Samsung’s One UI has become one of the most feature-rich and intuitive Android skins in the market, offering tools and enhancements that elevate the Android experience. With the latest iteration, One UI 7, Samsung has further solidified its position by introducing features that stand out for their practicality and user-centric design. While Google’s Pixel UI is known for its clean and minimalist interface, it could benefit from adopting some of Samsung’s standout features. Below, we explore three key One UI 7 features that Google should integrate into the Pixel UI for a more versatile and user-friendly Android experience.
1. Enhanced Multitasking with Split Screen and Pop-up View
Samsung’s One UI 7 has refined multitasking with its enhanced split-screen functionality and Pop-up View features, allowing users to interact with multiple apps seamlessly. Here’s why Google should consider adopting this:
Improved Split-Screen Navigation
One UI 7 enables users to effortlessly launch two apps side by side and even save specific app pairings for quick access. For example, you could pair YouTube and Chrome or Messages and Maps, launching them together with a single tap. This streamlined approach to multitasking is a boon for users who frequently switch between tasks.
In contrast, Pixel UI’s multitasking is functional but lacks the depth and convenience offered by One UI. Incorporating Samsung’s advanced multitasking capabilities would make the Pixel experience more productive for power users.
Pop-up View for Enhanced Flexibility
Samsung’s Pop-up View feature allows users to run apps in resizable, floating windows. This is particularly useful for tasks like referencing a document while replying to an email or jotting down notes during a video call. With Pop-up View, apps can stay open without taking up the full screen, offering unparalleled multitasking flexibility.
Google could take inspiration from this and introduce similar floating window functionality, enhancing productivity and providing a more dynamic user experience.
2. Customization with Modes and Routines
One of the standout features of Samsung’s One UI 7 is its “Modes and Routines” system, which enables users to customize their phone’s behavior based on specific contexts or triggers. This feature combines automation with personalization, giving users more control over how their devices operate.
What Are Modes and Routines?
- Modes: Modes are tailored profiles that adjust settings and app behavior based on your activities. For instance, a Sleep Mode might silence notifications, dim the screen, and enable a blue light filter automatically at night.
- Routines: Routines are more granular, allowing users to create “if-this-then-that” (IFTTT) style automation. For example, you could set your phone to turn on Wi-Fi and open Spotify when you connect to your car’s Bluetooth.
Why Pixel UI Needs This Feature
While Pixel devices offer automation through features like “Rules” (based on location or Wi-Fi), they lack the depth and flexibility of Samsung’s Modes and Routines. Incorporating a similar feature would provide Pixel users with a more robust set of tools to personalize their devices and automate repetitive tasks.
Google could leverage its AI expertise to take this even further. For instance, Pixel devices could suggest routines based on a user’s habits, making automation intuitive and accessible to everyone. This integration would align perfectly with Google’s goal of creating smarter, more user-centric devices.
3. Advanced Privacy and Security Tools
Samsung has placed a strong emphasis on privacy and security with One UI 7, introducing features like the Privacy Dashboard and App Permission Manager that offer transparency and control over personal data. While Google has made strides in this area, Samsung’s implementation adds layers of user empowerment that Pixel UI could emulate.
Privacy Dashboard with Real-Time Insights
Samsung’s Privacy Dashboard provides an in-depth overview of how apps use permissions like location, camera, and microphone. It allows users to monitor real-time access and revoke permissions with ease.
Although Google introduced a similar Privacy Dashboard with Android 12, Samsung’s version includes more detailed visuals and actionable insights. Integrating these enhancements into Pixel UI would give users more confidence in managing their privacy.
Permission Usage Alerts
Another notable addition in One UI 7 is the ability to receive alerts when apps use sensitive permissions, even in the background. For instance, if an app accesses your camera without your knowledge, you’ll receive a notification.
While Android already notifies users about microphone and camera usage, Samsung’s implementation is more comprehensive. By adopting this, Pixel devices could offer a more transparent and secure experience, which aligns with Google’s focus on privacy-first technology.
Secured Folder for Sensitive Data
Samsung’s Secure Folder feature, which provides a protected space for apps and files, is a game-changer for users who value privacy. Whether it’s storing confidential work documents or personal photos, Secure Folder ensures that sensitive data remains inaccessible to unauthorized users.
Google could introduce a similar feature to Pixel devices, enhancing the privacy toolkit available to users. Combining it with features like on-device encryption and Google Account integration would create a seamless yet secure solution.
Why Google Should Incorporate These Features
While Pixel UI is celebrated for its simplicity and speed, integrating these features from One UI 7 would enhance its functionality without compromising its minimalist ethos. Here’s how:
- Enhanced Productivity: Advanced multitasking tools would make Pixel devices more appealing to professionals and power users.
- Personalization: Features like Modes and Routines would empower users to tailor their phones to their unique needs.
- Privacy and Security: Robust privacy tools would strengthen Google’s commitment to user security and data protection.
Moreover, as competition in the smartphone market intensifies, these features could help Pixel devices stand out, particularly against Samsung’s premium Galaxy lineup.
Conclusion
Samsung’s One UI 7 showcases the company’s ability to innovate and address user needs with practical, user-friendly features. By borrowing ideas like enhanced multitasking, Modes and Routines, and advanced privacy tools, Google could elevate Pixel UI to new heights, making it a compelling choice for Android users.
As the Android ecosystem continues to evolve, collaboration and inspiration among manufacturers will play a vital role in shaping the future of mobile technology. Google has the opportunity to learn from Samsung’s successes and bring these powerful features to its Pixel lineup, delivering a seamless blend of simplicity, functionality, and innovation. Whether or not these changes come to fruition, one thing is clear: the bar for Android software experiences has never been higher.
