5 things I’d like to change about Android

Welcome to our wishful thinking about Android. There, you dream big, but you get frustrated, and you imagine what Android could be if a few things were improved. A world where all Android smartphones receive updates at the same time and friendly, helpful support for software issues.A world where kids think they are Androids nice. It’s a fantasy world, to be sure, but as long as we’re dreaming, here are five things we’d like to change about Android.

1. Streamlined updates

Imagine if all Android smartphones immediately got the latest version, like our fruit-named competitors.

Android’s (in)famously piecemeal update process has been going on ever since the first HTC phones hit the world. It looks like this:

1. Google has released a new version of Android.
2. Pixel smartphones are ready to use from day one.
3. Other companies must wait for OEMs to adjust, add, test, and deploy bloatware.
4. Some OEMs just say “no” and don’t let you get the update.
5. repeat.

Google has made significant progress in circumventing this bottleneck by pushing updates for individual apps through the Play Store. This also has the added benefit of faster annual OS updates since you don’t have to update all your apps in a major overhaul every year like other companies (hey Apple) do. .

But the core Android system and all its security patches, latest features, and redesigns have to go through countless different OEMs, and many companies don’t even bother pushing updates to their customers.

But what if Google could somehow push new updates directly to all compatible Android devices over the air? This would require OEMs to enter into some sort of agreement or consortium with Google, but what if? It could be possible. Perhaps there’s even a way for OEMs to accept updates that work automatically with individual skins and bloatware.

This gives consumers a unified Android experience regardless of their device. This allows manufacturers to compete on hardware rather than on how much they bloat the operating system with extra apps that no one uses. We can only dream.

2. Overhaul compatible

A friendly and responsive support system is a dream come true.

Picture this: you buy an expensive new cell phone. It was working fine for a month, then suddenly the software started having glitches. You won’t be able to sign in or your account will be hacked. Call one number and get a friendly representative who speaks your language. Or, just stroll down to your local shopping mall and stop by the store, where a knowledgeable “genius” will solve your problem.

In this case, you obviously don’t own Android. If you do this, you will be inconvenienced when you call a random number at a subcontractor’s call center. You may even get yelled at. And good luck going to the mall. The kiosk you bought your phone from is only interested in selling you overpriced Otter cases.

Imagine if Google offered the same kind of support for everything Android that Apple does for its own products. If you run into any issues with the software, you can chat with a Google representative. They are friendly and knowledgeable. After all, friendly and consistent customer service isn’t rocket science. Companies have been doing it for 100 years.

3. Give us everything

No pro features, only paywall

Why is a slightly better camera experience considered a “pro” feature? All Android OEMs offer expensive “regular” versions of their devices, and then offer more expensive “pro” versions. has jumped on Apple’s bandwagon of nickel-and-dime ringing its customers by offering:

Want the best camera, the best speakers, and the best display in one device? We want companies to build one phone with all the best features across the board. I would like to see it. That includes some funky software gimmicks. You can also sell your cell phone at a high price.

Let’s be honest here. The Galaxy S24 is not a discount device. Plus doesn’t offer much more, but it comes with a hefty premium. The Ultra could also be a completely different phone. The best of what Samsung has to offer in a unique device. You could probably call it something to differentiate it from the S24. I don’t know. Probably something like “memo?”

4. Unification of app design

Android needs to enforce a consistent design language

When it comes to app design, Android is a Wild West theme park. The icons are all different shapes and sizes, but the app experience is different for each developer. Some apps are slick and modern, while others are still stuck in 2015. Even OEM apps are not unified. Samsung Notes is modern, mature, and sophisticated, while Samsung Mail looks like it was slapped on by his second grader in the computer lab.

This way you can download icon packs and adjust your app’s icons. Sure, the app drawer looks better, but it doesn’t change how apps look or behave after you use them.

We hope that a consistent design language is encouraged across the board. I’m not saying Google should force a specific design language, but app developers should be encouraged to follow certain guidelines. For example, if you follow established design guidelines, your app will likely rank higher in Play Store search results.

5. Organize your app drawer

It’s chaos there

Whether you sort your app drawer alphabetically or manually, it remains a maze of misplaced tools and forgotten apps. Apps are downloaded and forgotten about. When you need to find an icon, you spend your precious time swiping through drawers looking for the right one. We hope you take the time to read the name of each app.

We expect smarter organizations. We hate to say it, but Apple is trying to do something with automatically categorized app folders. Admittedly, Apple doesn’t get it right in many cases, but Android could do a better job of categorizing apps into categories or folders within the app drawer. For those who prefer a cleaner, less cluttered experience, this could be an option to turn on.

A neat and organized app drawer saves you time. This means less time searching for apps. We are confident that Google can make this a part of the overall Android experience and eliminate this from being an issue.

Runner-up

Some changes to expect on Android

1. Stop blocking bootloader unlocking.
2. Bring back the 3.5mm headphone jack.
3. Restore removable storage.
4. Integrate app backups in the same way apps utilize iCloud on iPhone.
5. Requires a mini Android smartphone.

turn dissatisfaction into greatness

We know that most of these wishes will never come true. Google alone is not enough to achieve these goals. To make this happen, all Android OEMs need to work together. Then there’s the Android community itself (including us). Putting us all in the same room we couldn’t agree on the color of the walls. There is no way such a change would not receive serious backlash from many people.

Instead, we dream of the perfect Android smartphone. Great hardware, direct over-the-air updates from Google, a unified app design, great after-sales support, and an auto-sorted app drawer are certainly nice to see. Add a headphone jack and this phone is ready to buy. Perhaps the new OnePlus 12 is close to that?