Android 10 is here: These are the 11 most important new features
Google has released the latest version of Android. The tenth iteration of the mobile operating system contains many exciting functions. Here is an overview of the most important ones.
After six beta phases, the final version of Android 10 was released on Tuesday. For the time being, it is primarily Pixel and Essential owners who can look forward to the update. For most other devices, it usually takes months, if it comes at all. This is a shame, as Android 10 contains many interesting features and improvements.
Dark Mode
A feature that has been requested by many users for years has finally made it officially into the Android operating system. The option can be found in the settings under Display. It affects all compatible apps - most of which are from Google - as well as the entire user interface. Dark Mode is intended to improve the battery life of devices with OLEDs because pixels can be switched off completely.
Remaining battery life
If you pull down the quick settings, the remaining battery life is displayed instead of a percentage. This allows you to better plan how long you can manage without a power pack. You can also customise the energy-saving mode to your routine. It then switches on automatically if you don't reach your normal operating time without it.
Chat bubbles
In the developer options, which you can activate by clicking on the build number in the settings several times, you can switch on chat bubbles. Some notifications can then be moved around on the screen like an app icon. Samsung users are familiar with this feature.
Gestures
There are three navigation settings in Android 10. The classic three points: Home, app overview and back. Two buttons for home and back, as is already standard on Pixel devices, or the new gesture control. You swipe upwards with your thumb to get to the home screen. The back function works with a swipe from the edge of the screen to the centre and switching between apps is done with a swipe upwards and a short hold. This controls it in a similar way to an iPhone.
Themes
Themes are also hidden in the developer options. You can use them to customise the colour accents of the user interface. There are seven colours to choose from. On top of that, you can change the shape of the icons
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New data protection and security functions
The location can now be shared temporarily. So only as long as you use an app. You will also be notified if an app accesses location data even though you haven't opened the app
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Wifi sharing with QR code
Instead of dictating your wifi password to guests, you can now simply show them a QR code to scan. You can find the option to share in the settings of the respective network.
Family control
Family Link is a tool that allows parents to set rules such as daily screen time limits, device sleep time and time restrictions for certain apps. The option can now be found under Digital Wellbeing.
Focus mode
Focus mode is designed to protect you from distraction by preventing selected apps from interrupting you. It is also part of Digital Wellbeing. You can take part in the test programme here
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More notification control
When you press and hold a notification, you have new options with Android 10. You can either deactivate the notification for an app completely, mute it or switch directly to the complete settings. This saves time.
Smart Reply
Android 10 increasingly relies on Smart Replies. This means that if someone sends you a link, for example, the Chrome icon is automatically displayed and you are taken directly to the corresponding website. Smart Replies are available in various apps such as Whatsapp or Gmail.
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