Google tests iPhone features for its Android Pixel phone

The tech company is working to bring lock screen widgets back to Android

By Web Desk
April 30, 2024
Google's Android 15 set to be launched later this year. — Popsci/File

Google is reportedly testing new features for its Android operating software (OS) in Pixel series.

According to reports by Android Authority, the tech company is working to bring back lock screen widgets, similar to that on iPhone’s.

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Android widgets offer quick access to apps or display useful information on the home screen. Google phones used to have widgets, however were later removed.

Now once again, Google is working to bring back lock screen widget support in Android 15, though this feature might only be limited to tablets

Smartphones expert Mishaal Rahman has claimed that the company is working in integrating RemoteViews API into At a Glance's Smartspace API.

This will allow At a Glance to show third-party widgets

Android Police have reported that the company is facing some issues in incorporating the new feature in the phones, such as a lack of screen space to display full-sized widgets.

Additionally, At a Glance is limited to Pixel devices on the lock screen and if the tech giant uses it to bring third-party widget support to Android phones' lock screens, it will have to work with other manufacturers to expand the widget's availability to their devices.

Currently, users can only place At a Glance widget with limited functionality on the home screen of non-Pixel phones.

Apparently, Google is also considering moving the At a Glance widget to the bottom of the lock screen.

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