Introducing Android 10
Formerly referred to as Android Q, Android 10 is the next instalment of Android’s widely-used operating system and it has a host of new features to boot. From a highly anticipated dark mode to updated privacy and location settings, we run you through all you need to know about Android 10 below.
Dark theme
Android 10 finally sees the introduction of Dark theme - designed to help you save battery while preventing eye strain. Dark theme uses a true black hue to transform the look of your device, making everything (as the name suggests) much darker. It's not just the main interface of your phone that'll change, Dark theme works across Google apps like Google Photos, Gmail and Google Maps.
You can choose whether you'd like to activate Dark theme on your phone. If you'd like to take advantage of the new feature, then the process is easy. All you need to do is pull down the Settings taskbar and click on the Dark theme button. Alternatively, Dark theme will automatically be activated when you switch on battery saving mode.
Smart Reply
For Android 10, Google’s Smart Reply feature will extend to more messaging apps outside of Gmail and Google Messages - you'll now be able to use it on popular messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Signal. Smart Reply will automatically suggest a response based on what was sent previously, making replying to work emails and texts on the go easier than ever.
What’s more, you’ll also see recommended actions too. For instance, if a friend messages you asking to go for a drink, Smart Reply will automatically pull up directions for you in Google Maps as well as traffic updates.
Live Caption
Automatically adding subtitles to videos, audio and podcasts in real time, Live Caption is another brilliant new benefit of Android 10. The feature uses artificial intelligence to transcribe audio to text as soon as speech is detected, without the need for a Wi-Fi connection or internet access. The captioned text box can be made bigger and can be moved around the screen, so your videos will never be obstructed.
Live Caption is also an innovative feature that Android hopes will be incredibly useful for people with hearing disabilities or speech impediments.
Sound Amplifier
To help you hear what’s around you more clearly, Sound Amplifier works to boost sound and filter out background noise.
So, whether you are video calling your friend, trying to catch up on last night’s TV or watching a work presentation, plug in your headphones and block out the outside world so you can focus on the task at hand.
Incognito Mode
Incognito Mode is already a popular feature of Google Chrome, and now it’s coming to Android 10 devices. If you turn on Incognito Mode, you’ll be able to search for directions and places privately, without having the data saved, for an extra element of privacy.
Privacy location settings have also been improved with Android 10. In your phone’s privacy settings, you’ll find a dedicated location section, where you can choose which apps can access your location, both when you’re using the app in question and when you’re not. Plus, with Android 10, all privacy settings - including location and web/app activity - are now in one place.
Family Link
Family Link was once available in the Google Play store, but with Android 10 it’s built into the system. A helpful feature for parents looking to monitor their children’s screen time, family link allows parents to set digital limitations a child’s phone. Screen time limits can be set so children can only access their phone for a limited amount of time each day and parents and guardians can view app activity, manage what content their child can see to ensure online safety and track their child's device location too.
And that’s not all. Android 10 has a host of other new and exciting features, including edge-to-edge gestures, updated Digital Wellbeing features and support for 5G connectivity.
If you want to get your hands on a new device that's Android 10 ready, browse the latest contract, upgrade and SIM-free handsets at Mobiles.co.uk today.