Android 10 drops today; here's what you should know

We are finally done with our slice of Android Pie and it's high time for something new.

Today, Google has officially released the final version of Android 10 to the masses. To be exact, the masses who own Google's own Pixel phones — the update will be rolled out soon enough for other Android devices. 

In case you're wondering about the thematic change, Google is finally ending its dessert-based codenames after a decade of sugary monikers, and it's just simply Android 10 now. Rest assured, some of its new features are still pretty sweet.

To help you get the most out of Android 10, here's what you should know before hitting the update button.

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Security and privacy

As privacy is a bigger concern than ever before, Android 10 comes packed with new privacy and security features to give you more control and a better understanding of the level of access each mobile apps has.

Unlike how dispersed it had been in Android Pie, privacy is now getting its very own spot in the Android 10 settings, where all privacy controls, such as account activity, can be found in one place.

Apps that ask for your location will now reveal a brand new pop-up asking you if you wish to grant location access at all times, only when being used, or not at all. It even gives you a one-time reminder whether you had given apps access to your location at all times, in case you wish to change it.

Similar to an app update in the Google Play Store, smartphones will receive security updates in the same way, easing the process of obtaining the latest security updates.

Helpful innovation

Expanding on Android Pie's gesture navigation, Android 10 now forgoes the back button and features fully gesture-based navigation. You'll need to swipe from the left or right edge of the screen to go back, or even swipe up to go home. Fortunately, the traditional three-icon navigation system will still be an option.

Building on more accessibility features, Android 10 comes with another feature called Live Caption, where real-time captions will be created for just about anything on your phone where someone is talking, without needing an internet connection. For a lot of users — including those who turn on subtitles for everything — this is a godsend.

Providing more convenience for users, Smart Reply has been included, which gives you useful shortcuts to apps that might be relevant in notifications.

Digital wellbeing

This one's similar to Zen — a feature which appears on most OnePlus smartphones — but Android's native Focus mode is far less drastic.

Similarly, this new mode allows you to temporarily disable specific apps so that you can avoid using them and instead focus on other things.

After the initial selection of apps, you can just activate the mode in the quick settings.

Dark mode

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwE7frQOjfE[/embed]

It’s Android’s own dark mode — what else do we need to say? The system-wide feature saves battery life, is less straining on the eyes, and looks way cooler. 

So keep your eyes peeled to the system updates page in your phone and you might be the next person to enjoy Android 10.

mabelkhoo@asiaone.com