Google recently launched the biggest Android update of recent times. This time, it rolls out for Pixel phones as well as other brands like OnePlus. While Android releases have a dessert name, it’s no longer the case. Instead, the latest version (Android Q) is indicated by its version number, Android 10. This should help users know if their phone is running the latest version.
Perhaps, the biggest changes to Android 10 are the support for foldable and 5G devices. We can expect Android 10 to become mainstream very soon indeed. Some of the big brands have already started launching foldable and 5G compatible phones. If you think Android 10 is just a blessing for flagship phones, you’re wrong. Google has introduced a faster and lighter ‘Go’ edition for entry-level smartphones too. With the Go edition, you’ll find apps with halved download sizes and lighter updates intended to improve performance.
Android 10 is designed to keep up with the trends. This year, it’s all about the dark mode, gesture-based navigations and new privacy settings, along with a ton of other exciting features. Let’s find out what these are.
The buzz surrounding dark mode
Dark mode is a buzz. We are all excited about it, as is Google. For the first time since 2015, Google has refreshed the look and feel, even the logo. With the improved design comes a system-wide dark theme, which can be manually controlled. The dark theme isn’t only about colours. It is also a step towards improving battery life. Not just the UI, Google has allowed developers to use their custom API to design apps with the dark theme. So, the next time you unbox a phone running Android 10, you’ll see the new UI and the apps dressed up in true black.
Simplified navigation
The old, three button navigation array is gone. Android 10 replaces these buttons with gesture controls, giving you the ultimate control of your phone. This gives you a full screen view of the apps and you won’t see a horizontal tile of navigation buttons anymore. It is a step ahead of Android Pie, which had the option of using navigation buttons as well as gesture-controls. However, if you’re not keen on using gestures, Android 10 lets you switch back to the traditional three-buttons for navigation.
Live captions with a single tap
Android 10 comes with a Live Caption feature which provides real-time captions for just about anything. With just a tap, you can now see captions for videos, podcasts and audio messages on your phone. The best part is that this happens on your phone, so you don’t need to be online.
Improved camera performance
Smartphone cameras are a big thing these days. With the latest Android 10 update, Google strives to make it better. The Camera app on Android 10 supports HEIC file format for photos, which means even greater photo quality that doesn’t consume space on your phone. There are few other changes to the monochrome photography feature too, where all photos will be saved in the RAW format so it’s easy to edit and further process them.
With improved camera performance comes improved privacy. In Android 10, any third-party app that wishes to access your phone’s camera should be first granted permission.
Actions in replies
With the recent Android 10 updates, replying to messages is more fun. Your phone not only suggests automated responses to messages, it also suggests actions. For example, if your friend invites you to a reunion, your phone suggests like “I’m in” or “No I can’t” along with a Google Maps tab. When you click on it, you’ll be directed to the location where your friends are meeting.
Improved security and privacy
Security and privacy are two concerns and with the latest Android 10 updates, Google grants you more control over it. You can manage how data is stored and whom your location data is shared with. For example, apps that ask for your location information will prompt a message asking if you want to give it access permanently or not.
With Android 10, you’ll receive all the security updates, privacy fixes and Google Play system updates as soon as they are available. That way, you won’t have to wait for the phone manufacturer’s update.
Digital rules for your family
Digital Wellbeing was introduced in Android Pie. This feature let you manage time spent on your devices, helping you build habits to minimize it. With Android 10, it seems Google is taking a step further with the Family Link feature for family togetherness and healthy habits. If you and your kids are obsessed with screens, you can set a screen time, view app activities and manage or restrict content on a regular basis.
How to update to Android 10?
Android 10 is now live and the updates are rolling out for Google’s Pixel phones and the recently launched OnePlus 7T and the OnePlus 7 Pro. You can find these phones at Reliance Digital if you like getting the latest Android updates first.
There are many smartphones that will receive the Android 10 update. To check if your phone supports it, go to Settings > About device > Check for system updates. To start installing it, click on Download and Install the latest Android version. Your phone will automatically reboot and upgrade.
