Android 10 is here!
While it’s rolled out to Pixel phones already, other OEMs would slowly (some slower than others) bring the update to their portfolio of devices.
Instead of some brand new features or a cosmetic overhaul, Google has focussed on security, privacy, and empowering users to strike a balance with their smartphone usage with this version of Android. It builds on some of the things we saw in Android 9 Pie, like Digital Wellbeing.
Of course, there’s also support for new technologies like foldable devices and 5G and some new enterprise features.
Here are the ten highlights of Android 10, shared by Google:
- Smart Reply now suggests actions. So when someone sends you a message with an address or a YouTube video, you can open and navigate in Google Maps or open up the video in YouTube — no copying and pasting required.
- Come to the dark side… with Dark Theme. You can enable Dark Theme for your entire phone or for specific apps like Photos and Calendar. It’s easier on your eyes, and your phone battery too.
- Take advantage of larger, edge-to-edge screens with new gesture navigation. With simple swipes, you can go backwards, pull up the homescreen, and fluidly move between tasks.
- With a single tap, Live Caption will automatically caption videos, podcasts and audio messages across any app — even stuff you record yourself. Live Caption will become available this fall, starting with Pixel.
- You can choose to only share location data with apps while you’re using them. You’ll also receive reminders when an app that you are not actively using is accessing your location, so you can decide whether or not to continue sharing.
- In a new Privacy section under Settings, you’ll find important controls like Web & App Activity and Ad Settings in one place.
- With Google Play system updates, important security and privacy fixes can now be sent to your phone from Google Play, in the same way your apps update. So you get these fixes as soon as they’re available, without having to wait for a full OS update.
- You have greater control over where and when notifications will alert you. Mark notifications as “Silent” and they won’t make noise or appear on your lockscreen, so you’re only alerted by notifications when you want to be.
- Now Family Link is part of every device running Android 9 or 10, right in settings under Digital Wellbeing. Parents can use these tools to set digital ground rules like daily screen time limits, device bedtime, time limits on specific apps, and more. They can also review the apps children install on their devices, as well as their usage.
- Digital Wellbeing now brings you Focus mode. Select the apps you find distracting and silence them until you come out of Focus mode. Sign up for the Beta to try it.