In a bid to enhance multitasking capabilities on Android tablets, Google is reportedly working on an upgrade to the Android taskbar that could soon allow users to view their two most recently used applications. This development comes as part of the ongoing evolution of the Android interface, which has been tailored to accommodate the larger screens of tablets and foldable devices.
Taskbar Evolution
The Android taskbar, first introduced with the Android 12L release in 2022, was designed to facilitate quicker app launches and seamless transitions between applications. Initially, this taskbar occupied the entire width of the screen at the bottom, but adjustments were made in the 2023 Android 13 QPR2 update to optimize space on book-style foldables. The taskbar was then transformed into a “transient” feature, appearing only when users swipe up on the gesture navigation handle.
With the arrival of Android 15, users gained the flexibility to switch between the original “persistent” taskbar and the newer “transient” version, catering to both tablet and foldable users. Currently, the taskbar displays up to six pinned apps along with two suggested applications, which are determined not only by recent usage but also by frequency of use and user-defined routines. This system, while functional, does not always prioritize the most recently used apps, necessitating additional navigation steps to access them.
However, recent findings in the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 reveal a potential shift in this approach. The code suggests that the two suggested apps could be replaced with the two most recently used apps, streamlining the user experience significantly. Although this feature has yet to be activated by Google, its implementation could prove beneficial, particularly for users who rely on quick access to their most frequently utilized applications.
Notably, other Android manufacturers, such as OnePlus and Samsung, have already adopted similar features in their taskbars, emphasizing recently used apps. Should Google decide to integrate this change into the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), it would not only enhance the user experience on its own devices but also extend these benefits to tablets and foldables from other manufacturers that have yet to implement such functionality.
As the tech community awaits further developments, the anticipation surrounding this potential upgrade reflects a broader desire for more intuitive and efficient multitasking solutions within the Android ecosystem.
