Android
Android 15 could make NFC a Mainline Module to fasten updates
Android 14 is yet to go official on the Stable channel and we have started to get inputs about the next version. Developer Mishaal Rahman recently discovered some code changes in the Android Open Source Project hinting that Google could make NFC a Mainline Module with Android 15.
The evidence spotted in AOSP indicates that Google is working on turning the NFC stack into a Mainline module, which could probably be applied with Android 15. The description couldn’t be more explicit:
“Modify protection level for SUBSCRIBE_TO_KEYGUARD. This is needed by NFC stack (which is a platform APK currently, but is planned to become a mainline module in the future).”
By making NFC stack a Mainline Module, Google will not have to wait for OEMs to patch loopholes found. It will let the company react fast to any issues, bringing security increment to the operating system. For end users, this change may not bring direct or visible benefits or tweaks.
Following the Bluetooth, WiFi, and UWB stacks, Google will next turn Android's NFC stack into a modular system component, ie. a Project Mainline module!
It's too early for this to happen in Android 14, but the NFC stack could become a Mainline module as early as Android 15. pic.twitter.com/55icKYJsdz
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) May 8, 2023
Before NFC, Google turned various core Android stacks into Mainline Modules including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ultra-wideband. With Android 14, the company is decoupling the share sheet from the system in order to fasten feature updates rollout.
Additionally, the Android maker is making Health Connect a system feature that delivers a secure and private option for fitness apps to sync and access your health data. Decoupling allows Google to fix security issues and deliver faster updates to many more devices.
Google plans to introduce support for NFC Wireless charging (WLC) with Android 15. This feature is a significant development for charging small electronic devices. Unlike the widely-used Qi wireless charging, NFC wireless charging does not require large coils, making it ideal for devices with limited internal space.
With the Android 15 update, NFC wireless charging is expected to become more common in smaller devices such as earbuds, styluses, smartwatches, and tracker tags. This support will enhance user convenience and device functionality.
Announced in 2020, the NFC Wireless Charging technology uses antennas that are reportedly smaller than one centimeter. These antennas are versatile, serving both as a means for wireless charging and NFC data transfer. This dual functionality is particularly beneficial for smaller devices.
The slow adoption of NFC Wireless Charging in the market has been attributed to a lack of support from major operating systems. However, the recent Android 15 beta release indicates that Google is now integrating NFC Wireless Charging capabilities into the Android platform. This move could lead to an increase in WLC-enabled accessories.
This feature could transform the charging of devices like tracker tags, which could use NFC for both power and data, and styluses that comply with the USI 2.0 specification.
Android 15 might allow Google Play to update your phone’s NFC
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Google has recently released the first beta version of Android 15, which brings a significant update as lets users select a preferred app to serve as their default wallet application. This feature enhances the system’s flexibility, allowing for a personalized choice of NFC payment apps.
Previously, Google Wallet was the default NFC payment app on Pixel phones. With the new update, users have noticed that the AMEX app is also compatible with this setting.
This change is also expected for various payment apps to become the default wallet app on Android devices. Google explains that wallet apps are designed to store essential items like credit cards, loyalty cards, and even car keys, facilitating different types of transactions.
This update is notable because it differs from Apple’s approach on iOS, where alternative digital wallet apps are not allowed. Previously, Android hasn’t blocked third-party wallet apps but this new default setting will make it easier for users to integrate these apps into their payment processes, giving them more options and enhancing the overall user experience.
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Google’s upcoming Android 15 update is set to bring a transformational change in the way NFC technology is updated on smartphones. The company promises to reduce the complexity of operating system updates with Android 15. Notably, the NFC feature offers contactless payments and data transfer.
Back in 2019, Project Mainline was introduced by Google to address the challenge of updating the Android operating system across various devices. Project Mainline allows Google to update essential parts of the operating system directly, bypassing the device manufacturers. This method simplifies the update process and ensures that all devices receive updates simultaneously.
With the introduction of Android 15, Google plans to increase the number of updateable modules from 37 to 40 within Project Mainline. The addition of the ‘com.android.nfcservices’ package is significant because it includes the NFC stack.
The presence of the NFC stack package along with two other packages indicates that Google is preparing to add these as new modules to the project mainline. Although it has not yet been confirmed whether these will be included or not.
As Android 15 gets closer to its release, it’s clear that Google is working towards a more unified Android experience. The ability to update the NFC stack directly through the Google Play System is a step that provides users with a more consistent and secure operating system.
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