Android Authority | Android Q: The top features we know about so far
Many of us are still waiting for Android Pie to hit our phones, but Google doesn't wait for anybody. The Mountain View company is already hard at work on Android Q, the next iteration of its mobile platform. But what will Google be bringing to the table in terms of new Android Q features?
Take a look at the Android Q features we know about so far below.
A proper dark mode
XDA-Developers gained a big scoop when it showed off an early build of Android Q, highlighting a number of potential Android Q features in the process. The headline-grabbing feature was certainly the addition of a system-wide dark mode (seen above) to the operating system.
According to the outlet, the dark mode applies to the settings menu, launcher, notification shade, and other UI elements. It's believed that the dark mode can either be permanently enabled or automatically switched on at certain times of the day. And in a neat touch, it seems like it's possible to force dark mode for unsupported apps.
A dark mode would be a long overdue feature for Android, reducing glare at night and improving battery life on OLED phones. But the company has toyed with the idea before and not delivered it, so don't hold your breath just yet.
Permissions when you need them
We saw an overhaul of Android permissions way back in Android Marshmallow, and this system continues to form the foundation for Android Q. But we may see a major change in this update, as you can now reportedly specify that an app is only allowed to use a certain permission when the app is active.
This could be handy for privacy-focused individuals, or if you simply want to eke out more battery life. After all, why should that messaging app be using your microphone when it's not even open?
Desktop mode
We've seen both Samsung and Huawei deliver desktop modes in recent years, and it's a pretty interesting concept. By connecting your phone to a larger display, the user interface changes to something resembling a desktop computer. That means a PC-like home screen, a start menu, resizable app windows, and the ability to use a keyboard and mouse.
XDA's deep-dive into likely Android Q features has indeed yielded references to a desktop mode, but more information beyond the name wasn't forthcoming. It's likely that we're looking at a take on Samsung and Huawei's desktop experience, but it could potentially be something different altogether.
A more secure Smart Lock?
Google introduced Smart Lock functionality back in the Lollipop days, essentially keeping your phone locked when it's not with you. The feature also lets you unlock your device based on location (e.g. home), Bluetooth device (such as a fitness band), or when you're carrying it.
The early version of Android Q reveals two additions to Smart Lock. The first option lets you use Smart Lock to extend the unlock period of your device (but it won't unlock your device once it's locked). The second feature simply locks the phone when the trusted companion device is no longer trusted.
Other Android Q features we'd like to see
Google generally adds plenty of useful features to each major Android update, but it's also guilty of being late to the party when it comes to fan requests. Some of the more popular features yet to come to stock Android that we'd like to see land on Android Q include scrolling screenshot support and screen recording.
Another increasingly prominent feature we'd like to see pop up in stock Android is app twin functionality, which allows users to run two accounts on one social media or messaging app. Then there's the biometric safe feature on phones from various OEMs, letting you add files and apps to a fingerprint-protected locker. You can view a few more popular features we'd like to see on stock Android over here.
What would you like to see in Android Q's features set? Give us your desired features in the comments!
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