Google is working on a new Android update called "Android Q." It'll be the next major version of Google's mobile operating system and is expected to launch in early 2022.
The company has also confirmed that it will be the last version of Android ever, as Google will instead focus on frequent OS updates going forward. This means no more big updates every year.
Instead, there will be several smaller updates throughout the year which are packed with new features and security enhancements. These will likely come under different names to avoid fragmentation and keep software unified across devices, Google will release these updates exclusively for its Pixel smartphones starting with Android Q.
This means that other manufacturers who want to get access to future versions of Android need to work with Google directly to optimize their software for compatibility. One of these companies is Oppo, whwhichas announced that they’ll start preloading Android 10 (and possibly 11) on all new phones from 2022 onwards.
What’s New In Android Q?
Android Q will bring a slew of new features to Google’s mobile operating system. For starters, Google is bringing a dark mode to Android Q which lets you switch to an all-black UI mode.
This will be useful in apps like YouTube, where a dark mode is already present but is helpful in other apps as well when you want to reduce eye strain. Android Q will also bring a new security feature titled “strict site isolation.”
This protects users from malicious websites as it will sandbox each individual page and app so they cannot access data on other pages. Google is also working on a new feature in Android Q called “network security prioritization.”
This feature lets you control which apps have access to cellular data. So if you’re on a limited data plan, or just want to avoid using your data for certain apps, you can prioritize which apps should use WiFi and which should use cellular data. Android Q will also bring a “data cost visualization” feature that will show you how much data each app uses in a given month.
Dark Mode
Android Q will bring a dark mode, which lets you switch to an all-black UI mode. This will be useful in apps like YouTube, where a dark mode is already present but is helpful in other apps as well when you want to reduce eye strain.
Improved User Privacy
Android Q will bring a “Strict site isolation” feature, which protects users from malicious websites as it will sandbox each individual page and app so they cannot access data on other pages.
New Android UI
Google is testing a new design for the Android user interface, to make it simpler and less cluttered. There’s a new, round bell icon that’s placed on a clean white background. The Quick Settings menu has also been redesigned.
It now has larger tiles and looks a lot cleaner. And if you have a Pixel 3 or 3 XL, you can also customize what tiles appear in the Quick Settings menu. Android Q will also let you choose between a black or white navigation bar.
And there’s a new “Text selection” feature that lets you select text in apps like Google Docs with a long press instead of a double-tap.
Redouble-top revamp
Android Q will bring a new Recent App feature that groups apps based on what you were doing. So if you were browsing the web, it would show a group of web apps. This new Recent Apps feature will also let you “pin” apps so they’re always at the top of the list. There’s also a new “Portrait mode for all apps” feature that will let you take photos in portrait mode with any app without having to switch camera modes.
Virtual Assistant Upgrades
Google Assistant will get some new features on Android Q. It’ll let you conduct hands-free voice calls using Google Duplex technology for scheduling appointments and making reservations.
There’s also a new “Natural conversation” feature that will let you ask longer, more complex questions than before. "We’re thinking about things like what are my options when I travel?"
This will let you speak in more natural sentences instead of specific commands like "Hey Google, book a flight to Chicago." Google will also let you create custom routines with Assistant. For example, you could create a routine that turns off your lights when you go to bed.
You can also create routines that use a combination of actions. For example, you could create a routine that turns on the coffee machine and starts playing music from your favorite podcast.