News: 50 Exciting New Features & Changes in Android 10
Android's major 2019 update is a special one — it's the tenth full version of the world's most commonly used operating system. The upcoming release, which should be known as Android 10 (codename Android Q), is currently in beta, and we've been digging around in it for the last two months. While the update isn't a dramatic visual change, there are a lot of goodies to look forward to.Google has recently started referring to Android versions without the usual "point-0" suffix, so we expect Android 10 to be called just "ten." As for the dessert codename, there aren't many choices that start with the letter Q (Qurabiya? Quindim?), but a sponsored name like Android Quik isn't out of the question.While we don't know much about the name or nickname, we've been exploring new features in the beta ever since the Developer Preview 1 (we're now in Q Beta 3). There are privacy improvements, a new dark mode, and even a chance that significant system updates will be installed through the Google Play Store, so there's plenty to get excited about.Don't Miss: Always-Updated List of Phones That Will Get Android 9 Pie
1. System-Wide Dark Mode (Finally!)Back in 2017, before Android Pie was released, an Android user asked Google about implementing a system-wide dark mode in Android. Their reasoning was that with the rise of OLED panels in smartphones, including this feature was an easy way to improve battery life. To everyone's surprise, a Googler answered, stating:Our engineering team has added this feature. It will be available in a future Android release.
— GooglerLater that day, Google added to the hype by stating that the dark mode was, in fact, a toggle in Developer Options which changes the look of Quick Settings, the power menu, the app drawer (when using Pixel Launcher), and Google-developed apps which implement a dark theme, such as Messages, YouTube, and Phone.At the time, we were cautiously optimistic. However, with Android 10 Q in hand, we can confirm that Dark Mode is finally here! A mockup of dark mode in the Settings app based on XDA's leaked build of Android 10. Images by Dallas Thomas/Gadget Hacks In the final release, the option should be under the "Display" menu in Settings. Here, you'll find the new " Dark Theme" toggle, which you can enable or disable. One difference is that dark mode appears to vary depending on the panel used by the display. For example, the background of Settings on the Pixel 3 is black while on the Essential PH-1 it's gray. The former uses an OLED panel while the latter uses an LCD, which can not produce a pure black image.Because developers have to include support in their apps, Google is helping both developers and users during the process. For developers, Google is including a new feature called "Force Dark" which quickly implements Dark theme to any app without creating a theme. This way, while developers tinker with the look of the dark theme version of their app, they can give users the dark mode faster using this new tool.For users, Google has included the option "Override force-dark" for users in "Developer Options." This toggle will activate the "Force Dark" tool and give users a dark mode even when the app doesn't include a theme yet.
2. Back Button Is GoneGoogle has finally gone all-in with gesture controls and has made a change that will likely split the community. The back button is gone. Instead of Android Pie's navigation buttons, which was an elongated home button and a back arrow, there's a thinner home button and nothing else. To go back, Android is opting to use the popular gesture found in many third-party apps — swiping from either the left or right edge of the screen to the center will act as the back button from now. Image by Jon Knight/Gadget Hacks However, Google has learned from their mistake from the past. Unlike Android Pie where Pixel users were forced to use the gesture navigation even if they didn't like it, Google is now making the three button navigation mandatory for any smartphone running Android 10 "Q." This means the implementation will be similar to the Essential PH-1 version of Android 9 Pie which include an option in "Gestures," letting users choose which navigation system they wish to run, full gesture controls or three button navigation.Additionally, for OEMs which already implemented their own version of gesture controls (such as Samsung, OnePlus, and Motorola), Google will not force them to get rid of them. Instead, like the OnePlus's OxygenOS, users can choose between the OEM's implementation, Google's implementation, and the three button navigation bar.
3. Project MainlineExpanding off of Project Treble, Google is working to better address the fragmentation that exists in Android. Project Mainline speeds up updates by making many core OS components' updates similar to an app. Instead of having to wait for an OEM to bundle, test, and then push out a software update, users can update individual components via Google Play.Components which can update using Project Mainline are delivered using either APK (the same files as apps) or APEX files. APEX files are new file format which loads early on in the booting process. This allows for critical components to be updated as they are activated early on in the booting sequence. Google also implemented failsafe mechanisms and enhanced test processes to ensure the parts update without a hitch. All in all, with Android Q, no longer will your phone be running security patches that are three months old. Instead, all Android Q phones should get every security patch and have their components up to date, even if the OEMs struggle to update the software in a timely fashion.Currently, Android Q at launch will support the following components for this new update system:Security: Media Codecs, Media Framework Components, DNS Resolver, Conscrypt Privacy: Documents UI, Permission Controller, ExtServices Consistency: Timezone data, ANGLE (developers opt-in), Module Metadata, Networking components, Captive Portal Login, Network Permission Configuration
4. Boot GSIs Without Unlocking the BootloaderProject Treble helped to deliver faster Android updates to non-Pixel devices. Another benefit of this change was that developers could flash Generic System Images (GSIs) on any Project Treble-enabled device to get the latest Android version and test how their apps worked on it. We already have seen the benefit of this as it allowed any Project Treble phone to boot Android Q, even if they weren't apart of the Android Q Beta program. However, this required an unlocked bootloader, which not only requires you to wipe your phone but is often not possible on many phones (such as many carrier-branded phones).How To Install Android Q Beta on Any Project Treble Phone This is which Dynamic System Update comes in. According to XDA, Google has been working on a new tool which for app developer which allow them to boot into a GSI without having to unlock the bootloader. Developers can boot into a GSI, test an app, and then reboot back to their regular installation without the loss of data. TThere are obvious implications here — this feature could greatly benefit the custom ROM community if Google implements it in a way that allows regular users to take advantage of the feature. While it would likely require a device that shipped with Android 10, imagine a future where you could boot LineageOS as a Dynamic Android GSI without having to unlock your phone's bootloader.
5. Support for Foldable PhonesSeveral foldable phones have already been announced this year, with rumors of a few more before the year ends. Each of these phones will use Android, which currently doesn't natively support this new form factor.Android 10 adds built-in support for foldables and the multiple orientations it can appear in. Therefore, despite the different ways Huawei, Samsung, and Xiaomi has implemented bendable display, the OS will be able to work with it, providing a seamless experience in each case.
6. Live CaptionWith Android Q, anytime you're watching a video you can enable captions for it. Without the use of the internet, Android 10 can locally listen to the video and create real-time closed captions. This incredible feature is possible thanks to Google taking advantage of our phones' local machine learning abilities to decipher languages. And this works across the OS including web content and third-party apps, not just Google-developed apps.
7. Audio Playback CaptureIn Android 10, any app that plays audio can let other apps capture the audio directly. This means captions and subtitles apps can now offer an even better experience. there is also latency impact with the new API giving developers much need improvement for these categories of apps.
8. Smart Reply and Suggested ActionsSmart Reply will finally be available to all messaging apps in Android Q. The feature, which Gmail users have enjoyed since 2017, will leverage the same machine learning abilities included in smartphones to determine an appropriate response based on alert you receive on your phone. The reactions can even add emojis.Additionally, Android can even predict your next move. For example, if someone sends you an address, one of the suggested replies will be to open Google Maps. With one button, you can immediately launch Google Maps to that address, saving you extra touches. Image via Google
9. Focus ModeWith Focus Mode, you can disable distracting notifications temporarily. Once enabled, you can choose to disable alerts from any app installed on your phone. Until you turn off Focus mode, you will not receive notifications from these apps allowing you to avoid distractions.
10. No More Android BeamIf I asked you to recall the last time you used Android Beam, would you remember? It seems this might be the case for many Android users, which would explain why Google appears to be getting rid of it in Android 10.In the first developer preview build Android 10, Google removed this feature. While the feature was much more useful when it first launched, a lot has changed since then. Namely, the ability share large files easily with file sharing apps or Bluetooth has limited its usage, and it appears (although, we are not entirely sure) Google feels it is no longer needed.While Google is removing the feature, they're still leaving it up to manufacturers to decide whether or not to keep Android Beam. When OEMs add support for NFC, they will also have to declare support for Android Beam. How many OEMs continue to support this feature is anyone's guess, but it looks like the end of days are coming for Android Beam. Sharing files via NFC over Android Beam like this could soon be impossible. Images by Dallas Thomas/Gadget Hacks
11. Digital Wellbeing in ChromeDigital Wellbeing, the new hub introduced in Android 9 Pie to protect yourself from your phone, might be getting a new home in Android 10. According to AndroidHeadlines, Digital Wellbeing was found in the Chrome browser. No, the feature isn't moving. Instead, the same app limits and tracking can now be applied to your web browsing. This feature also eliminates a workaround where your Instagram usage has expired for the day, and you use the browser to continue to use the social media platform.
12. App Timers in Recent AppsSpeaking of Digital Wellbeing, Google is also making it easier for users with App Timers to be aware when they are reaching their limit. In Recent Apps, any app with time restrictions will display the remaining duration along the bottom of its "card."
13. Better Permissions ManagementOnce again, Google is continuing its effort to protect users from malicious apps and malware with Android 10. The new version includes more control over permissions. Now, you can specify that apps can only access certain sensors and permissions while you're actively using them. For example, you could give Google Maps permission to access your location while the app is open, but block the location permission when Google Maps is closed.The information page for individual permissions has also been revamped, making it easier to understand for casual users. Borrowing from the look of the Digitial Wellbeing app, Android 10 makes it easy to see what permissions an app has access to and which it doesn't not. It will also list which permission is the most requested and which permission is the most used, so you can make an educated decision regarding how sensors are used by apps installed on your phone. (1) Call logs permission menu, (2) Managing Call logs permission for a specific app, (3) Requesting permissions after installing a new app For permission requests, the location permission has given us an additional option. While for other permissions you are limited to allowing or denying, with location, you can limit usage to only in the foreground.By choosing "Allow only while the app is in use," you can limit malicious apps from recording your location in the background. It also acts as a middle option, between outright not trusting the app with your location and completely trusting the app with this information. At least now you have to open the app before it collects data, limiting the harm it can cause.
14. Family LinkBecause smartphone users are getting younger and younger, it's essential for parents to be able to monitor how their kids are using their devices accurately. With Family Link, a kid's phone can be reviewed right from a parent phone under the Digital Wellbeing option. Here you can review apps and approve which ones are on the phone, set daily limits to how long they use their phone, view how much time was spent in individual apps, and set a bedtime to force them off their phone.Parents can even set app timers to specific apps, limiting how long children spend on specific apps and also award them bonus time when they're good. With these tools, you can protect your child's digital wellbeing and protect them from possible online dangers by having more controls over what they do and how they do it. Image by Google/YouTube
15. Native Support for Facial AuthenticationThanks to Apple iPhone X, facial recognition became mainstream as millions of iPhone users were force to abandon the fingerprint reader if they wish to upgrade to the latest phone running iOS. As usual, several OEMs saw this change as an opportunity and tried to beat or match the feature with their Android-powered devices. The problem is Android didn't native support. While companies such as Huawei, was able to work with Android to implement a workaround so that it worked, this set up isn't ideally.In Android 10, facial authentication is now natively apart of Android. This means if the industry pushes toward this new biometrics, Android is equipped to handle it, allowing the new method the same level of authentication power as the fingerprint scanner.
16. TLS 1.3 SupportAndroid Q supports the new TLS standard, 1.3. TLS is at the backbone of HTTPS security, providing encryption for all communication. TLS 1.3 is 40% faster than 1.2 while offering even more protection. This means not only when are your better protected but any data related communications (whether loading an app or using the browser) will be faster.
17. New 'Sensors Off' ToggleAndroid 10 will also include a new "Sensors Off" Quick Settings tile. Once enabled, the camera, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass are disabled. We believe the other sensors are also affected such as gyroscope and barometer but were unable to verify. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS aren't affected.
18. Restrict Access to Call Logs and Text MessageDespite Google's best effort to curb the permissions hogs on the Play Store, there are still far too many apps with too much access to your data. I'm pretty sure right now you have an app on your phone that if you reviewed their app permissions, will question why one was given. In Android Q, Google is combating this by giving it customers new tools to protect themselves.In Developer Options, there is an option called "Restrict SMS & call log access." When enabled, only your default phone app and messaging app can access your text messages and call log. This way app such a voice recorder can't access your call logs.
19. Block Background Clipboard AccessOne of the many advantages of rooting is the ability to better manage the amount of access apps have. For example, you might not be aware, but every Android app can read and modify your clipboard. Currently, the only way to alter this action is with apps such as AppOpps, a framework which lets you manage these hidden permissions.Android 10 will finally change this default permission. According to XDA, the new version will limit what apps can read in the clipboard in the background. While this change isn't as significant as it would have been three years when AutoFill API didn't exist (meaning you were likely using the clipboard to hold your password to log into accounts temporarily), it does improve protection for users and continues Google's dedication to improving the privacy and security of its platform.
20. Scoped StorageAndroid 10 once again is focus on protecting its users data. In Android Q, app no longer have full access to device internal and external storage. Instead, app which target Android Q will be given a filtered view. This filtered view acts as a sandbox, limited its ability to read and write only data revelant to its function.For the end user, this means app have less access to your data. However, developers will need to update their app to the new restrictive permission. For example, without proper adoption, file manager apps are broken.
21. Improved Background Location Access SystemIn Android 8.0 Oreo and 9.0 Pie, Google made considerable steps to limits apps' ability to access your location in the background. This change came as a way to prevent malicious apps from tracking a phone's position unbeknownst to users.However, this change hurt well-intended apps, as it prevented them from mapping your location in the background. Instead, they were forced to wait for the user to open the app and then gather your position, hindering the experience.In Android 10, Google is revising this policy again. According to XDA, apps can gather your location in the background again. However, users will be better warned thanks to the improved permission system, which will tell you when an "app will always have access to the location, even when you're not using the app" and allow you to change this setting.
22. Desktop ModeWe have seen both Samsung and Huawei add the ability to use Android in a desktop-like experience with either a dock or a cable, but it looks like they won't be alone for long. A new setting in Developer Options known as "Force desktop mode" lets you connect your phone to an external monitor and interact with apps in freeform mode.What's interesting is that it is compatible with Chromecast, which means you can connect to a television wirelessly. This includes Android TV set-top boxes and televisions, which come with Google Cast functionality built-in.
23. Freeform WindowsAndroid Q is borrowing from Samsung and bringing freeform windows to stock Android. These windows are small rectangles which are overlaid on top of other apps. Unlike Picture-in-Picture mode, which is limited in size, you can increase these windows to whatever size you need, and it doesn't require the app to include support.At the time of this writing, you can only have one freeform window open at a time. These windows can be of any page in the app and aren't limited to video like PiP.
24. Share Wi-Fi PasswordWe have all been there. We changed the Wi-Fi password, and now everyone in our household is asking for the new password. You might have texted it to them in the past, but this is dangerous, as SMS is unencrypted and can be captured during transfer. Additionally, unless they delete the message off their phone (and you off your own), anyone with access to their text messages now has your password as well.Android 10 fixes this by adding the ability to share your password using a QR code. These secure codes can be scanned by iPhone and Android users (even older Android versions), allowing them to instantly connect to the Wi-Fi network without ever knowing the password. This feature even requires authentication to execute (such as your fingerprint or passcode), protecting you in case someone takes your phone and tries to share this information. And for those who don't have a QR code scanner, the plaintext password will appear below the QR code.Don't Miss: How To Share Your Wi-Fi Password with a QR Code in Android 10
25. Control the Vibration Intensity of Different AlertsIn Android 10, you can now adjust the strength of the vibration based on the type of alert. For example, you can make the vibration intensity stronger for calls but weaker for other notifications. Previously, ring and notifications were adjusted together.
26. Portrait Mode in Third-Party AppsAndroid 10 lets third-party apps request Dynamic Depth images, which include the metadata related to bokeh mode. Using this request, app can now offer specialized blurs and bokeh options. This information can also be used to created 3D images or support AR photography.
27. New High-Quality Audio and Video SupportIn Android 10, Google is adding to their already extensive codecs to include native support for HDR10+ and AV1. HDR10+ is an improved version of HDR10 that has one significant difference; it uses dynamic metadata. What this means is that HDR content is optimized frame-by-frame, offering rich colors and an image that does a better job of replicating what the videographer envision.AV1 is an open and royalty-free codec that acts as an alternative to H.264 (AVC). Designed by companies such as Intel, Microsoft, Amazon, Netflix, and Google, it offers the same or better quality of video at compression rate that is 20% lower than H.265 (which is already better than H.264). With Android Q adopting this standard, streams from Netflix and Amazon can now use less of your data while still offering the same quality of the stream.On the audio side, Android 10 adds supports for Opus, an open and royalty-free codec that better for streaming that MP3. Its advantage over MP3 comes in the form of its flexibility. Specifically, being able to output audio in bitrates from 6 kb/s to 510 kb/s. It also can output audio with a sampling rate between 8 kHz and 48 kHz. With these ranges, based on the quality of your connection, you can stream audio, which can excellent quality with a great connection or has the average quality on a poor connection.Additionally, there is a new MeidaCodecInfo API. Developers can use the new API to gather every possible resolution and frame rate of a video and render it correctly on your display. This makes user control resolution for video much easier.
28. ANGLE and Vulkan 1.1Android Q is further pushing the use of Vulkan on all apps by making Vulkan 1.1 a requirement on all 64-bit Android devices running Android Q or higher and a recommendation for all 32-bit devices. Vulkan is low overhead, graphics, and computing API that let games produce high-quality graphics without the same demand of other graphics and computing API.Android Q also includes support for ANGLE. Almost Native Graphics Layer Engine, or ANGLE, is an open- source graphics engine abstraction layer developed by Google. In Android Q, Google provides OpenGL (another graphics engine) compatibility that offers smoother experience than when vendor provided their own them.
29. Carriers Can Exclude PhonesAccording to 9to5Google, four commits have posted which focus on carriers' ability to restrict devices. Specifically, in Android 10, carriers will now be able to create a whitelist and a blacklist of phones for their networks, making it difficult for certain unlocked phones to be used with their cell service.New constraints are also coming which involve dual-SIM phones. With Android 10 devices, carriers will be able to restrict the second SIM slot from activating until an approved SIM card is in the first slot. This restraint will apply even after restarting the phone or if you conduct a factory reset.
30. Screen AttentionEver been reading an article and have to keep touching the phone ever few seconds to prevent it from sleeping. Well, no longer in Android Q. A new feature known as "Screen Attention" has been added that prevents this. As long as you are looking at your screen, the phone will not turn off when enabled. Samsung users have been enjoying this features for years (Samsung calls it Smart Stay) but now all Android 10 phones can take advantage.
31. Built-in Screen RecorderAndroid 10 will add a built-in screen recorder to complement the built-in screenshot feature of the OS. Like the screenshot feature, this is a major win for privacy, as screen recorder apps have been a breeding ground for malware. While masking as a screen recorder app, malicious developers have used these apps to record your screen in the background and use this information for financial incentive. With a built-in screen recorder, you'll no longer have to trust third parties apps.
32. Emergency ButtonThe power menu is getting a new button, Emergency. Android 10 will add a new button which will launch the emergency dialer. This way, you can quickly call 911 or other emergency services while in a pinch.
33. Easy Access to Google Pay CardsIn Android 10, Google is making it faster to pay with your saved credit and debit card stored on Google Pay. When enabled in Settings, long pressing the power button will bring up your stored card which you can select to quickly bring up your card and use to pay for a transactions.
34. Support for WPA3Wi-Fi standards and versions can be confusing. There are versions which previously were labeled with letters (such as 802.11ac) and now identified using numbers ( such as Wi-Fi 6) which indicate the speed and performance of the wireless connection. Then there are security standards (such as WPA2) which indicate the type of protection available to prevent hackers from access your network or your internet connection. The latter is what Android is gaining support for in Android 10.The latest security standard is WPA3 and it brings much-improved security to Wi-Fi. WPA3 introduces Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE), which replaces WP2's Pre-Shared Key. SAE is a new way your router can determine whether your phone can access your network. Up until 2016, Pre-Shared Key was considered secure until the Key Reinstallation Attacks (KRACK) were discovered, making Wi-Fi networks based on WPA2 vulnerable (although, a fix was sent out later in the form of a security patch).WP3 also supports 192-bit encryption, up from the 128-bit encryption in WPA2. This is an optional feature but can massively benefit schools and organizations which require the highest level of protection. WPA3 also makes open Wi-Fi networks more secure by using "individual data encryption" even when on an open Wi-Fi network.
35. 5G SupportWith 5G just around the corner, Android needs to get ready for the upcoming wave of 5G-supported devices and networks. Currently, there is no indicator for when your phone is using a 5G network. Android Q includes connectivity APIs for apps to take advantage of the higher bandwidth connection includes the indicator when carriers turn on their networks.
36. Change Icon Shapes System-WideWhile for years you could change the shapes of icons via custom launchers, it was limited to only icons placed on the home screen and in the app drawer. In Android 8.0, the Pixel Launcher even added support for new icon shapes along with the Adaptive Icon feature. However, if you preferred the look of the "teardrop" or "squircle," you would lose that look while within Settings and other areas.With Android 10, Google is finally adding the option to make this a system-wide change, and it comes with a little bonus. Unlike launchers like Nova which can change the icons of apps only, this new feature will also adjust the look of the Quick Settings tiles. Before Android 10, this feature was exclusive to custom ROMs and was an easy way to help differentiate your phone from the crowd.In addition to the Quick Settings tiles, everywhere app icons are shown will include the change (as long as they support adaptive icons), including the Overview menu (multitasking UI) and the Share menu. There are currently four options available: the default circles, Teardrop, Squircle, and Rounded Rectangles (which match the new look of Android Q quite nicely).Don't Miss: How To Change the Home Screen Icon Shapes on Your Pixel in Android 10
37. Accent ColorsSystem-wide adaptive icons weren't the only new customization feature added to Android 10. You can also add system-wide accent colors, labeled as "themes" in the Developer Options menu.With themes, you change the color of active Quick Settings tiles, the brightness bar, active toggles in Settings, and much more. There are currently eight colors to choose from: blue (default), black, green, purple, Cinnamon, Ocean, Space, and Orchid. Based on some unpacking done by XDA, it appears that these theming options are actually apart of a new app which will come preinstalled on Pixel devices running Android 10. The app, which appears to be called Pixel Themes, will include the new accent colors, font changes, and icons shapes which are currently found in Developer Options. This also means that as an app, Google will be able to update this with new options, giving stock Android much needed customization options previously only found in custom ROMs.
38. Quickly See How Long Your Battery Will LastSeeing your phone has X% of battery left doesn't tell you when exactly your phone will die. While you can estimate based on the percentage (such as if you have 5% battery life, you should probably run and find a charger), it becomes a bit more difficult when dealing with a percentage not close to 100% or 0%. Knowing the time of your phone's battery death can help you make decisions when in a pinch and a charger isn't nearby.In Android 9 Pie, Google introduced Adaptive Battery, a feature which used machine learning to learn your phone habits (regarding battery consumption) and optimize the system to match your phone usage. For example, if you open "Gmail" first thing in the morning for 10 minutes, Android will place it in a higher app standby "bucket" at that time seen you need it active. It will also set an infrequently used app at this time in a lower bucket, limiting its background data sync and battery consumption.With all this data, Android got much better at determining when your phone will die, to the nearest half an hour. In Android 10, Google is placing that information front and center. If you have the battery percentage indicator enabled in your status bar, when you pull down the notification shade once (revealing the first six tiles of the Quick Settings), next to your battery icon will be the estimated time when your phone will die. This time will adjust based on usage to improve accuracy.
39. Battery Saver Based on RoutineWith machine learning analysis of your battery usage, your Android powered phone also knows when you typically would charge your phone during the day. In Android Q, if it determines your battery will die before reaching this normal charging time, it can turn on Battery Saver automatically — how cool is that!?
40. Changes to Music ControlsWhen listening to music, sometimes the usual playback controls aren't enough. I can think of several times I've want to listen to a specific verse or section of a song and needed to stop what I was doing, unlock my phone, and use the progress bar in my music app to rewind to the exact point I wanted to listen to.Android 10 changes this by updating the music control notifications to include a song progress bar. Below the usual playback controls, you will also be able to scroll through your favorite song via the scrubber. As usual, the notification is accessible on the lock screen as well, letting you move to a specific section in only a few touches.
41. Smaller Installation PromptFor those who sideload apps, you are very familiar with the installation prompt. A mostly white page which had the name of the app and an installation bar showing the progress. You might have never thought about it, but there is a lot of wasted space there.Apparently, the Android team agreed and changed it for Android 10. Now, instead of a full page, a popup appears showing the same information. While it isn't a huge change, it is a much cleaner experience. (1) Android 9 Pie, (2) Android 10 Q
42. Changes to Notification GesturesIn previous versions of Android, notifications could be interacted with using a swipe in either direction. In Android Oreo, these gestures expanded to include access to a submenu that let you manage notifications if you ended your swipe early (i.e., long swipe to dismiss, short swipe to see options). In this submenu was the ability to snooze individual notifications or turn off a specific type of notifications via Notifications Channels.Accessing this submenu wasn't the easiest of gestures as it required a partial swipe to the left or right. This would oftentimes result in unintentional notification dismissal if you swiped too fast.With Android 10, the gestures changed. Instead of a partial swipe, Android now makes a swipe to the left automatically access the submenu, while the swipe to the right will dismiss the notification. Additionally, you can customize this gesture to be the reverse order (right for options, left to dismiss).
43. Changes to the Notification SubmenuThe notifications submenu has changed from the previous Android version. Gone are the two buttons which allow you to snooze a notification and turn notifications off for an app. Instead, Google is making it easier by adding new buttons and description, so you know what each means.Snoozing alerts is gone. Instead, you silence alerts by choosing "Gentle" so that they appear in the notification shade but not on the lock screen, and so they don't make a sound or create a banner. You can also change an alert to a higher priority by choosing "Interruptive," which will make it play a sound, create a banner, and show up in the status bar, lock screen, and notification shade. Choose either option on the list and select "Apply" in the bottom right to save the change. There is also a button in the bottom left to turn off the notifications.
44. Adjust All Volume Levels AnywhereAndroid 9 Pie made a bold change in how the volume rocker worked by making the media volume the default action. This was a huge win for those in the Android community who had been asking for this for years. But Google isn't stopping there. With Android 10, Google is making all volume levels even easier to access.Instead of having to enter Settings for some volume levels, you can now manage the volume of your media, calls, ringer, and alarms from any screen. After pressing the volume rocker to bring up the volume menu, choose the icon at the bottom of the menu. This will bring up a new popup which provides access to each of the manageable volume bars found in the Settings.
45. Switch Between Bluetooth Devices EasierWhen your device is connected to multiple Bluetooth Device, Android 10 makes it easier to switch. Instead of having to enter the Bluetooth menu, you can instead press the volume rocker and select the icon at the bottom of the menu, you will see a new menu emerged from the bottom with each Bluetooth device you previously connected and currently connected to. Choose the one you wish to switch to and it will become the main Bluetooth connection.
46. Redesigned IconsThis one is a small change. Android made a minor tweak to both the battery and the Wi-Fi icons. Instead of the empty portion being gray, it is now fully transparent with a white outline. (1) Android 9, (2) Android 10
47. BubblesAndroid has always prioritized multitasking. Since its inception, it's always been easier than other mobile OSes to manage the multiple alerts which arrive on your smartphone. Android 10 will continue this tradition with a new feature known as bubbles.Bubbles are small icons that can be overlaid over other apps. Once selected, these icons give you quick access to interactions within the app. One example of this is Android Messages. With bubbles, you can continue a conversation with specific contact without having to open the Android Messages app each time. While there's already some inline messaging functionality with notifications, bubbles make interaction even easier, as they operate as a mini version of the app that you can access at any time. Images by Dallas Thomas/Gadget Hacks
48. Directional & Zoomable MicrophonesDevelopers now have access to a new MicrophoneDirection API which lets them specify a specific direction of the microphone when recording audio. For example, a voice recording app can now direct the microphone nearest your mouth (using the gyroscope to detect the orientation of the phone) for clear recording. Additionally, this same API gives your microphone zooming capabilities, allowing apps to control the recording field dimension.
49. Google Account ButtonWith the search bar in Settings is a new Google Account button. Similar to Gmail, you can select this icon to switch accounts (if you have more than one Google account synced to your phone), access emergency information, jump into the "About Phone" page, manage Google Pay, and configure your Google Account.
50. Color Fade AnimationWhen Android 5.0 Lollipop launched, it introduced an animation which faded the colors of your screen to a black and white monochrome when you turned the display off. It was removed after Android 5.1 Lollipop because it caused a memory leak problem.With Android 10, it's back and better than ever. Not only does your phone fade to monochrome when the screen turns off, but it fades back into color when the screen turns on. It's quick and a little hard to notice, but watch the screen when you hit the power button. It turns monochrome before it goes black. It then it fades from monochrome to full color when you turn the screen on. Image by Dallas Thomas/Gadget Hacks We will continue to update this article as new changes become known. What do you think about Android 10 so far? Are you excited about the new update? Let us know in the comment section below.Don't Miss: Compare the Latest PhonesFollow Gadget Hacks on Pinterest, Reddit, Twitter, YouTube, and Flipboard Sign up for Gadget Hacks' daily newsletter or weekly Android and iOS updates Follow WonderHowTo on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Flipboard
Cover image and screenshots by Jon Knight/Gadget Hacks
Linux Journal Presents: Email is one of the least private and least secure forms of communication, although few people realize this. MixMaster is one way to allow secure, anonymous communication even over the very public medium of email. This tutorial will get you started with MixMaster quickly and easily.
How to Send an Anonymous Email - Your Guide to Anonymity | VPNpro
Space Ape has soft-launched Go Race: Super Karts, giving you a fresh take on mobile racing games by blending in elements found within the classic Mario Kart series and RPGs for some seriously addicting gameplay. And while it's only available in Australia, Netherlands, and Philippines, there's a
Fancy a Mario Kart gaming experience on your iPhone? Give
Anyone who has rooted their Android device has likely used a tool called Android Debug Bridge, better known as ADB, at some point during the process.For most, that is their only interaction with the ADB, but to be a true Android power user, you need to really know the tools at your disposal.
[Guide] How To Setup And Use Fastboot - Android Forum for
Below are step-by-step instructions on how to text via email. SMS Vs. MMS. SMS, or Short Message Service is also commonly referred to as a "text message". With a SMS, you can send a message of up to 160 characters to another device. Longer messages will automatically be split up into multiple texts.
PwnageTool will allow you to jailbreak your iPhone on the latest iOS 4.2.1 while preserving its baseband, thus allowing you to unlock with UltraSn0w, assuming you are still on baseband 01.59.00. This step by step guide will show you how to jailbreak your iPhone 4.2.1 with PwnageTool, a Mac-only jailbreak for iPhone…
Jailbreak iPhone 2.0 with PwnageTool - lifehacker.com
You can make free internet calls with Google Hangouts to stay in touch with friends, family, or anyone else, no matter where they live. Since it's a free phone calling service, you don't have to use up all your minutes or incur extra calling charges just to make a simple phone call.
How to Call Phones from Gmail: 6 Steps (with Pictures
Pixel 2 XL uses OLED screen which is indeed in line with current trends, yet how are things with the battery usage? Do you tend to regret your decision? If so, you can always go back to normal and disable the feature that drains your battery like never before. How to Disable the Always-on Ambient Display on Pixel 2 XL:
How to Disable the Always On Display of the Pixel 2 and Pixel
How To: Save Custom Shooting Presets in Filmic Pro So You Don't Have to Adjust Settings Later for Similar Shots How To: The Best Video Recording Apps for Your iPhone How To: Automate Focus, Zoom & Exposure Changes in Filmic Pro for Smoother Pull Operations How To: Automatically Delete Your Google History on a Schedule
FiLMiC Pro v6: Log Video on iOS by Eric Escobar - ProVideo
Looking for some Instagram feed ideas? Your Instagram feed is the first thing people look at when visiting your profile, and as in life, you want to make a good impression. As Instagram matures, simply having amazing edited photos isn't enough: now you have to have a cute feed too! And it's not as easy as it looks.
How to Follow Hashtags & Curate Your Feed - The Nutty Goat's
If you'd like to shuffle all songs in your music library, start by heading to the "Songs" menu in the Music app's Library tab. From here, select any song to start playback, then tap the mini-player towards the bottom of the screen to expand the "Now Playing" view.
music.app - How to shuffle all songs in iOS 8.4 music app
Best Google Assistant Tricks You Should Try 1. Select Your Favorite Google Assistant Voice. We all know that Google Assistant comes with a female voice with an American accent. However, if you don't like it you can change its voice as now Google Assistant supports multiple voices which include both men and women voices with different accents.
Hi, Many of you curious about changing boot animation in samsung mobile. You know samsung uses qmg like boot animations. So it is complex to create own boot animation than creating zip boot animation.In this tutorial I have replaced the qmg files with zip boot animations. I have tested on my Samsung Galaxy Core Prime.
How to Change Your Boot Animation - XDATV - xda-developers
