While most people are still waiting for the Android 9 Pie update that was released more than six months ago, Google is probably preparing to release Android Q in the near future. We will call it Android 10.
In fact, the search giant is already working hard on another Android update, and we expect the first beta (developer preview) in March 2019. So what new Android Q features will Google have up its sleeve?
Here’s what we know so far about Android Q, and what features we want next.
Latest Android Q News and Rumors (January 25, 2019)
First, we will always share the latest Android Q news, leaks or rumors Here, then, explore everything we know so far and what to expect below. Note that this is still early information and a very small part of what is to come.
According to this 9to5Google Android Q will have powerful new controls that will allow carriers to lock their phones to their networks. It is similar to the old SIM lock, but much worse. This is alarming news, but it’s too early to speculate. Next, we got some hands-on videos recently and a first look at Android Q features like a system-wide dark mode or theme. XDA Developers. The development site also revealed some powerful new face id quiz for Apple.
What you really need to know, though, is that Android Q will build on Android 9 Pie’s smart AI, battery management, privacy, speed and performance, making it the best Android version ever from Google. Expect the first Android Q Developer Preview (beta) in March.
In the meantime, here’s everything we know so far about Android Quibble, Quesito, Quiche, or whatever they call it.
A Brand New Dark Mode
For starters, XDA Developers already knows a lot about Android 10. Popular mobile forum, build early Android Q running on a Pixel 3 and these to share all kinds of exciting information.
The most exciting Android Q feature in the report is the system-wide dark mode shown above. Something we’ve needed on Android for years. Dark mode applies to settings menu, notification bar, app tray, pretty much every other UI area, and can even force unsupported or regular apps to some kind of dark theme. This last part would be great because it will blend the whole OS with 3rd party apps.
You can turn this on or off as you like, or set it to dim only at night. Also, dark mode will increase battery life, reduce eye strain and reduce glare on OLED displays (like the Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel).
Desktop Mode in Android Q
The same XDA Developers leak talked about a new desktop mode feature in Android Q. It essentially turns our smartphones into the brain of a computer, which is then connected to a computer monitor and provides a PC-like experience. We’ve seen this with Samsung Dex, and even Huawei and Google have played with it in the past.
Google’s desktop mode in Android Q can offer a similar experience to Chrome OS, with a convenient start menu, home screen, icons, keyboard and mouse support, and even split-screen multitasking or resizable and portable windows. Google has done this before and they may finally show it in Q.
Better Permissions and Privacy
Security and privacy are a growing concern these days and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. In fact, it looks like what our phones do, access or control will be a big topic of discussion throughout 2019. Whether Facebook eavesdrops on users with a microphone, or which apps can access your location – with or without permission.
Google’s Android operating system received a major overhaul in permissions a few years ago and they upgraded the system with Android 9 Pie. Watch out for MAJOR changes in permissionsWhat Google will tout as the best Android Q feature is security and privacy. We can even see (in real time) what permissions an app is using at any given moment, which is huge.
Improved Smart Lock and Lock Screen Controls
Not many people know about Smart Lock, which I think is one of the best features Google has put into Android. Smart Lock lets you bypass fingerprints, face unlock, and even a password or PIN when you’re in a safe place and the phone KNOWS IT. When I’m at home, Smart Lock disables my lock screen pin. Genius!
Early versions of Android Q suggest at least two major changes to Smart Lock as a whole. When you leave a safe area or a trusted accessory like a car stereo, it’s no longer reliable or out of range to make it more useful, safer and faster. Google may also extend the unlock time on Android Q, make Smart Lock more customizable, and further improve security as a whole.
Better FaceID Type Security
Android had fingerprint scanners long before Apple and eventually all phones had one. However, most phone manufacturers are now trying to catch up with Apple’s FaceID, a very secure facial recognition technology on the iPhone and iPad.
However, it looks like Google is planning to do something about it. XDA Developers are still researching Android Q and recently discovered What looks like FaceID type security checks in Google’s next Android version. Now that’s nothing new, as we’ve seen Iris scanners, face scanning, and even “blink” tests for face unlock failing. to be tricked with a photo. That said, it’s still a weak spot for Android that Google wants to fix.
We don’t know much yet, but it looks like Android Q will make some big changes that will add security, Face unlock, and tools other manufacturers can use to make devices as secure as possible.
Built-in Screen Recording
There are several reasons why someone would want to record what’s on their screen. Whether for gaming, streamers, how-to tutorials, recording video chats for YouTube or with loved ones. Initial leaks of Android Q suggest that Google is at least working on a screen recording feature.
As you can see in the image above, this is not over yet, but Google may add screen recording to the screenshot editor that logs in with Android Pie. And honestly, this is something we expected in 2017.
Other Random Android Q Features
The folks at XDA Developers open lots of little little Android Q features, controls, or tweaks in their software-limited time. Obviously, things may change, especially this early period, and some features may be missing entirely, possibly when Android Q is released in August. That said, here’s a list of some exciting features that we may be getting soon.
Android Q Features We Want Next
In closing, we’d like to review a few potential Android Q features we’d like to see next, that we think Android needs, or that we think will arrive sometime in 2019.
For one, Google should fix gesture navigation, which was released with Android 9 Pie. It’s scary, cumbersome and confusing. Expect some pretty big changes to Q. With those ready, we hope to get an advanced one-handed mode similar to what we’ve seen with Samsung or Apple. Phones are getting bigger and stock Android needs a way for people to use their phones with one hand.
Speaking of features we’ve seen from others like Samsung, Google could add a kind of “Google Vault” that works like the secure folder on Galaxy devices. Secure Folder is a safe for photos, videos, documents, tax forms and anything else that matters. Not to mention the ability to run a second version of an application privately and securely in this vault. It’s like two social media or messaging apps.
Next, we hope for scrolling screenshots, better screenshots, screen recording, better audio controls, the awesome dark mode or theme shown above, and support for folding phones. Not to mention screen or interface tweaks to work on notches or camera cutouts on our screens.
We may also see better integration with Chrome OS and all the powerful Chromebook laptops available these days. Chromebooks run Android apps, sync with Android, and you can even send and receive texts on a PC or Chromebook with Google Messages. However, we would love to see more connections between the two.
And finally, how about a complete overhaul of the interface, notification shade and more? Samsung’s new One UI It was designed with big-screen phones in mind, and maybe we could see something similar from Google with Android Q.
We will continually update this post with more information as it becomes available. Android Q news, leaks, rumors, new features, developer preview beta and more. Stay tuned and leave a comment below what you want from Android 10.
