Forgotten Android Features — 5 Functions that Disappeared Without a Trace.

With each update, Android brings new capabilities, but at the same time, it loses some old features. Most popular Google functionalities have already been replaced. This is reported by SlashGear.

Live Folders

One of the first features of Android 1.5 Cupcake was the ability to display contacts, emails, and other data on the home screen without opening apps. With the advent of Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich, this option was replaced by more flexible and attractive widgets that bring the same idea but in an improved form.

Android Beam

The NFC feature introduced with Android 4.0 allowed users to share links, contacts, photos, and videos simply by touching two devices. However, with the release of Android 10, Google discontinued Beam support, offering similar functionalities from third-party developers instead.

Miracast Support

In Android 4.2, the ability to mirror screens to TVs via Miracast was built in. However, in Android 6 Marshmallow, Google began using its own Chromecast standard, and Miracast remained available only through third-party solutions.

Widgets on the Lock Screen

Introduced in Android 4.2, widgets allowed displaying emails, messages, and a clock on the lock screen immediately after waking up. However, after Android 5 Lollipop, Google discontinued this feature due to potential privacy risks. The company is now preparing to bring them back, starting with the Pixel Tablet and Android 16 Baklava.

IR Blaster

Support for infrared transmitters appeared in Android 4.4 KitKat, but it was unpopular and used by devices with an IR laser. With the advancement of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi control, the popularity of IR ports declined, and Google ceased support for this feature.In the new Android update, users will have the opportunity to take advantage of new features that compensate for the loss of some old options. Many replaced features were intended to improve convenience or restore user privacy. The advancement of technologies leads to changes in the functionalities of operating systems to adapt to modern needs.