The first Android 15 stable build is yet to reach the latest Pixel 9 series and other eligible Pixel devices. Meanwhile, Android 15 QPR1 Beta is already available for those who want to get a sneak peek at the upcoming Pixel Feature Drop. It seems that Google wants to bring more dynamic animations as it is integrating the predictive back gesture into more apps. Recently, the company released Android 15 beta 4.2 as a prelude to the stable rollout.
Android QPR (Quarterly Platform Release) updates are the foundation of the so-called Pixel Feature Drops. These updates are different from the monthly ones as they pack several new features instead of just bug fixes and minor tweaks. The next stable QPR update is coming in December, weeks after the first stable Android 15 build.
Keyboards getting more dynamic in Android 15 QPR1 Beta 1 with predictive back gesture
That said, Google integrated its predictive back gesture into more apps with the Android 15 QPR1 beta. If you’re not aware, the feature shows a “preview” of the app or section you’ll be returning to after performing the “back” gesture. Normally, the UI would just show an arrow at the edge of the screen. Google debuted the feature in Android 14, but it’s not yet present in all apps. That said, as spotted by Google News on Telegram, Android 15 QPR1 Beta 1 integrates the predictive back gesture into keyboards.
Since keyboards use a pop-up overlay, the gesture acts differently than when you navigate between sections of a predictive back-supported app. Basically, instead of showing a preview of another app section while you perform the back gesture, the keyboard will simply start hiding. This makes sense, since the goal of the feature is to show you what will happen after you complete the gesture.
Google already has some apps that support the predictive back gesture. For example, when you open a Gmail message and then try to go back, the UI shows a glimpse of your inbox before completing the gesture. While it’s not a life-changing tweak, it does make the UI more dynamic and responsive to your actions. In fact, it seems that Google is preparing some similar tweaks for Android 15 QPR1. The beta also includes new Quick Settings tile animations, a new reboot animation, and more.
2024-08-24 15:07:13