Looks like Google is putting its foot down when it comes to new Android devices. This article summarizes its new requirements, including Digital Wellbeing and USB-C PD charging.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
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Google's new requirements for Android devices
- Thread starter MoodyBlues
- Start date
I read the article. Apple's strong point is uniformity. Me? I don't like iOS, because I like my freedom, but it has its pluses. Any attempt by Google to standardize process across the Android board is not necessarily bad or over-controlling. In this case, it's to get all the "players" to cooperate and work together, which apparently wasn't the case with proprietary fast chargers, up to now.
As a parent, I applaud Google for instituting parental controls. I don't want my children to learn about human sexuality through their devices. Having said that, my children are adults, but still. This is a difficult age to parent in.
Regarding color control for eye strain, etc., it sounds like a good plan. I don't mind this kind of stuff, as long as the options can be overruled by folks who may want to screw up their eyes, for the fun of it.
Good post. Thank you for the post, MB.
As a parent, I applaud Google for instituting parental controls. I don't want my children to learn about human sexuality through their devices. Having said that, my children are adults, but still. This is a difficult age to parent in.
Regarding color control for eye strain, etc., it sounds like a good plan. I don't mind this kind of stuff, as long as the options can be overruled by folks who may want to screw up their eyes, for the fun of it.
Good post. Thank you for the post, MB.
I thought it would be about the news that Google is mandating that any device released after January 2020 will have to have Android 10 installed if it wants to have Google Mobile Services,
USB-PD is good - I approve of standards for basic things. it's really handy that I can fast charge my phone using my laptop's charger, which is because both are PD compatible. And since QC4 is also PD-compatible it's a really easy thing for any manufacturer to do.
I've never used Digital Wellbeing. Tried the "night light" settings that came before it, found that they just annoyed me. Same on my laptop: gave it a fortnight's trial but ended up turning it off. To be honest I didn't find it made any difference to eye strain either - adjusting the brightness seems to do everything the colour shift ever achieved, at least for me. Guess it's not my thing, but as long as it doesn't nag me that's OK. I do find it vaguely annoying that Google consider this to be something I should not be allowed to disable (the point at which they do that to the Google app, i.e. Assistant, is the point where I buy an iPhone).
USB-PD is good - I approve of standards for basic things. it's really handy that I can fast charge my phone using my laptop's charger, which is because both are PD compatible. And since QC4 is also PD-compatible it's a really easy thing for any manufacturer to do.
I've never used Digital Wellbeing. Tried the "night light" settings that came before it, found that they just annoyed me. Same on my laptop: gave it a fortnight's trial but ended up turning it off. To be honest I didn't find it made any difference to eye strain either - adjusting the brightness seems to do everything the colour shift ever achieved, at least for me. Guess it's not my thing, but as long as it doesn't nag me that's OK. I do find it vaguely annoying that Google consider this to be something I should not be allowed to disable (the point at which they do that to the Google app, i.e. Assistant, is the point where I buy an iPhone).
When I got my second (replacement) Moto Z² Force, I decided to give its eyesight-related features--separate from Android's--a try. MUCH to my surprise, I liked the result! 
And, after four months, I haven't even considered going back.
I'm all for features that can help with eye-strain or whatever, but I don't want them forced on me. I'm with @Hadron and @Steven58--if I WANT to screw up my eyes, let me!
And, after four months, I haven't even considered going back.I'm all for features that can help with eye-strain or whatever, but I don't want them forced on me. I'm with @Hadron and @Steven58--if I WANT to screw up my eyes, let me!
one question:
is this uniformity or conformity?
is this uniformity or conformity?
I'd say charging specs are uniformity, or better, consistency. And there's nothing stopping a manufacturer doing their own thing as long as it's also compatible with PD.
Digital Wellbeing, i.e. another mandatory Google app, feels more like conformity (the whole "if you want these Google apps you must pre-install these others as well" thing).
Digital Wellbeing, i.e. another mandatory Google app, feels more like conformity (the whole "if you want these Google apps you must pre-install these others as well" thing).
That's an excellent question. I'm leaning toward uniformity...but I'm not sure. I'd like to hear what others think.
my initial thought is conformity. it has been known for awhile now, just how fragmented google's android os is. i think this is to compete with the iphony. i think that the reason the ithing is very popular, is because it is very consistent and the learning curve is very small from phone to phone. where as my samsung note 10+ is very different than the lg g8 and the learning curve is quite large. i think this is a start of google simplifying things to become more consistent, more appealing , and easier to learn how to operate all the various phones and is a direct response to apple.
MrJavi
Android Expert
Yes, I agree not providing the user with the choice to disable something as simple as color shift is a bit controling. I mean nothing to riot about but still, I like freedom of choice, especially in regards to my personal property (device). Not really a big deal but kinda pushy but that Google.
But it's not nearly as popular as Android. The most recent stats I read showed that of every 4 mobile devices, 3 are Android, 1 is iThing.
So Android's already doing something right!
D
Deleted User
Guest
Wait I read the artical if Android 10 just released why are they talking about releasing Android 11 in August 2020 that seems to early for a new OS if so doesn't that mean devices released Aug 2019 to August 2020 will have to receive Android 11?
MrJavi
Android Expert
Right! And one of the many reasons I only use Linux. I cannot tolerate the window$ locked down, 'we know what's best for you,' non-customizable UI, no ability to change system files philosophy. Ugh.
D
Deleted User
Guest
Windows will be using linux soon and since Linux is open source windows will be forced to open source their is since their using a public source but who knows I could be wrong
MrJavi
Android Expert
I was thinking of giving that a try (Linux), hows that working out for you?
Good point. I remember how pushy my Laptop windows was and of not for the fact that it had pro-version pre installed. I would not have a choice in regards to updates. After 5 popup then It would frees and say I had to update. A reboot would grt thing up a running and sometime later there it eas again. Be more of a novice at that time made thing a bit more challenging. Anyway, I got theme off by back without updating or popups. Although giving up security for personal choice kinda sucks lol. I just dont like being forced feed. lol Just a petty peeve I suppose, no biggie
l
You're new around here.
Well, let's just say that I've used Linux since before it existed.
By that I mean that I was already a UNIX person, an anti-Micro$oft person, before Linux was invented in 1991. There are no Micro$oft products in my life or house. So I'd say it's working out quite well! 
No such nonsense in my world.
Au contraire! To me it's a very big deal--and Linux solves it.
With Linux, it's all about choice, starting with the freedom to choose for yourself which of the many Linux distributions (or 'distros' or 'flavors') you want to use. There's a Linux for everyone, from absolute newbies to hard-core geeks.
My favorite distro (as all the regulars know!) is Kubuntu. I love it for its elegance and infinitely customizable user interface, on top of everything I expect from a UNIX/Linux system: built-in powerful tools, security, stability, endless software choices, no bloatware (you're in charge of what's on your system), etc.
If you're interested in using Linux and have any questions, you're welcome to pop in on our Linux megathread, where no previous knowledge is needed or assumed. Just jump in and ask away!
MrJavi
Android Expert
You're new around here.
Well, let's just say that I've used Linux since before it existed.
No such nonsense in my world.
Au contraire! To me it's a very big deal--and Linux solves it.
With Linux, it's all about choice, starting with the freedom to choose for yourself which of the many Linux distributions (or 'distros' or 'flavors') you want to use. There's a Linux for everyone, from absolute newbies to hard-core geeks.
My favorite distro (as all the regulars know!) is Kubuntu. I love it for its elegance and infinitely customizable user interface, on top of everything I expect from a UNIX/Linux system: built-in powerful tools, security, stability, endless software choices, no bloatware (you're in charge of what's on your system), etc.
If you're interested in using Linux and have any questions, you're welcome to pop in on our Linux megathread, where no previous knowledge is needed or assumed. Just jump in and ask away!
You continue to impresse. I mean WoW bro and thanks for the links..
ps. I see you have years of experience, Personally, I find it very admirable that you and other take time to share you knowledge with the community. This site is real a cool.
On a lighter note, ai do vaguely remember my Commodore 64., not that Im that old lol hahahehe
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