A hidden multi-window mode has been identified and is stirring rumors over possible “Desktop Android” operating system.
While it’s too early to know for certain what Google has up its sleeves, there has been a recent wave of reports suggesting that Android N includes code that would make it possible to run a device in a split-screen mode that would make it possible to run two different applications, side by side.
This is a long awaited feature that is especially desirable for multitasking when using a tablet.
That said, if the reports are to be believed, it appears as though Google is trying to take things beyond that level. Buried within the multi-window code of Android N are mentions of an “experimental freeform windows” mode. The references to that mode occur several times within one of the major system files in Android, the “framework-res.apk”. Within that file, the list of strings occurs next to other options in the “Developer Settings” screen.
Those precise strings also appear in a range of other locations in Android N, as well, such as the SetupWizard and the SystemUI.
That said, the primary place appears to be the framework, which also contains different references to a “maximize” and “close” button which would be a requirement in this type of multi-screen feature. That said, there is reference to “recents freeform workspace” within the SystemUI, which likely notes the list of recently used applications.
Certain projections have suggested that it will have a resemblance to Remix OS (which is a third party form of Android that is meant for laptops and desktops) or display showing multiple windows as is the case in Samsung smartphones. Therefore, several Android apps would be able to be viewed on a device screen all at the same time. They would be contained within floating windows, mirroring the desktop operating system experience.
The split-screen mode that is reported to be a part of Android N require mobile apps to be resizable as the user needs it. Once the apps can be contained in smaller and larger windows, it won’t be long before the rest of a completely windowed OS can be created.
Several large banks are working to serve mobile consumers better
Major banks in the United States are beginning to take the fight to the mobile payments space after resting on their laurels for several years. Banks had been wary of introducing innovative services and platforms in the past due to the financial crisis of 2008. Now, however, banks are finding that the mobile commerce space has the potential to be quite disruptive. While the mobile commerce space is intrinsically connected to these banks, they want to ensure they can compete on a level that the mobile commerce space has been able to corner, and that involves engaging consumers more effectively.
Banks are beginning to make use of the clearXchange system
For years, mobile commerce companies have made it possible for consumers to send and receive money almost instantaneously. Peer-to-peer payment services have become very popular among young consumers, many of whom rely very heavily on their smartphones. Banks see this as an opportunity, and many have begun to use the clearXchange system, which allows for instant money transfers to friends and families. Customers with U.S. Bancorp and Bank of America can now send money instantly thanks to the new system. JPMorgan and Capital One Financial plan to begin using the system later this year.
PayPal highlights the success companies can find in the mobile commerce space
The reason the mobile commerce space has become more important to banks is because consumers are becoming more mobile-centric. In the early days of mobile commerce, PayPal managed to find significant success and growth by engaging mobile consumers. In 2013, PayPal acquired mobile payments firm Braintree, which had control of the Venmo mobile application. Last year, Venmo processed more than $7.5 billion in money transfers between consumers. In January of this year, some $1 billion in money transfers had been handled by Venmo.
Banks want to find the same success that PayPal has seen over the past few years
The success PayPal saw through its early acquisitions is something that banks want to mimic, especially as more consumers become involved in the mobile commerce space. These banks will have an uphill battle, however, as many consumers have already become comfortable with the mobile payments services they are currently using.
