Android Q: The new functions at a glance

Android Q and Android 10 bring new features to your smartphone. You can find out which functions these are in this practical tip.

Android Q: The tenth version of the Google operating system

So far, the Android versions were ordered according to the alphabet and each had an associated candy in the name. This was Android P Pie (cake), O stood for Oreo and N for Nougat.

However, Google has discontinued the letter designation from the version of 2019 and sweets can no longer be found in the name: The new Android version is now officially called Android 10.

• Google released the first beta version in March 2019. However, this version was only available for Pixel devices.
• The official Android 10 version was released on September 3, 2019 and is available for selected devices.

System-wide conversion to dark theme

Some Android variations and many Android apps have offered a dark theme in the past, with Android 10 a system-wide dark theme is now being introduced.

• With the changeover, all system dialogs and settings are automatically set to dark.
• In addition, the system color is also changed in many apps.
• The dark theme is more pleasant and gentle on your eyes at night. Your smartphone also saves energy in this mode and the battery is drained more slowly.

New feature: gesture control

With the new gesture control, you can perform many actions with one finger movement.

• Similar to iOS, a line is now displayed on smartphones without buttons at the bottom of the screen for control purposes.
• The currently open app closes by swiping upwards.
• Swipe left and right so you can easily switch between open apps.
• In addition, a system-wide swipe action is now possible to return to the previous screen.
• Swipe up from the lower right corner to launch the Google Assistant.

New in Android 10: Sound Amplifier

With the Sound Amplifier function you improve your audio experience.

• Sound Amplifier is able to improve the sound of your smartphone through your headphones.
• It can also filter out noises and amplify tones to enable a clearer sound.
• By the way: You can also add this function for devices running Android 10. All you have to do is install the Sound Amplifier app from the PlayStore.

Smart Reply

With Smart Reply, Android 10 offers you individual and suitable functions for notifications.

• For example, you can find a link to Google Maps in notifications in which an address is specified and call up the address.
• With other content, a suitable smart response is made possible, such as an "OK" to a message or a link to a suitable app such as the calendar.

Also included: Live Caption

With Live Caption, a YouTube function is inserted system-wide.

• YouTube has long had the function of automatically creating subtitles.
• With Android 10, this function can be activated on any medium and, for example, a video can be silently viewed that does not have subtitles.
• The function is very useful, for example, for voice messages, which can now be read as texts.

More functions

In addition to the above, Android 10 offers many other functions. Some of them are as follows:

• Security Features: In addition to privacy and location settings, there are now more security updates that make your system even more secure.
• Focus Mode: The focus mode allows you to lock apps for a certain time so as not to be distracted. This function is particularly useful if you need to study or work.
• Family Link: With this function, the family stays connected. So you can control how long and which apps are used by your children. You can also restrict the use and check the location.

Are you curious about the Easter egg hidden in this Android version? Then read in the next practical tip how you can call up the Easter Eggs in every Android version.