Charis Chrisna
TechInAfrica – Unlike previous installments where their operating systems were named after desserts, Android 10 poses as the tenth major release—initially announced officially on September 3rd, 2019. While some have speculated earlier that the name will take after its predecessor (Android Pie), Google Pixel phones have been subject to the first prototypes of the long-awaited operating system back in March 13th, 2019. With greater protection, transparency, and control over users’ data, Android 10 comes with many innovative steps towards the way you get things done.
Cited from their official site:
Some of the newest ways to control your privacy, customize your phone, and get things done. It’s Android, just the way you want it.
Here are five things you should know about the new Android 10:
Focus Mode
If you’re looking to boost overall productivity by pausing certain, potentially distracting apps, then Focus Mode presents itself as a feasible solution for the matter. YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram would no longer pose as a staggering hindrance when you pause them with a single tap of a button.
In addition, Android asserted, “For getting in the zone and blocking out distractions. Focus mode is now in Beta and lets you select apps to pause temporarily. So if you want to turn off a distracting app to get something done, all you have to do is tap.”
Dark Mode
For longer battery life—and less strain on the eyes—Android now implements Dark theme which uses true black to change the appearance of your everyday apps. Calendar, Gmail, and even your mundane browsing experience can be altered to a sleek, lustrous contrast of grey and black. Oh, did I mention it looks way cooler than the usual light theme?
Their claim on this feature:
Take it easy on your eyes. And your battery.
Family Link
With the newly-adjoined Family Link feature, parents can set up digitalized ground rules for their children; effectively making a healthier technology habit amongst the youngsters. Provided the availability to set up screen time limit, manage the content they’d see, and to know their devices’ locations, Family Link encourages parents to help guide their kids as they learn, play, and explore online. Furthermore, parents can also set bedtime and control when the phone should shut down.
The digital world isn’t limited to just anyone; parents would need to mind a watchful eye towards their respective kids as if they’re treading on thin ice.
Smart Reply
My personal favorite; ever wanted to send a quick emoji to a conversation just because you’re in no mood to text longer? Ever wanted to know right away where’s that new restaurant your girlfriend’s been raring to go to? With the Smart Reply feature, you get more than just suggested responses to your messages. You also get recommended actions—for example, the availability to open Maps immediately whenever an address is attached to the text.
Permission Changes
Android professed regarding these permission changes, “with Android 10, you’re in control of your privacy. That’s because you get new, smarter controls that let you decide how and when data on your device is shared. So you can rest easy.”
Users can now choose which data to be stored and for how long, such as their Web & App activity. Furthermore, users can now also control the permission of location sharing within the apps, as well as the convenience to disable personalized ads—which, in return, could potentially creep you out and leave you wondering how in the world would Google know you’ve been wanting to buy a new watch.
Besides the five things mentioned, Android also implements a number of significant changes. You can head over to their official web page for more insights regarding this new operating system.
Source: android.com and guardian.ng
