Google’s Android 10 arrived last week and it’s packed with new features that will make your smartphone better.
Right now it’s only available for a select number of mobiles with Google’s family of Pixel phones the first to get this blockbuster download.
However, more phones will begin getting Android 10 in the weeks and months ahead with Google confirming that it is working with its partners to launch and upgrade devices to Android 10 this year.
So, without further ado, here is Express.co.uk’s cohesive list of the best Android 10 features.
SMART REPLY
Smart Reply is easily one of the most useful additions in Android 10 – the tool allows users to quickly navigate to other apps from a notification based on context.
This means if a user receives a text message that contains an address for instance, Google’s clever software will see this and allow them to quickly open Maps from the alert.
Discussing the added functionality, Google said: “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. And Smart Reply now works across all your favourite messaging apps.”
NEW GESTURE NAVIGATIONS
Android 9 Pie introduced gesture navigations to Android that were far from perfect.
The operating system had a number of issues, especially on Pixel devices where it seemed almost impossible to open the device’s app drawer without summoning its multitasking window first.
Android 10 solves these problems with new gestures that also remove the back button.
Express.co.uk has been using Android 10 since its release and can confirm its new gestures are far superior to that in 9 Pie.
However, they are certainly not perfect – the removal of the back button in favour of an inward swipe from either the left or right of a device means we have already experienced a number of instances in which an accidental touch has triggered the function.
Explaining the changes to gestures in Android 10, Google said: “Take advantage of larger, edge-to-edge screens with the new gesture navigation.
“With simple swipes, you can go backwards, pull up the homescreen, and fluidly move between tasks.
“After switching, you won’t want to go back to visible buttons.”
DARK MODE
Google has introduced a dark theme in Android 10 that applies to most native apps.
Express.co.uk has noticed that not all programmes comply with the theme – Gmail is the biggest standout here.
With that said, the dark mode should improve device battery life and make content viewing easier on user’s eyes.
FOCUS MODE
Google introduced Digital Wellbeing in Android 9 Pie that was designed to make users more aware of the time they spend on their phones, and now the firm is upping the ante with an additional tool called focus mode.
When enabled, focus mode will silence selected apps in an attempt to make users less distracted overall.
It is worth noting this feature is currently in beta, meaning it will not be instantly available to all Android 10 users.
Commenting on the functionality, Google stated: “Want to be in the zone but not off the grid? Digital Wellbeing now brings you Focus mode.
“Select the apps you find distracting—such as email or the news—and silence them until you come out of Focus mode.”
SILENT NOTIFICATIONS
As the name suggests, Android 10’s silent notifications feature will ensure specified alerts will not make a noise or appear on a user’s lock screen when enabled.
Google noted: “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 lock screen, so you’re only alerted by notifications when you want to be.”
BETTER PRIVACY
Android 10 features new permission that allows applications to only gather a user’s location data when they are open.
This marks huge progress from the previous binary choice users had to make.
Discussing the benefits of the new permission, Google said: “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.”