Android 4.4 [realistic] Wishlist?

[toughtrasher]

Improve butter experience.
Camera UI.
and be able to access files (like txt files) from the homepage without having to open a file explorer.

 

[Shackanaw]

Google was also recently granted a patent to launch specific apps through customizable unlock patterns, so that's another possibility: Google patent launches specific apps through pattern unlock

 

[biostud]

Built-in ad-blocker

realistically

 

[Tsaar]

Internal and external app firewall:

I find it kind of insane that a zero permission app can use Chrome to post all files from my phone to the web (obviously not including the ones that require root to access). That means an app can post all my pictures, all my S Notes, all my DOWNLOADS (I have downloaded personal school and work related documents on my phone), etc to the web with zero permissions. Google always advertises their "sandbox" design. Well, if I call something a sandbox design, then by default it should only have access to its own data directory. An app like PowerAmp should be able to ask permission to read/write from the music directory only.

Lock screen intelligence:

One of the biggest things I miss about my iPhone was the intelligence around Siri while the phone was locked. Siri could perform many benign actions while the phone is locked, and then request the passcode if doing something that would require privacy. I don't want to unlock my phone to ask Google Now for the Braves score. Also, the camera working while the phone is locked, but allowing access only to the current pictures taken.

 

[toughtrasher]

Internal and external app firewall.

I find it kind of insane that a zero permission app can use Chrome to post all files from my phone to the web (obviously not including the ones that require root to access). That means an app can post all my pictures, all my S Notes, all my DOWNLOADS (I have downloaded work documents on my phone), etc to the web with zero permissions. Google always advertises their "sandbox" design. Well, if I call something a sandbox design, then by default it should only have access to its own data directory. An app like PowerAmp should be able to ask permission to read/write from the music directory only.

One of the biggest things I miss about my iPhone was the intelligence around Siri while the phone was locked. Siri could perform many benign actions while the phone is locked, and then request the passcode if doing something that would require privacy. I don't want to unlock my phone to ask Google Now for the Braves score.

I can legitimately see some of these being featured on Android 5.0. I vote for the firewall, it's too dangerous having no barrier to uploading files on the web

 

[Shackanaw]

From Google's Android page:

It's our goal with Android KitKat to make an amazing Android experience available for everybody.

My first thoughts when seeing this were that it substantiates somewhat the rumors about the next version of Android slimming down and striving to support less powerful devices, such as midrange or low-end phones, and smart watches.

As we know that Google acquired WIMM last year, a smart watch or other device category seems likely.

But, I don't really care about that side of the KitKat speculation. I don't really see myself buying a smartwatch. A more efficient operating system is always welcome, though I'm largely pleased with how it runs on my Nexus 4 and 7 already.

 

[Tsavo]

Get rid of all the damned bugs.

 

[Shackanaw]

Get rid of all the damned bugs.

Which ones? I agree, there are always annoying bugs, but each person is bothered by or aware of a unique subset of all bugs, so it's hard for me to agree with such a vague statement.

 

[Red Storm]

I'd like to see a stock file browsing app, rather than having to download one. Also Google Voice integration would be nice.

 

[Shackanaw]

For tablets, the multitask button should give a "Expose"-like look. Why the hell does my Nexus 10 only use like 1/3 of the screen for the multitask screen only? I'm not sure if something like expose would work for 4" phones, but I suppose it can be explored with new 1080p screens.

I just noticed that you added this to the first post. That would be one great step towards improving multitasking support.

 

[Shackanaw]

General improvements:
*Battery percentage in the notification bar so I don't have to swipe to check it
*Palm rejection, particularly useful as bezels on both phones and tablets get thinner, and Samsung and Nvidia (rumored) include styluses.
*SMS/MMS sync and backup
*Support for SMS/MMS mesaging from tablets and PCs synced to your phone - this is possible with Bobsled Messaging, Motorola Connect, iMessage(?), and LG's latest tablet.
*Multiple lockscreen widgets per page
*Flashlight app with lock screen widget, and possibly quick settings toggle
*Infinite scroll for homescreens (scrolling through homescreens to the left or right will eventually bring you all the way back to where you started)
*F2FS filesystem, as Motorola implemented with the Moto X
*An app center which allows you to disable individual app permissions in one place, and perhaps a control panel with links to each app's settings menu.

Quick Settings improvements:

*Long press to toggle mobile data
*Long press brightness to toggle automatic brightness
*Add Background sync toggle
*Add GPS toggle

Power saving:

*Adjustable percentage at which power saving mode should be activated, which would optionally control brightness, mobile data, GPS, background sync, bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, and prompt to enable if you're actively using the device, so that it doesn't suddenly dim the screen or kill your data connection while you're using it.
*Optionally disable Wi-Fi automatically by location
*Choose which apps can use data while the display is off, like Sony's Battery Stamina