Is Android Q copying Apple's 3D Touch-like functionality
Android Q, Google's upcoming mobile OS, is tipped to offer many new features including a system-wide dark mode, privacy controls, and advanced app permissions, among others. In the latest development, the new Android OS is adding support for "Deep Press" on the touchscreen, a feature similar to Apple's 3D Touch found on some iPhones. Here's everything to know about it.
Let's first understand "Deep Press"
According to documents related to MotionEvent on Android Q, the OS will support "Deep Press" touch input. They explained that "the current event stream represents the user intentionally pressing harder on the screen," and that deep press should "be used to accelerate the long press behavior." Hence, this feature should allow quick access to menus and information by pressing harder rather than pressing longer.
"Deep Press" might require dedicated hardware
Like 3D Touch on some iPhones, Deep Press should offer an iOS-like experience, especially for app launch and shortcut menus. However, we don't know if the new feature would require dedicated hardware like Apple's 3D Touch which can detect varying levels of force. Perhaps, Google might implement this by means of an algorithm that can detect deep presses on a regular touchscreen.
And, Deep Press will enhance your smartphone experience
Considering Deep Press will work similar to Apple's 3D Touch functionality, it will provide a multi-touch interface to enhance your smartphone experience. By pressing on a link/image/mail attachment etc., you can see its preview while a deeper press will open it in the corresponding app. Further, developers can use Deep Press to offer intuitive controls or shortcuts, say in games or painting/drawing apps.
Android Q will also bring a host of new features
Separately, thanks to beta testers and developers, we now know some of the keys features of Android Q. The upcoming mobile OS will offer a system-wide dark mode, support for a Face ID-like facial recognition system, enhanced privacy controls and app permission settings, reverse app updates, a built-in screen recorder, desktop mode, and iPhone-like full-screen gestures.
