As the tech world eagerly anticipates the official release of Android 15, whispers of Android 16 are already making waves. Since the introduction of the bubbles API with Android 11 in 2020, Google has provided a unique way for messaging apps to enhance user interaction. This innovative feature allows conversations to float above other applications, enabling users to quickly glance at or respond to messages without disrupting their workflow. Once a response is sent, the floating window minimizes into a small icon, easily accessible for future interactions.
Expanding the Bubbles API
Exciting developments are on the horizon, as reports suggest that Google is working towards extending the bubbles API to all applications with Android 16. Currently, this feature is limited to conversation notifications and can be opted out of, which has resulted in a lack of widespread adoption among apps. Notably, some popular messaging platforms still require users to fully open the app to engage in conversations, which can be less than ideal for multitasking.
Hints of this expanded functionality have surfaced in the first Quarterly Platform Release (QPR) of Android 15, indicating that users may soon be able to “bubble anything.” Android Authority has even managed to activate this feature in the beta version of Android 15, revealing that the Pixel Launcher will incorporate a “bubble” button in the context menu when users press and hold any app on their home screen.
This enhancement promises to significantly elevate the multitasking experience for Android users, particularly those utilizing tablets. The potential combination of the bubbles API with another anticipated feature, the “bubble bar,” could further enrich the user experience. However, as with any feature unearthed in code but not officially announced, the timeline for its release remains uncertain. It’s possible that the feature could undergo significant changes before the expected unveiling of Android 16 next year.
In light of these developments, it is clear that the addition of this feature would greatly benefit Android users. The ability to multitask seamlessly on mobile devices is increasingly essential in our fast-paced digital landscape, and the bubbles API presents a compelling solution.
