While many of us are still waiting to get Android Pie on our smartphones, Google has already started developing the next iteration of the OS, the Android Q. The next version of the Android is expected to come packed with features and although there have not been many details as to the specific date of the release, we have come across a few features that the OS will include.
Here’s what we know so far:
A proper dark mode
XDAdevelopers recently reported on the leaked Android Q build highlighting a number of potential Android Q features in the process. One of such prominent features was the system-wide dark mode to the OS.
As shown in the video, the dark web mode applies to almost all the aspects of the UI including the settings menu, launcher, notification shade, and other UI elements. The dark mode on the system is expected either to be permanently applied to the OS or automatically switched on at certain times. It was also shown that the dark mode can be forced applied to the unsupported apps as well.
A dark mode is one of the features that has been widely anticipated on the operating system, with its application on the Android Q, it will finally reduce glare at night and improve battery life on OLED phones.
Enhanced app permission
Android has been updating its app permission policy since Android Marshmallow and the company has been using this feature as a foundation to Android Q. The leaked build revealed what could be potentially the most needed and innovative feature so far on Android. Android Q will reportedly allow users to specify certain permissions to the app that requires permissions in order to function.
Google is focusing on privacy with the next iteration of Android and giving the users an authority over which permission to grant an app is a major step forward in that behalf.
Desktop mode
Recently smartphone manufacturers like Samsung and Huawei have introduced desktop mode to their devices. The desktop mode allows users to connect their phones to a larger display and the user interface on the phone is projected on to the larger screen. This, in turn, provides more real state to the user where they can carry out daily tasks with ease. That means a PC-like home screen, a start menu, resizable app windows, and the ability to use a keyboard and mouse.
XDAdevelopers, in the process of explaining the new features of the Android Q and highlighting the differences between Android P and Android Q, also yielded references to the desktop mode which might make its appearance on the upcoming OS. Although there have not been many details entailed with the report regarding the potential application of a desktop mode on the OS, it is very likely that Google is looking forward to tackling Samsung and Huawei with this in-built feature.
More secure Smart Lock
Google introduced Smart Lock with the Lollipop version of the Android which keeps your phone locked when it is not with you. However, with Android Q, as the leaked build suggests, Google is taking things a notch above by adding two additions to Smart Lock. The first option lets you use Smart Lock to extend the unlock period of your device (but it won’t unlock your device once it’s locked). The second feature simply locks the phone when the trusted companion device is no longer trusted.
Google is expected to launch the next version of Android at Google I/O 2019, which is said to take place in Mountain View, California.
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