Must-Know Features of Android 10: The New OS For Android

Ditching the dessert-themed operating systems (OS) for a number, the full slew of features in Google’s Android 10 released to Android devices in September of 2019. Starting with Pixel phones, the new version of Android will gradually roll out to other devices in the coming months. So, what’s new, exactly? CPR Cell Phone Repair has compiled a list of our favorite features within the new OS for Android.

Features Worth Updating to in the New OS For Android

With a focus on innovation, security, and digital well-being; the new operating system is a refreshing update for Android users. Users began downloading the Android Q beta in March, and after six months of testing the OS was given its final name of Android 10.

1. System-Wide Dark Mode

   Dark Theme, the system-wide dark mode on Android 10, not only looks sleek but can also save you battery and pixel life. Turning on Battery Saver mode will automatically turn on Dark Theme. Plus, for devices with an OLED screen like the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Google Pixel 3, the dark mode should reduce burn-in pixels by effectively turning them off in the black areas of the display.

2. Improved Security

   When it comes to your data, privacy is essential. The new Android OS is giving users a lot more control over what information they share. While previously, you had an all-or-nothing option when it came to location sharing, the update allows users to grant apps access to location information only when the app is in use. Also, Android 10 adds a privacy settings page. Inside, you can manage permissions for individual apps, including access to your calendar, location, camera, contacts, and microphone.

   Last, but not least, Google Play has been updated so that security updates can be sent directly through the store. This means no more waiting for a complete OS update to beef-up your security. After a study found that over 1,300 apps on the Google Play Store were using a loophole to scrape user’s data, these changes are particularly relevant to Android users.

3. Greater Accessibility

   As we all watch more video on-the-go, captions are becoming a necessity. To combat this, Google developed Live Caption with Android 10. The feature live-captions videos in real-time. Not only is this great for those trying to watch videos without disturbing people around them, but it’s also wonderful news from an accessibility standpoint.

   Live Caption can also be used alongside Live Transcribe, in a combination called Live Relay. Together, the two allow a texting user to interact on a phone call, and vice versa.

4. Expanding Digital Health

   Android 10 also adds Focus Mode to the features within the Digital Wellbeing set. The tool allows you to select apps to pause while keeping other apps open that you still need to use, or want to leave on in case of an emergency.

   Parents can also help their kids develop healthy digital habits with Family Link. This feature allows you to set screen time limits, view app activity, manage what content kids can see, and view the location of your children’s devices.

5. Gesture Navigation

   Although Android technically introduced gestures in Android 9 Pie, the new mobile operating system refines the feature. So say “goodbye” to the old-school three-button navigation, and hello to a new slew of gestures. Instead of tapping, get ready to swipe to go home, switch apps, go back, and more. This change does mean the retirement of the back button, a staple feature since Android’s inception, so it might take some getting used to for diehard Android users.

6. Notifications

   Android 10 simplifies the way that you control your notifications. In Android Pie and before, you had to dig through the Settings menu to manage your alerts. With the new operating system, a long press on any notification now lets you make quick settings selections between ‘Alerting’ and ‘Silent.’

7. Wi-Fi QR Codes

   If you find sharing your Wi-Fi password awkward, Android 10 has a solution. The new OS allows you to generate a QR code and share it with other devices, making the days of spelling out long, complex passwords a thing of the past.

If that’s not enough, the OS has even more features up its sleeve. Samsung Galaxy Fold users note that Android 10 makes multitasking and screen continuity more accessible on foldable phones. In addition, the system boasts native support for 5G, faster and simpler system updates, and more.

Android 10 won’t roll out to every Android phone and even if yours is getting the update, it could take some time. The good news is, if you’re itching to get your hands on these new features, you don’t have to break the bank to get a new smartphone. Visit your nearest CPR Cell Phone Repair store to browse our selection of premium pre-owned devices. With so many options, there’s sure to be something to fit your lifestyle and budget.