the website within an app, where settings and logins are not preserved.
Android M, however, will incorporate Chrome Custom Tabs, which let developers harness the power of Chrome (it runs on top of an app) while maintaining the look and feel of an app, according to Burke, who showed it off on Pinterest.
Chrome Custom Tabs are available today on the Chrome dev channel and will roll out to users in the third quarter.
Burke also promised more seamless linking from one app to another. If you get a Twitter link via email, for example, clicking on it will bring you directly to the Twitter app rather that popping up a dialogue box and requesting permission.
For those who are concerned about new features gobbling up power, Burke said Android M will be "smarter about managing power" thanks to a new feature known as Doze. Android M uses motion detection to see if device has been left unattended. If so, background activity will go into a deeper sleep that preserves battery life.
Burke said Google tested this using two Nexus 9 tablets, one with Lollipop and another with Android M. The M device, he said, lasted up to two times longer in standby than the Lollipop tablet.
Also on power, Android M will support USB-C, which Google has already rolled out on its new Chromebook Pixel.
Finally, Android M will also incorporate Android Pay. As part of that, Android M will have standardized fingerprint support, which will work for Android Pay purchases. Burke pointed to an upcoming Target app, which will let you shop and pay for things with just your fingerprint.
Eager developers can check out an early version of Android M on the Nexus 5, 6, 9, and the Google player.
Like last year, meanwhile, Google did not reveal what dessert Android M will be named after. Expect more details this fall.