The next version of Android is getting closer and closer, and Google today announced some of the major features arriving to smartphones with Q. We don't know the name yet (it best be Quince) or exactly when it will hit devices, but here's a look at some of the functionality Android Q will bring later this year.
Dark Mode
Android is getting a system-wide dark mode, dubbed "Dark Theme". As the name might suggest, the Dark Theme trades in Android's traditional bright white colour scheme in for a predominantly black interface. Switching on dark theme should also help reduce battery usage, as rendering white on a display draws more power. Google has also committed to launching dark mode for all of its first-party Android apps.
Smart Replies
Any messaging app notification will be able to suggest reply directly in the notification pane. These notifications will to try and predict your next action. For example, if you get sent an address, you'll be able to tap a button on that notification to open it in Google Maps.
Focus Mode
The Digital Wellbeing tools added to Android Pie last year are getting an upgrade. Google is adding a new feature to Q dubbed Focus Mode. Focus lets you select apps you find distracting - such as Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp - to silence their notifications and grey them out until you come out of the mode.
Better Navigation Gestures
Taking a page from Apple's book, Google is making Android navigation gestures more iPhone-like. There'll be a white bar at the bottom of the screen, which you swipe on to the home screen. Swiping across it changes app, and swiping up and dragging across will load up the multitasking window. The app drawer can be accessed by swiping up from the home screen. And instead of a back button, you'll swipe in from either the left or right side of your phone's screen.
Improved Security Updates
Google is changing how security updates to work to distribute patches more quickly to more devices. Rather than relying on hardware manufacturers to deploy security updates to their devices, Google will allow fourteen Android "modules" to update directly in the background without the need the for third party intervention. While this won't allow Google to deploy every single security update directly, it's a positive move that should ensure more devices get patches as soon as they're available.
When will Android Q be available?
We're expecting Android Q to launch somewhere between August and October this year. Pixel, Pixel 2, and Pixel 3 owners can try out a beta from today, but we'd suggest not installing it on your primary device. You can also install the Android Q beta on the following smartphones:
- Asus ZenFone 5Z
- Essential PH-1
- Huawei Mate 20 Pro
- LG G8 ThinQ
- OnePlus 6T
- OPPO Reno
- Nokia 8.1
- Realme 3 Pro
- Sony Xperia XZ3
- Tecno Spark 3Pro
- Vivo X27
- Vivo NEX S
- Vivo NEX A
- Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G
- Xiaomi Mi 9
Out of these, only the Huawei Mate 20 Pro and the Nokia 8.1 are currently available in Australia. However, the OPPO Reno and LG G8 ThinQ should both be arriving shortly.
Alex Choros
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