Google is working on a new function, called Easy pre-set, intended to make it easier for older people, those who are uncomfortable with technology or those with vision problems, to use Android smartphones.
Even more than the computer, the smartphone plays a major role in daily life today, allowing you to keep in touch with your family and friends, to notify you in the event of a problem, but also to access numerous services and to carry out administrative procedures. Seniors are no exception! The problem is that since they were not born with these technologies, they have more difficulty using cell phones than younger generations. Not to mention that many of them suffer from vision problems that make navigation difficult.
Google seems to be aware of the problem and is reportedly working on a new feature to make Android smartphones easier to use for users in this situation. Called “easy pre-set” – “easy preset” in French – it was spotted by our colleagues atAndroid Authority in a hidden section of the settings of the first beta of Android 14 QPR3. If this option cannot yet be activated, certain character strings in the code have revealed that it will optimize the interface to improve readability and facilitate navigation.
Android 15 Easy pre-set: increase readability and facilitate navigation
There are certainly already third-party applications or in-house functions that offer this type of service, not to mention smartphones specially designed for seniors, but you still need to know them and remember to take this parameter into account when purchasing the device. ‘device. The advantage with this option is that the smartphone is delivered turnkey. To increase readability and facilitate navigation, it will enlarge icons and text, add contrast and boldness, and integrate navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen. The feature will also change the current wallpaper to a pure black image to reduce distractions and save battery life.
If this option is in the first beta of Android 14 QPR3, it is unlikely that Google will deploy it in June, when the stable version arrives, which should mainly focus on bug fixes and fixes of security. The feature is instead expected to be part of Android 15, the next major version of Android, which will be released later this year. However, we are already starting to see the new features of the next version of the OS, such as edge-to-edge mode – available optional since Android 10, it could become mandatory – and the return of widgets on the screen lockout and alerts when the battery reaches the end of its life.