It’s finally official. Android 10 is here and it replaces the Android Q beta that Google has been testing for six months. In this guide, we’ll cover everything we know about Android 10, what’s new and what’s changed so that owners know exactly what to expect. We will also detail a few new features that are still missing.
Refocusing on privacy, security and screen time awareness, Android 10 is faster, better and smarter than ever before. There are also a lot of new features that you will really enjoy.
Android 10 Release Date and Betas
Google finally released Android 10 on September 3, slightly later than some previous versions. It comes after a long 6-month beta period when the company has released six Android Q versions for testing so manufacturers and developers can prepare for it.
And they have it too, because Essential has already released Android 10 for the Essential PH-1, and we’re already seeing official Android 10 beta tests from OnePlus and even Samsung.
For those who don’t know, Android P was released in March 2018 and later released as Android 9 Pie in August. A similar beta program began in 2016 and 2017 for Android 7.0 Nougat and Android 8.0 Oreo.
Android Q (10) Release Schedule
Android 10 Name
For the first time ever, this version will simply Known as Android 10. Google decided to give up dessert Theme for the name they’ve made since the original Android 1.5 Cupcake release a few years ago. This is for several reasons, including the fact that a dessert name like Pie in the US is not a dessert or a food item in other parts of the world.
Internally, each new Android version will still have a fun name by the developers, and possibly hidden software will be integrated into the easter eggs, but the naming will follow a traditional number path.
Important Android 10 Links
If you’re a developer, you’ll want to go to: Android 10 Developer page. Google also published overview page showing all the finer details. Then don’t forget submit feedback to help improve software progressing.
What’s New in Android 10?
Here’s the thing. While Google shared more information during the first and second betas, more about Google I/O during the third beta, and had it all wrapped up in August, there are still a few things missing. That said, it’s still a big release in terms of behind-the-scenes settings that keep Android going as a whole. Not just for Pixel smartphones.
There are some obvious changes like improved security and privacy controls, folding phone support, Dark Theme and a few other things, here is a more detailed list.
As you can see, in Android 10 users can see exactly which devices they have access to their location. You can also control WiFi and Bluetooth location scanning, grant or revoke permissions to each app one by one, or even . It’s no longer a system where you grant access once and you’re done. You have more control than ever before.
Android Q Beta 2 Added “Bubbles” for multitasking
It’s no secret that “big tech” like Google, Facebook, and Apple have come under a lot of scrutiny lately for how much information they collect about their users. Then how this information is used for ads etc. A large part of this focuses on location data, device tracking, or user tracking. As a result, Android 10 has some strict privacy and location controls unlike any Android version we’ve ever seen.
Then we added a few more noteworthy things to the list above. It’s not everything, but the majority of important things for the user. As you can see, Android 10 goes to great lengths to improve performance, battery life, security, privacy, location data and more, and frankly, it makes the software experience better for everyone. Not to mention improved camera features and controls, software improvements, better game support, and new codecs to keep Android future-proofed. Then wait for more information as we continue to review Android version 10.
Final Thoughts and What’s Next?
What’s next? Well, now that Android 10 is official and on almost all Pixel devices, the next logical step is to improve the overall experience. Even after a long 6-month beta program, now that millions of people are running Android 10, Google will find new issues, bugs or minor issues that need fixing.
Unlike previous years and Apple, Google no longer actually releases .1 and .2 versions of software. Instead, they improve things with monthly updates that they can even do via Google Play Now, rather than major software updates specifically to the phone. So while we may get an Android 10.1 release with bug fixes in the next few months, don’t be surprised if we don’t get one either.
Plus, now other manufacturers like Samsung, Sony, OnePlus, Nokia, LG, Oppo, Essential, Xiaomi and more can start preparing updates, continue beta testing and send this new software to their customers. Google and phone makers will work together to make this the best Android version ever.
Either way, this is the next version of Android and it’s finally here for certain users. If you have a non-Pixel phone, you’ll have to wait for your phone manufacturer to deliver it specifically for your device. Stay tuned for more details. Note that the Android R beta will launch in March 2020.
