In time for the rumored Google Nexus 2016 release date in the second half of the year, Android Marshmallow is most likely to be replaced by version 7.0 or Android N. New rumors are saying that with the next Nexus and Android, the device will be more like an iPhone due to the reported retirement of the app drawer.
Android-focused blog site Droid Life picked up a Twitter post that showcased the feature upgrades to come on Google Maps but the eagle-eyed noticed something more interesting - the Nexus 6P used on the clip seems to run on a yet to be released Android version that lacks a mainstay feature - the app drawer icon.
Normally seated on the home screen launcher, the app drawer when tapped brings up library of application installed on a device. But as the short clip has indicated, the app drawer will be no more and is likely up for implementation once Android is finalized.
What was seen, Droid Life said, aligns with the circulating rumors that from Marshmallow, Google is looking to trim down Android N and kill off what the tech giant deems as excess or unnecessary features. And the Twitter post seems to strongly hint that the app drawer will be among the first casualties of such cleaning up process.
However, many Android fans beg to disagree with the plan, the report said, adding that long-time users would want to keep the feature for better organization of the Android home screen. Without the app drawer, installed applications will tend to clutter the home screen with icons, which could end up as eye sore.
But there is a quick way to declutter - creating folders then dragging and depositing the app icons to these cabinets.
Still, the Android app drawer is more preferred as it is the one place where the icons are conveniently stored and is easily accessible. Reports said that the planned adjustment is part of the overall blueprint to make Android N leaner and smaller in size than in previous versions, but way faster in the process.
To date, nothing is official from Google on the subject though the Nexus 2016 rumors continue to build up with HTC, Huawei and Xiaomi possibly taking on part on the project while Nexus 5X maker LG deciding to opt out.