One of the more nifty features of Android 4.4 KitKat is the inclusion of the “OK Google” functionality. Basically what it does is that from the home screen, users can say “OK Google” to activate the voice assistant feature which will allow users to perform searches, set reminders, set alarms, and so on.
It’s a handy feature but unfortunately pretty limited since you’d have to be in the home screen to use it. However according to new rumors, it has been suggested that this feature could be making its way into apps, which is being dubbed “OK Google Everywhere”, thus allowing users to activate the feature even if they are inside an app as the phone will be constantly listening for the activation phrase.
On top of that, the folks at Android Police also believe that there is evidence that Google could be trying to make its search feature a more prominent part of Android. This could mean replacing the home button with a Google button that would basically be a shortcut to search. If users wanted to exit an app, they’d have to go to the recent apps button, which could also be in for a makeover and might tie in to Google’s Project Hera.
While we’re all for changes and improvements, we’re not sure if messing with the way users have been using their phones for years is the best way to go about it. We can only imagine how many angry complaints there will be for users who are trying to exit apps only to press the Google search button because of how familiar it is. Then again these changes could be for the better, who knows? Either way take it with a grain of salt for now, but perhaps more will be revealed at Google I/O.