While most people are still waiting for the Android 9 Pie update, which was released over six months ago, Google is likely preparing to launch Android Q in the near future. We'll call it Android 10.
In fact, the search giant is already hard at work on another Android update, and we're expecting the first beta (developer preview) in March 2019. So what new Android Q features will Google have up its sleeve? ?
Here's what we know about Android Q so far and what features we want next.
The latest Android Q news and rumors (January 25, 2019)
First, we'll always share the latest Android Q news, leaks , or rumors here, then explore everything we know so far and what to expect below. Keep in mind that this is still preliminary information and a very small part of what's to come.
According to 9to5Google Android Q will have powerful new commands that will allow carriers to lock down phones to their networks. Similar to old SIM lock tricks, but much worse. This is disturbing news, but far too early to speculate. Then we recently received how-to videos and the first look at Android Q features like a system-wide dark mode or a theme from XDA Developers . The dev site further revealed some powerful new Face ID contest for Apple.
What you really need to know is that Android Q will build on the artificial intelligence, battery management, privacy, speed and performance of Android 9 Pie and be the best version of Android from Google to date. Expect the first Android Q developer preview (beta) in March.
With that out of the way, here's everything we know so far about Android Quibble, Quesito, Quiche or whatever they call it.
A whole new dark mode
For starters, XDA Developers already know a lot about Android 10. The popular mobile forum managed to get an early build of Android Q running on a Pixel 3, and they're sharing all sorts of interesting information.
The report's most interesting Android Q feature is the system-wide dark mode pictured above. Something we've needed on Android for years. Dark mode applies to the settings menu, notification bar, app tray, almost every other area of the user interface, and can even force unsupported or regular apps into a sort of of dark theme. This last part would be great, as it will merge the entire operating system with third-party applications.
You can turn it on/off as you like, or set it to turn off only at night. Additionally, Dark Mode will improve battery life on OLED screens (like Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel), reduce eye strain, and reduce glare, to name a few.
Desktop mode in Android Q
That same leak from XDA Developers talked about a new desktop mode feature in Android Q. Essentially turning our smartphones into the brains of a computer, which then connects to a computer screen and provides a PC-like experience. We've seen it with Samsung Dex, and even Huawei and Google have played with it in the past.
Better permissions and privacy
Security and privacy are a growing concern these days, and that's not going to slow down anytime soon. In fact, it looks like what our phones do, access or can control will be a big topic of discussion throughout 2019. Whether it's whether Facebook is listening to users with the microphone or which apps can access your location, with or without permission.
Google's Android OS got a major permissions overhaul a few years ago, and they've refined the system with Android 9 Pie. Attention MAJOR changes to permissions , security and privacy that Google will introduce as one of the main features of Android Q. We might even be able to see (in real time) what permissions an app is using at any given time, this which is huge.
Improved smart lock and lock screen controls
Many people don't even know about Smart Lock, which in my opinion is one of the best features that Google has added to Android. Smart Lock lets you skip fingerprints, face unlock, or even a password or PIN when you're in a safe place and the phone KNOWS IT. When I'm at home, Smart Lock disables my lock screen PIN. Genius!
Early versions of Android Q suggest at least two significant changes to Smart Lock as a whole. Make it more useful, safer, and quicker to perform when you've left a secure area or a trusted accessory, like a car stereo, is no longer reliable or out of reach. Google could also extend the unlock period, make Smart Lock more customizable, and further refine security overall in Android Q.
Better FaceID-like security
Android had fingerprint scanners long before Apple, and eventually every phone had one. However, most phone makers are now catching up with Apple's FaceID, which is a very secure facial recognition technology on iPhone and iPad.
However, it looks like Google is planning to do something about it. XDA Developers are still exploring Android Q, and recently discovered what looks like FaceID-like security controls in Google's next version of Android. Now that's nothing new, as we've seen Iris scans, face scans and even 'blink' tests so face unlock can't be fooled with a photo. That said, it's still a weak spot for Android that Google wants to fix.
We don't know too much yet, but it looks like Android Q will bring big changes to security, face unlock, and add tools that other manufacturers can use to make devices as secure as possible.
Built-in screen recording
There are several reasons why someone would want to record what is on their screen. Whether it's games, streamers, how-to tutorials, for YouTube, or just to record a video chat with loved ones. Early Android Q leaks show that Google is at least working on a screen recording feature.
As you can see in the image above, it's not over yet, but Google might add screen recording to the screenshot editor that debuted with Android Pie. And honestly, it's something we expected in 2017.
Other Random Android Q Features
The folks at XDA Developers uncovered a lot of small Android Q features, commands, or settings in their limited time with the software. Obviously, things are subject to change, especially so soon, and some features might be completely missing when Android Q is released, probably in August. That said, here's a list of some cool features we might be getting soon.
Android Q features we want next
In conclusion, we want to go over a few potential Android Q features that we want to see next, think about what Android needs, or think will arrive sometime in 2019.
For one thing, Google needs to fix the gesture navigation that debuted with Android 9 Pie. It's horrible, awkward and confusing. We're expecting some pretty big changes in Q. While they're there, hopefully we get an improved one-handed mode similar to what we've seen from Samsung or Apple. Phones are getting huge and stock Android needs a way for people to use their phones with one hand.
Speaking of features we've seen from others, like Samsung, Google might add a sort of "Google Vault" that works like the Secure Folder on Galaxy devices. Secure Folder is a safe for photos, videos, documents, tax forms, and anything important. Not to mention the ability to run a second version of an app privately and securely in that vault. Like two social media or messaging apps.
Next, we're hoping for scrolling screenshots, better screenshots, screen recording, better volume controls, that awesome dark mode or theme shown above, and support for foldable phones. Not to mention display or interface tweaks to get around notches or camera cutouts in our screens.
We could also see better integration with Chrome OS and all those powerful Chromebook laptops available these days. Chromebooks run Android apps, sync with Android, and you can even send and receive text messages on a PC or Chromebook with Google Messages. However, we would like to see other links between the two.
And finally, how about a complete overhaul of the interface, notification shade, and more. Samsung's new One UI is designed for large-screen phones and we may see something similar from Google with Android Q.
We will continually update this post with more information as it becomes available. Whether it's Android Q news, leaks, rumors, new features, developer preview beta and more. Stay tuned and leave us a comment below with what you expect from Android 10.
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