Things we (actually) want from Google
Google’s recent I/O event gave the tech giants’ fans and users a grand level of insight into what is currently in the works. From software features to hardware design, Google had a lot to show.
However, there are still things which users have either been asking for, for a long time or ideas that seem so obvious it’s shocking that Google isn’t already working on it.
OPTIMISING CHROME
The memes are accurate. Chrome devours its way through your RAM. Imagine being in a critical task, only for Chrome to crash, resulting in you losing all of your work. It’s happened to a lot of us. Firefox has shown us that browsers don’t have to ruin your life just because you can’t afford 8GB of RAM, and Google should follow that line and optimise their browser to ensure even the most budget users get the proper Chrome experience.
AI VOICE CALLS
While I love that Google will allow users to book appointments and services using the Google Assistant, there’s definitely a lot more conversations that I want to avoid having. For example, if the assistant could pick up my ride sharing call and give the rider instructions to my location, it would be one less unnecessary conversation for the day. Maybe a feature to pick up your mom’s phone calls, when you’re out late with your friends, and let her know your location and status. The only downside would be your mom showing up with the khunti to crash your party.
MAKE ANDROID BETTER
If you ever meet an iOS fanboy, they’ll rave on about certain things like their cameras, iMessage and just how intuitive the operating software is. However, for a lot of people, where iOS really stands out is in its optimisation. Even looking at Google’s own phones, it becomes clear that iPhones just make much better use of their hardware. The smoothness of iOS and battery life are two key points to note, and Android should definitely put in an effort to at least keep up with the competition on this end of the software. Not to mention that Google’s mobile devices only get 2 years of software updates and support, which seems measly when compared to Apple’s five.
MAKING THE MOST OF MAPS
Google Maps has been my saviour many times, helping me find specific addresses, ATMs, and restaurants almost flawlessly. A feature that would be extremely helpful in the context of Bangladesh would be safe routes. What this would do is highlight streets and roads where users have reported feeling at risk, thus suggesting for these pathways to be avoided. Another feature would be to include bus routes and suggestions when you’re looking to go to a specific location. There could also be an option to hide Mirpur from the map completely so that the sight of its hellish roads would stop giving me nightmares.
Google has proven itself to be at the forefront of tech innovation, and the above steps will definitely push it to the next level, even further ahead of the competition.
So here’s to a future where my 4GB peasant laptop can finally use Chrome again.
Aaqib is stuck in an existential crisis loop. Send help at aaqibhasib94@gmail.com