Pixel's wallpaper shuffle: apple's secret inspiration?

Google is finally catching up to apple’s wildly popular photo wallpaper feature, bringing a ‘Photo Shuffle’ to Pixel devices – and it’s surprisingly simple to set up.

A pixel update long overdue

Android 17 QPR1 beta 5 reveals code confirming this long-requested addition, allowing users to cycle through an album of favorite people and pets as their phone’s wallpaper. Forget manually selecting images and updating; the Pixel will handle it, switching to a new photo every hour, daily, at sunrise, or with a single tap.

Currently, Pixel owners have relied on third-party apps to achieve a similar effect, a frustrating workaround that drained battery life. This native implementation promises a smoother, more integrated experience.

Echoes of ios

The functionality mirrors apple’s iOS Photo Shuffle, offering a choice between a pre-compiled album or the ability to create a new one. While the setup is remarkably straightforward – accessible through Settings> Wallpaper & Style> More wallpapers – it’s a testament to apple’s intuitive design that Google is now emulating this approach.

Interestingly, the design is remarkably similar to the original iOS implementation. Users can select images from a Collection, and a small icon in the top right corner initiates the automatic shuffling. A pop-up confirms the daily Wi-Fi-only download option – a clever touch for conserving data.

The nostalgia factor is undeniable; the wallpaper used for the original iPhone’s unveiling – the iconic ‘Blue Marble’ image – continues to be a favorite across platforms. Even a decade later, it remains a surprisingly prevalent choice. While I’ve typically favored the Android UI, this apple-inspired feature could be a game-changer for Pixel users who appreciate personalized backgrounds, particularly those who gravitate towards cityscapes.

Pixel users can currently change their wallpaper daily using a Collection of images, but the controls over shuffle frequency are limited. The fact that apple has executed this so elegantly speaks volumes about the power of a well-considered, user-friendly interface. Let's just hope Google doesn't over-engineer it and lose sight of the simplicity that made Apple's version so addictive.