The existence of the Google Pixel 3 might have just been confirmed again, with the source too remaining the same – the Android Open Source Project. And the revelation is equally startling though not quite as unexpected – the forthcoming Pixel 3 might have a notch after all.
The above has been evident from the changes set to be introduced to the user interface of the Google Pixel 3. That includes space allocated in the status bar for the notification which seems to have been reduced from the usual seven to just four in the future Android version.
What’s more, the status bar notification is hard coded in the OS, which means it cannot be changed by the user. So there is going to be the clock and other notifications on the left and the battery and cellular indicators on the right. The middle has been left clean, which presumably has been to accommodate the notch. As of now, leaked images of the new user interface contains dots to fill the middle ground where the notch would be filling up in future.
The above approach where the existence of the notch is being hardcoded in the Android platform can also be clear proof of it being here to stay. As a refresher, Apple first made the design feature mainstream even though there has been the Essential PH1 handset prior to it that too had a notch, though a minor one at that.
The idea too quickly got copied, and its no surprise the first to do so were the smartphones emanating from China. We have had phones from Huawei, Vivo and the likes all sporting notches of varying dimension. More recently, OnePlus too introduced the same on the OnePlus 6 but has also enabled the notch to be disabled if users so wished.
The latter aspect as highlight the general user feeling towards notch where some view it as a complete nuisance. In fact, the same is seen as an irritant, especially when watching videos in full-screen mode. However, with Android P, Google might well be encouraging device makers to adopt the notch, which is kind of intriguing as well.
Worth mentioning, Lenovo has also been showcasing a new flagship device the Z5 with the entire front made up of the display. That leaves zero space for the notch or the bottom chin though it would be interesting to see how the front camera along the usual sensor package is placed.
The likes of the Z5 can also be seen to be an innovative attempt to redefine the smartphone design concept, which otherwise tends to become too repetitive more often than not. Unfortunately, Google’s attempt to hard code the notch design feature, if that is indeed how things turn out to be, within the Android platform can be seen to be stifling innovation right at the roots.
