Rushabh PatelA Comprehensive Guide to Android Q
After months of previews and teasing, Google has finally launched the final public beta of the latest version of its Android OS. Codenamed Android Q, the 10th edition of the Android operating system is certain to be an amazing milestone in its history. Like every Android version update, there are some amazing features to look forward to, some of which have been long-awaited.
So, what are the new features that Google is bringing with Android Q? Take a look below!
Android Q Offers Dark Mode Finally!
For years, Android users have been clamoring for a dark mode. With Android Q, their wishes are finally being answered. Of course, several manufacturers have already been implementing dark modes through their custom user interfaces for a few years now. The difference is that now Android will have a dark mode by default, irrespective of the manufacturer’s choice. Google has also promised a dark mode for all of its apps.
Goodbye Back Button! Welcome Gestures!
In what has become a most controversial move, Google has opted to get rid of the humble back button. In its place, Google chose to copy Apple’s iOS and implement a gesture navigation system. Unfortunately, this has become a bone of contention among users. Some are saying that the new system is harder to use effectively. However, Google is sticking to it nonetheless making it one of the biggest Android Q features.
App Permissions Get Upgraded
One of the biggest gripes with Android has always been privacy. With Android Q, Google hopes to make it easier for users to ensure privacy by upgrading the app permissions. It is now possible to fine-tune the privacy settings for each app including location. For example, you can allow one app to access location only when it is in use. It will also make it harder for apps to bypass the current permission restriction systems in Android Pie.
Foldable Phones Supported by Android Q
2019 has already seen the release of a few foldable smartphones. That number is certain to rise with time. Anticipating this, Google has made foldable support for a major Android Q feature. It will become easier for app developers to modify their apps to suit the variable screen sizes of foldable phones.
Android Q Brings Bubbles
If you have ever used Facebook Messenger on Android, you’ll get this. Remember how each chat appeared as a bubble on top of other apps? Android is now bringing that Chat Head system as Bubbles. This will certainly make it a lot easier to conduct conversations while multitasking.
There’s a New Share Menu
The share menu of Android is certainly useful. Unfortunately, it is not always as responsive and fast as users would like. Android Q brings the much-needed speed bump to the share menu. At the same time, Google has also developed what it is calling Share Shortcuts. Basically, it will allow the file to be shared to a specific part of a different app. The whole process will be faster as well. While it might not seem as much, users will surely appreciate this in their daily life.
No More Waiting For System Updates
Another major issue that users found with Android was the delay in system updates. While Google rolled out Android updates regularly, manufacturers often delayed sending them to users. There is a reason for that, of course, and that happens to be custom UI. Since every manufacturer customizes Android in their own way, they must customize the updates as well. While necessary, it used to be an issue especially when critical security updates had to be rolled out.
Now, Android is simply cutting short the process with Project Mainline. Under this project, updates to the Android core can simply be pushed via the Google Play Store instead of via the manufacturers. Apart from faster updates, users will no longer have to reboot their devices after every system overhaul.
Live Captions Are Here
One of the most interesting features of Android Q has to be Live Captions. This feature will transcribe any speech. The best part of this feature is that the transcription takes place locally on the device itself. There is no need for an internet connection whatsoever. That has to be impressive!
Every year, one of the biggest mysteries surrounding any new Android version has to be its name. Keeping with Google’s fondness for sweets like Marshmallow, Nougat, and Pie, Android Q should feature a similarly sweet name. Unfortunately, there is a distinct shortage of desserts whose names start with Q or even foods for that matter. Those that are available are rather regional, lacking global popularity.
When will Android Q be released?
Considering that the final public beta of Android Q is out, the finished OS should be available soon. Judging on the basis of previous releases, Android Q should be revealed in August 2019.
As you can see, there is a lot to expect from the tenth Android version, Android Q. While the name is still a mystery, it is sure to bring about a massive improvement in the Android experience.
