What to Expect in the Future for Android Phones

Technology is a fast-moving world of upgrades, redesigns, and innovation. Whether it is updating old products to match the changing needs and aesthetics of consumers or creating new tools and devices to keep the population on the cutting edge of technological developments, one thing is definite: up is the only way to go. Android is no exception in the race toward the newest, must-have innovations. The future for the popular phone brand, owned by Google, a household name in America, is definitely bright. Here are a few things you should expect in the future for Android. 

Integrated, Inclusive Messaging

Messaging through android will receive a face lift in the future, as Google upgrades the popular video messaging application, Google Hangouts, and integrates all of its different communication sources. The company plans to bring SMS, email, video and online messaging all into one application. This inclusive interface will allow users to seamlessly navigate between all their various forms of communication. The days of having four battery-life depleting apps open at once will be over when android unveils this new technology.

Increased Security and Payment Power

Near field communications or 'NFC' chip technology is already in place to act as a digital wallet, removing the need to reach into your back pocket at the checkout. Security concerns with this close-range digital exchange will improve in the future with increased encryption and security measures for Google Wallet, the company's NFC app. This will increase the value of paying through android devices. Google Authenticator will control all other security measures, including your Google accounts, devices, etc. When used, it allows you to easily receive access to rooms, email accounts and sensitive information through your device. There are talks of even more security innovations, including retina scanning and face recognition technology, in the future. 

New Takes on Hardware Development

Hardware development will also see progress in the coming years. Bendable screens are one of the most talked about upcoming hardware modernizations. Another huge trend will be wearable hardware. Google glass has already put wearable devices on the map; however, the latest development of smart watches will add functionality to our devices. Android Wear, an operating system for these watches, will provide manufacturers the technology so they can integrate it into their products under the Google name. This technology is already receiving a lot of attention, with rumors that year over year sales will be at 91 million by 2018, creating an industry worth over 9 billion dollars. 

A More Intimate and Inclusive Mapping Experience

Google Maps is already a widely used app that improves navigation abilities and sets android devices apart from other mobile devices on the market. Google developers are continuing to improve the mapping technology to increase its coverage and make it more user-friendly. Streetview will feature updated, in-depth views and even introduce interior views of popular buildings. Increased intimacy comes courtesy of Google Now and Google Latitude technology. Using this technology, maps will record information on your daily whereabouts and weekly routines to download directions as needed and even suggest new routes for you. 

New Technology Increasing Functionality 

Not only will we see new types of hardware taking the stage in the future, but new programs for our devices. Android Auto will allow users to display their cell screen on their car's navigation screen, Android TV will allow users to search for their favorite shows through voice command, and more robust Chromecast functions will allow users to easily switch between their phone, tablet, and TV to share photos and videos instantly with family and friends. 

The upcoming years will certainly be years of progress for Android phones. New, functional hardware will bring the phone even closer to the user. Better security will increase mobile payment reliability and offer better device protection. Integrated messaging will save battery life and improve the communication experience. Mapping will be more interactive and cover more areas and finally, new apps will allow you to bring your technology into the car and into the living room. Android phones are constantly evolving and the near future is just a small example of what we can expect from the company. 

About the Author: JT Ripton is a business consultant and freelance writer who enjoys writing about a variety of topics, business and technology being a couple of them.