Google has long since introduced gesture control as the standard for Android and sacrificed old app functions for it. Now the back gesture should get an update. On the schedule for the upcoming Google I/O, which will take place on May 11th and 12th, the group is already partially revealing what innovations they want to show us, users and Android developers. “Back to the basics of System Back” not only attracted our attention.
This is the session in question:
Because in the description of the session, Google says that the future of Android will help create a “predictive back gesture including satisfying animations”. Obviously, Google wants to revise the system navigation again and make it smarter. However, there could be problems with app launchers that you download from the Google Play Store. To date, the new navigation is not yet available for a test.
Back gesture becomes smarter and a new standard from Android 14
Now it’s clear what the new back gesture means. Because it can perform a different action depending on the situation, this should be presented more clearly to the user. The new system should be able to better show the user what happens when he completes the back gesture. This means that the user can quickly make a different decision if the gesture does not do what the user actually wanted to do.
For example A visual shrinking of the app when the back gesture would now close the app.
Back gesture: It sounds easier than it actually is
There are different challenges with the back gesture. Because the system has to clarify what the user actually wants with the wiper in the middle of the screen. Does he plan to jump back a page in the open app? Does he want to go back to the app he came from? Or does he want to minimize the app to get to the home screen? And should the app be kept in the background or even closed completely?
It is currently still difficult to say what Google means by “forward-looking”. Theoretically, a system for Android is conceivable that can probably predict even more intelligently what exactly the user is up to. Either through its general system use or through the behavior of the users within the respective app. This will definitely remain exciting and probably already plays a role for Android 13.