Android might be about to get the iPhone's best new feature
GOOGLE'S next Android N build is expected to ship with a number of pressure-sensitive or "Force Touch" features, similar to the 3D Touch capabilities included in Apple's iPhone 6S and 6S Plus.
Google's new Android N could be about to borrow the best iPhone feature
Google pushed-out the first build of Android N earlier this year.
The next-generation of Google's open-source operating system includes a number of new features, including side-by-side multi-tasking and a strict data saver mode that clamps down on background mobile data usage.
But the best features might be yet to come.
The Phandroid blog has unearthed wording in Android N’s new Launcher shortcuts that addresses support for "pressure sensitive displays" in the upcoming devices.
Pressure-sensitive displays react differently based on how much force is applied to the screen.
Apple's 3D Touch gives users access to in-app shortcuts and Peek and Pop previews
Apple dubbed its own pressure-sensitive technology "the next generation of Multi-Touch" when it launched the feature alongside the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus last summer.
Dubbed 3D Touch, the feature lets you press down into the iOS app icons to launch a hidden menu of in-app shortcuts.
It also works to quickly preview items, like photos in your gallery or URLs in text messages.
It sounds like Google could be debuting a similar feature in Android N to offer quick access to shortcuts within the Launcher.
If the US search firm includes support for pressure-sensitive displays, it would be safe to assume the next Nexus handsets will include the technology.
Unlike iOS, Android is bringing multi-window support to its smartphones and tablets
Huawei introduced a similar feature with its Mate S smartphone last year.
The Chinese firm's smartphone uses the pressure-sensitive display to make zooming further, preview photos in the gallery or play games better.
The news comes as code unearthed in the HTML source code of Android N Developer Preview website reveals that Google could be looking into pushing out beta versions for non-Nexus smartphones too.
Apple lets you preview links and access hidden shortcuts using 3D Touch
Hidden in the Android N webpage, the section says "More supported devices, including devices from OEM partners" will receive the update.
Unfortunately there's no further explanation about which OEM, Original Equipment Manufacturer, will be supported in the Android N beta release.
According to Phone Arena, the Mountain View technology firm is now looking to push-out the beta release to third-party devices with near-stock Android.
That would include the latest devices from Motorola, who worked closely with Google to ensure Marshmallow rolled-out days after the stock version.