Peeking into Android's Future: Always-On Displays Get Smarter

Android is brewing up an exciting new feature for your phone's always-on display (AOD). Dubbed "Min Mode", this innovation allows apps to showcase their own minimal, always-visible interfaces—even when your screen is off.

Why It Matters

Imagine using Google Maps for navigation without draining your battery. With Min Mode, Maps could display turn-by-turn directions on your AOD, acting like a tiny, always-on GPS right on your lock screen.

How It Works

• Not a replacement, but a sidekick to the regular AOD.
• When your screen times out, it can switch to Min Mode if an app requests it.
• Apps must opt in and create a special, minimal interface for this mode.

What’s Next?

• Not officially announced yet, but clues are found in Android’s code.
• Likely to be part of Android 17, the next major update.
• Developers may get a new tool to enable more apps to join.

The Future of Min Mode

Still a work in progress, but the potential is vast. Picture checking your AOD and seeing:

• A live map
• A fitness tracker
• A simple game

The possibilities are endless.