Android 10: Google’s Latest Addition to the Android World

Google semi-officially announces the release of the latest Android version 10. This time, Google decides to go with the numeric digits instead. It made sure to clarify the reason behind not giving a dessert name to the latest version. The reason being, names aren’t the proper way to recognize the newest version globally. After the launch of all the Beta versions till August, Android 10 destined to ship on 3rd September 2019.

Features to Look Out for in Android 10

Android 10 has introduced some new navigation features and even a dark mode that is accessible throughout the system. The other significant elements that stand out in the latest version are better encryption and privacy enhancements. Here are the most notable features:

Customizable Themes and Dark Mode

Android 10 gives users the ability to change the highlights of color. A customizable interface with different color themes brings changes in the quick access icons and also the settings menu. The final version can vary from its beta ones in the number of colors available. Additionally, it also introduces a dark theme available throughout the system. Users can toggle it from the Display settings. They can either use it for a specific time of a day or put it on off mode always.

The dark theme would give dark effect to the apps, while settings would appear in black. Stock apps and third-party apps both would be accessible in the dark mode. Other than being less stressful on the eyes, the dark theme is a great battery saver too in OLED phones.

Gesture Navigation and Menu Drawers

The latest Android version implements the option of controlling navigation through gestures. Swiping up from the left edge replaces the back buttons and swiping up takes the user to the home screen. The user can open the multitasking panel by holding on for some time after swiping up. It also has options to change the sensitivity levels. Plus, if the feature is difficult, users can always choose to disable the gestures. Google Assistant can also be launched by diagonally swiping from any of the bottom edges.

While launching the menu drawer, users can have a little sneak into it before it starts. Users would have to hold the edge of the display screen to access it. Once the drawer peeks out a little, users can swipe it up to reveal the whole menu. However, the option to access it through the toggle menu section is still available.

Scoped Storage Privacy

To prevent people from gaining valuable user data, it makes apps send a randomized address of the network hardware identifier. Additionally, there are extra permissions for revealing IMEI and serial numbers of the devices. Accessing contacts will no longer have permission for “affinity information.” Control over the phone’s location also enhances as Google follows the steps of iOS. Now users can choose if they want apps to access their geolocation always or only when they are running. It now has specific permission for the apps that look into Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to access the user’s physical location.

The scoped storage feature also prevents the files saved on external storage from being accessed through such apps. Moreover, proximity sensors would now have an advanced version of Activity Recognition to prevent apps from looking at physical activity. Lastly, apps that start in the foreground would also have restrictions, and OS also prevents the apps that access data from the handset’s screen.

Security of Biometric Authentication

Android 10 introduces two new modes for biometric authentication. These modes are implemented to distinguish between implicit and explicit tasks, ergo the two methods. The implicit mode is for the functions that don’t require higher authorization like auto-fill forms. Such a mode scans the user’s iris or faces without asking their permission. Whereas, the explicit method asks for the user’s consent by clicking on a button to allow examining their facial features. Such mode is for more sensitive and highly authorized actions like transacting through credit cards or bank accounts.

Communication and File Encryption

It also introduces enhancements in encrypted communications and file encryption. The communication encryption gets a boost in sending data over HTTPS with an advanced security layer of TLS 1.3. 1.3 is capable of transmitting data by 40% faster to the destination. It has fewer initial messages to start communication and also leaves the algorithms having less security.

Android 10 also brings about a solution for the low-end processor phones when encrypting files through AES. It introduces Adantium that operates on the cipher ChaCha12 that works through the CPU’s core functions. Hence, the phones that don’t have an in-built cryptography accelerator can also use it.

Notifications and Sharing Shortcuts

The latest version embodies the Bubbles notification feature. Bubbles are the floating content overlapping the other things on the screen. They enable users to access them while they are performing other operations quickly. Bubbles can be expanded and collapsed depending on the needs. Additionally, Focus Mode allows users to keep notifications turned on only for certain vital apps. Users can turn off the mode if they want notifications from all apps. Google also enhanced the speed of sharing features. It introduces shortcuts that enable users to share directly from an app to another.

Other Essential Features

• Developers can update crucial components without using a full-fledged OEM update. Such updates keep on downloading in the foreground, and the phone loads them as and when needed.

• Android 10 introduces support for 5G connection with the implementation of new APIs capable of detecting rate, latency, and metering.

• Live Caption feature doesn’t need an Internet connection. It adds a caption in videos and audios on a real-time basis with NLP recognition.

• It also introduces foldable support with multiple display and app resizing.

• Main Google Camera equips itself with Night Sight along with HDR10 and AVI video codec support to enhance images and videos.

• In-app settings are accessible directly from the app instead of navigating to the Settings panel.

• Users can generate a QR code for their Wi-FI network and share it for scanning and accessing.

• Users can also undo the action of removing an app mistakenly.

Concluding Thoughts

Google is not only changing Android’s name with this version; it is rebranding it. The trademark green colored text for Android is changing its color to black. Plus, its mascot that is a green-colored bug is also transformed. Interestingly, mascot’s green color is also evolving to help people with visual impairments see it better too. Manufacturers can also change the bugdroid’s color from available options like orange, blue, navy, etc.

At 9series, our tech team is always on their toes to integrate the latest technology with your mobile app development requirements. Contact the experts for the best mobile application development services.