OK, so that may not be a burning question that everyone is asking, but at least we now know the answer is: not terrible.
SamMobile scored a preview of a Touchz-skinned build of Android running on a Galaxy S5, posted a video several screenshots.
The final product looks very much like the current Touchz, with a hint of Android in the background, as opposed to a major overhaul. The enhanced notifications other Material Design tweaks are there, but the overall look feel has Samsung stamped all over it.
The transitions overall functioning of the operating system look very smooth, which is a good indication of how Android will run when it hits the Galaxy S5, Galaxy Note, other phones in Samsung’s vast empire.
SamMobile The Android notifications escape major skinning.
says that Android can run across a wide variety of device types, including top-of-the-line flagships ultra-cheap devices in its Android One program. So it should be able to hle Touchz any other overlay that manufacturers throw its way.
Does this leak mean that Samsung’s latest phones will get Android quickly? Not necessarily. SamMobile described this early build as having, “a plethora of bugs” “slow as a turtle.” More importantly, carriers need to deploy their own tweaked versions of the OS, after testing it thoroughly on their networks. hope this isn’t the case, but it could be months between Android s release an update for your Samsung phone.
The story behind the story: Samsung is well known (some would say infamous) for a heavy-hed approach to skinning Android with its Touchz custom interface. ‘s Material Design-inspired Android should reduce the need for such tactics, as it’s way better looking, more intuitive, more visually consistent than past version of Android most custom manufacturer skins.
It’s going to take some time to hit the ecosystem, however, as different manufacturers are unlikely to give up the effort to put their own look feel atop of Android. The Moto X is pretty skin-free, there’s a forthcoming whale-sized Nexus 6 if you want “pure” Android.
at do you think of what Samsung has put together here? t us know in the comments if it’s too much Touchz, or just right.
