Android Q Preview: What We Know So Far

Android 10 Q, the upcoming version of Google’s popular Android operating system, was first announced at Google’s I/O conference in early 2019, and the full update is set for release sometime in August 2019.
Below, we’ll run you through all the top features we can expect to see from Android Q, so you can see exactly what you've got to look forward to.
Pixel users can try Android Q early
If you do currently have a Google Pixel phone, you can actually access and download a Beta version of Android Q before its official August release date directly from the Android Developers website.
However, it's worth bearing in mind that the Beta version is a work in progress. Google make Android Q Beta available to users to test new features in action, so expect some glitches as certain elements might not initially work as intended.
Dark theme
Android Q will finally introduce Google’s hotly-anticipated Dark theme with Android Q. This means you’ll be able to use your phone in a darker hue, which not only makes it easier on your eyes but helps to preserve power too. How? Well, if you’re using an OLED screen, pixels that aren’t black consume battery power, so Dark theme works by turning these pixels off, saving your battery in the process.
Dark theme is also really easy to activate. Just pull down the quick settings taskbar and click on the Dark theme button or turn on Battery Saver Mode to automatically switch it on. You can activate Dark theme either all the time or just at night when you’re settling down for bed.
Improved privacy
Android Q will also add a number of improved user data privacy features. You’ll have more control over location information you share with apps and you can choose to share your location with apps only when you’re using them. You’ll receive a notification when an app is actively using your location too.
Scoped Storage is a new feature for Android Q that'll help you carefully monitor what apps can access your files or sensitive data, helping to reduce attacks from malicious websites trying to steal your passwords and personal information.
Plus, you’ll be able to activate Incognito Mode in Maps with Android Q. Once activated, you’ll be able to search for directions and plan journeys without data being saved or linked back to your Google account, helping to maintain a further element of privacy.
Live captions
Doing exactly what you’d expect, live captions capture video and audio in real time. Using Artificial Intelligence, Android Q will transcribe audio in real time as soon as speech is detected, and it doesn’t need a Wi-Fi connection or internet access to work either. This feature will make it much easier for people with speech impediments or for those who are deaf to communicate, but it can also be useful for people listening to audio in a noisy environment, or those who prefer to watch video with the sound muted.
Smart replies
Smart replies automatically suggests a response to a message based on what was sent previously, and has already been used in Gmail and Google Messages. With Android Q, you’ll be able enjoy smart replies on even more apps, including WhatsApp, Facebook and Messenger. Smart replies predicts what you might want to reply to someone, making replying to work emails or your friends easy – with just one tap.
5G Connectivity
An important update for Android Q is its future-ready features. 5G launched in 2019, and with manufacturers now rolling out new devices that are compatible with a 5G connection, Android Q has been designed to work alongside the demands of 5G.
5G will seriously improve download speeds, latency and the reliability of your connections, and Android Q is equipped with new APIs to enable apps to automatically detect connection rate and latency speeds to allow app developers to prepare their apps for 5G.
Updated Digital Wellbeing features
With the release of Android Pie, Google introduced a number of intelligent digital wellbeing features, including adaptive battery, app timers and wind down. With Android Q, Google is set to expand upon its digital wellbeing features to further help users monitor their smartphone usage.
Focus mode is the main new addition and works by allowing users to select apps they want to avoid during a particular period of time, such as social media, messages or news apps. This is ideal if you’re looking to stay clear of any spoilers from an episode of your favourite TV show you missed, or just want to stay off social media and have no distractions during working hours. These apps will become greyed out and notifications will be hidden, to help you restore some focus and balance.
Parental controls are already available separately in the Google Play Store, but with Android Q they will be accessible in Android’s digital wellbeing settings instead. Parental controls allow parents to monitor and manage their kids’ screen time by enforcing helpful features such as app-specific time limits, that will prevent children from using apps for a time longer than specified.
Android Q has plenty more to offer users, and you’ll be able to find out all the details when the system goes fully live in August. To get your hands on an Android phone, so you’re ready to reap the benefits of Android Q, then visit Mobiles.co.uk for a great deal today.