Android Q: Everything you need to know about it
What's the story
Just as Android Pie continues to reach more devices, Google is baking the next flavor of its mobile OS - Android 10 Q. It's not yet official, but we have already seen a ton of leaks revealing new customizations in the upcoming OS as well as some of its handy features. Let's take a look at everything we know about Android Q.
Names
First up, what would be the name of Android Q?
Google has a knack for naming Android OS alphabetically after desserts. Last year, it was Pie, meaning this time it will be something starting from Q. While nobody knows what Google has in mind, the top contenders this year are real tongue twisters like Quiche, Quindim, Quaker Oats, Qottab, Qurabiya, Queen of Puddings, Quesito, and Quirks. Let's just hope Google picks an easy one!
Feature #1
Features: System-wide Dark Mode
The first developer preview of Android Q is yet to be released, but XDA Developers have already tested an early build of the OS. In the independent analysis, they spotted a ton of new features, including a system-wide dark mode for reducing the strain on your eyes and saving battery. The Dark Mode, when activated from settings, will apply to all screens, even apps.
Feature #2
Face-ID like facial recognition system
Along with dark mode, Android Q may also have a Face ID-like facial recognition system. The feature was not available for use, but the XDA Developers did witness various signs in the leaked build's code confirming that Google is indeed working on bringing native support for secure facial recognition. Presumably, the feature will show up in the final release.
Feature #3
Enhanced privacy controls, permission settings
Android Q will also simplify permission settings, giving users a better, clearer idea of which app is using what hardware of your phone (like a microphone or camera). The revamped settings, as per the leaked build, will be accessible through a dedicated 'Privacy' option and will let you tweak certain permissions like location access to only when you're using a particular app.
Feature #4
Reverse app updates
Further, the code of the leaked Android Q build hinted that users may also get an option to reverse app updates. Google has been allowing users to uninstall updates for system apps, but roll-back for third-party apps could mean a healthy new way to stay away from updates capable of breaking apps or destroying fancy features. It could be a major improvement for users.
Feature #5
Screen recorder, desktop mode
In the developer options of the leaked build, there were two new features - 'force desktop mode' and 'screen recorder'. The desktop mode didn't actually work, but going by that name, it is expected to deliver a desktop-like experience with full-sized apps (like Samsung DeX) on a secondary display. Meanwhile, the built-in screen recorder did work, but its interface appeared broken.
Feature #6
Android Q will also block clipboard content access
Currently, all the content on the clipboard can be read by apps running in the background. This is a major privacy threat, which Google could be fixing with Android Q. Essentially, the company is working on permission which would specifically block clipboard reads by apps running in the background and improve the security of the user.
Release timeline
When Android Q will release?
Going by Google's previous release timelines, we expect the first developer preview of Android Q to show up sometime in March. The next developer version and more details about the OS might be given at the Google I/O developer conference in May, while the final build could be pushed sometime around August or September.