What on the latest android update

WHAT’S NEW

Meet the 13 newest Android features.

We’re making your phone more helpful this season with thirteen new features coming to Android. Like tools that help you get things done more easily. Settings that add time back into your day. And brand-new ways to express yourself. Find out what’s available now on your Android phone.

HELPFUL FEATURES

Built to help you do more. Or less.

Google TV remote

Now you can find something great to watch even when the couch has eaten your remote. Use your Android’s quick settings or the Google TV app on your Android phone to control your tv from your mobile device. You can even use your phone’s keyboard to quickly type complicated passwords, movie names or search terms.

Android Auto media and games

Get on your way faster and stay entertained on your journey with music, games and more from Google Assistant on Android Auto. Safely press play when on the road to get personalized music, news, and podcast recommendations. When you get to where you’re going, GameSnacks lets you play fun and challenging games on your car’s touchscreen.

Accessibility

Tools that make the world more accessible.

Camera Switches

Camera Switches is a new Android accessibility feature in Switch Access that can help those with speech and motor impairments to navigate their phone using eye movements and facial gestures. It turns the phone’s front-facing camera into a switch, so you can choose one movement to scan, and another to select. Pick a combination of gestures that works for you, and customize them to your range of movement. By choosing just two simple gestures, all of Android is now more accessible to more people. Watch the tutorial to get started. ​​Camera Switches will be made widely available on September 30th.

Project Activate

Built for and with people who don’t speak or have neurological conditions, Project Activate from Google Research makes it easy to communicate with Android via facial gestures. Whether you’re texting a loved one, getting a caregiver’s attention, using a voice-activated device or laughing along with friends, the app enables you to speak just by smiling or looking up.

Lookout updates

Lookout by Google makes it easier for people with low vision or blindness to accomplish frequent tasks like sorting mail, putting away groceries and more. This latest update introduces two popularly requested features: handwriting recognition and currency recognition for dollars, euros and rupees.

DIGITAL WELLBEING

Add some balance to your day.

Heads up

This new feature within Android’s Digital Wellbeing settings reminds you to stay alert when you’re looking at your phone’s screen while walking.

Android Assistant reminder hub

At home or on the go, keeping track of your to-do list is even easier—with recurring reminders that notify you at the perfect moment. Just say «Hey Google, remind me to take out the trash every Sunday night.” You can manage your reminders in the hub by asking Google “Show me my reminders.”

Waze on Android Auto

Waze on Android Auto has been redesigned to accommodate maps and instructions first, so you can drive distraction-free. You’ll also get lane guidance, touchpad support and night mode for a smoother and safer driving experience.

FUN & PRODUCTIVITY

More ways to create, share and enjoy.

New emojis

As we continue to provide users with more ways to express themselves, we want to make it easier to find the emoji mashups you love—as well as all-new ones that you might not yet know about. Emoji Kitchen offers more choices than ever before, with thousands of mashups that can express even the most nuanced emotions.

Animated backgrounds in Meet

Animated video background replacements in Meet can help you maintain privacy for what’s behind you while also making your video calls more fun.

GBoard updates

Screenshot SuggestionsNo more digging through your camera roll for a screenshot. Now when you open a messaging app, you can find and select your most recent screenshot right from Gboard.

Smart ClipboardCutting and pasting information just got easier. When you copy text that includes a phone number, email address or URL, you’ll see those key snippets of text suggested in the clipboard. You can drop those snippets into Messages, Maps and more to share contact information quickly or get started on your road trip faster.

Smart ComposeSmart Compose suggests common phrases as you type to help you cut back on repetition and potential typos. Sending and replying to messages is a breeze when you can swipe to autocomplete an entire sentence.

Improved visibility settings in Nearby Share

Take full control of who can discover your device and send files. Choose between everyone, your contacts or no one. You can easily change your preference through your phone’s Quick Settings space, anytime.

Locked Folder

Locked Folder is a passcode-protected space where you can save sensitive photos—so they won’t show up as you scroll through Google Photos or any other apps on your device.

PREVIOUS RELEASES

Dive in deeper.

Old updates, past features, and previous releases. Tools to help you get more out of every moment. We’re always pushing Android forward. Learn what else is available on your device.

FIND A DEVICE

Phones ready for action.

Experience new features from Android on devices made for the latest and greatest.

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Android 11: What to Expect From the Latest Android Update?

Source: Google Images

The latest Android 10 update has already created a stir in the Android circuit. However, tech enthusiasts around the world are waiting for the latest addition in Android’s operating system.

Yes, you heard it right, I am talking about the Android 11 update, the latest upgrade in the Android’s operating system.

The update has been expected to hit the floors in the official reveal of Android 11 in mid-2020, at Google IO 2020 which will run May 12-14, before being released for Pixel devices in the month of September, and then it will be rolled out for other Android devices from late 2020 through well into 2021.

You must have seen that Android 10 has given us a handful of features to make a visually rich and splendid app, but the Android users are expecting few tweaks in the current functionality while expecting a host of new features in the latest Android build.

What you can expect from Android 11?

Here’s a list of expected features, which you can expect to see in the latest Android’s operating system:

1. More Battery Options:

Source: Google Images

Google already offers Dose and a battery save mode for Android users to extract the most out of their mobile phones.

But Google’s Pixel 4 mediocre endurance shows that even battery saver isn’t enough in some situations. So putting that in mind, it would be great if Android 11 offers more battery modes, such as a Samsung-style Ultra Power Saving mode.

Luckily, this feature might be coming to Pixel phones after hints of it appeared online. Now, it is about bringing it to Android phones at large.

2. More Screenshots Options:

Source: Google Images

Android is big on missout the scrolling screenshot option which lets you take the screenshot of the entire web page and conversation thread.

It has been there for most of the Android’s phones out there but however Android users have been expecting this feature to go on floors in full-fledged mode.

Assimilating the scrolling screenshot feature is another feature that users are expecting to see in Android 11 i.e the partial screenshot option.

A perfect example has been shown in Realme UI that offers a rather cool take on this and lets you tap and hold three fingers on the screen to summon a selection box. Simply you can adjust the box to highlight what you’d like saved and you’ve got a partial screenshot — no need to visit a separate editing menu.

Google has already confirmed the scrolling screenshot feature, however, users wish to see the partial screenshot functionality to Android’s 11 wishlists too.

3. Gaming Mode:

Source: Google Images

In the midst of the gaming sensation PubG, which has more than 1 Million subscribers has hooked on the gaming freaks operating Android or iOS operating systems.

With the growing affinity of gaming in mobile phones, Samsung has launched its own gaming zone along with some useful tools, which allows users to have their own dedicated gaming zones.

It would be great if Google can bring a gaming mode to Android 11 or later as well, giving you the ability to seamlessly tweak the display resolution/frame-rate, an option to automatically disable notifications, and quick capture functionality.

4. More Privacy Features

Source: Google Images

With Android 10, we have already seen overhauled privacy features which include revised permissions and a dedicated privacy section in the settings menu.

With the onset of Android 11, Android users are expectant of some more advanced privacy features. The company can take reference from Oppo and RealMe Personal Information Protection feature.

This essentially feeds blank data for the apps that request things like contact lists, call logs, calendar entries, and message access.

It won’t make much difference for companies like Google to add a few more privacy-focused features. Google can take reference from niche competitor i.e Apple, which has a system option that strips metadata when sending images via AirDrop — it would be great if Google implements this as an option for all uploads.

5. A desktop mode

Source: Google Images

Desktop mode is a feature that was first introduced in Android 10. However, it was kept under wraps till the official release. This is one of the features that most of the Android users would like to see in the upcoming Android 11 wishlist.

A desktop mode will always allow you to have a PC Style UI, when your phone is hooked on to a large screen. When you pair up with a keyboard and mouse, you’ve got a PC alternative of sorts when traveling or for office presentations.

6. Optimized Charging

Source: Google Images

Android users have been waiting for an optimized charging solution as it was introduced in Asus with its Zenfone flagships back in 2018.

This will essentially use your past charging habits to adjust the current charging rate. This practice will ensure that your phone isn’t sitting at 100% for ages, resulting in slower battery degradation over time.

You must have seen this solution in Apple and Onelus phones but Android users have been waiting for this feature for their Android phones too. This way, other OEMs don’t have to do the legwork, and battery health across the board should be improved.

7. An Android Beam Replacement

Source: Google Images

One of the best things about Apple’s iOS is the AirDrop feature, giving a seamless way to share local files with other devices.

Google’s Android used to have the Android Beam Solution, but it has been dropped by Google. Last year Android10 showed a preview for Fast Share/Nearby Sharing Solution, as a local sharing option using Bluetooth for the initial pairing process before switching to Wi-Fi to share.

Unfortunately, the final Android 10 release didn’t have this feature, so hopefully, this comes to Android 11.

In the end

So, these are the few amendments that you can expect to see in the latest operating system Android 11. However, there is no assurance that these features will go on the floor as expected.

Still, as an avid Android user, you must be expecting credible features to go on floors in the coming months. Keeping this notion, let’s wrap up the things here and expect the unexpected.

In the meanwhile, don’t forget to check the latest android app development companies in India, which can help you with your android app development idea and execution.

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What is the Latest Android Version? And How to Update to the Current Android OS?

Over the last few years, Android OS has come to dominate the mobile OS landscape with over 86% market share as of 2019. The system provides high-performing and secure usage and comes with regular version updates with new features.

Because of this, many Android users want to know how to check their current Android version and update it to the latest one.

So in this article, we will learn how to figure out which version your smartphone is running and how to install an Android OS update. But before that let’s get a quick overview of the history of Android versions.

A Brief History of the Android Operating System

Google first introduced the revolutionary Android operating system as an alternative to Apple’s iOS in late 2008.

Since it’s existed, Android has had 12 versions since its humble beginning with sometimes even more than one release in a year.

The constant support from Google developers made the system the top OS with almost 3 million apps in the Play Store. This helped switch Android app development from Java to Kotlin and ensured that Android developers were highly paid and quite in demand on the market.

Here I’ve gathered an abridged listing to demonstrate how the operating system has been changing and evolving to provide users with advanced functionality. For much of its lifetime, the OS version was designated by a number and a codename.

• Android 1.0 to 1.1 — Google’s original mobile OS offered basic capability with integrated apps like Gmail, Maps, Calendar, and YouTube.
• Android 1.5 or Cupcake — Released in early 2009, this was the first-named version of the OS. It included an on-screen keyboard and introduced the framework for third-party apps to be run on mobile devices.
• Android 2.0-2.1 or Eclair — Version 2.0 added real-time traffic information, voice-guided navigation, and pinch-to-zoom capability to the OS.
• Android 2.3 or Gingerbread — The 2010 release of this OS focused on the black and green interface as Android began to develop a distinctive look.
• Android 3.0-3.2 or Honeycomb — Released in 2011, this version of the operating system was specifically for tablet devices and introduced on-screen buttons.
• Android 4.0 or Ice Cream Sandwich — This was a unified OS for phones and tablets all released in 2011 which featured a holographic appearance and made extensive use of swiping when using the system.
• Android 4.4 or Kit-Kat — Late 2013 saw this update which lightened the interface’s color scheme and introduced the world to “OK, Google” support.
• Android 5.0-5.1 or Lollipop — Major changes were made with 2014’s upgrade. Google introduced the card-based Material Design standard employed to unify the appearance of items displayed by the OS.
• Android 6.0 or Marshmallow — This relatively minor update in 2015 was the beginning of Google’s patterns of relaying a new, numbered version every year.
• Android 7.0-7.1 or Nougat — 2016’s entry in the Android OS lexicon added native split-screen mode and launched Google Assistant.
• Android 9 or Pie — Google released this last-named version of Android in August of 2018. The most visible updates of this version for users were the large Home and small Back buttons to the user interface and new security features.
• Android 10 — is the last live version of OS and we will cover it in more detail below.

Main Features of Android 10

Android 10 was released on September 3, 2019. It has many new and improved features that are good reason to upgrade your Android OS if you are still using version 9.

Here are some of the highlights of the current Android version.

• Live Caption gives users the ability to automatically caption media playing on your device.
• Smart Reply helps streamline communication by suggesting responses and recommending actions.
• Sound Amplifier lets you fine-tune the audio settings of your phone to allow you to hear more clearly.
• Gesture Navigation introduces more intuitive ways to swipe and pull and provides added flexibility to the Android interface.
• Dark Theme uses true black to save battery power and give your eyes a rest. Some users may prefer it to Android’s normal look.
• Enhanced security settings let you exert more control over the privacy of your data. You can control how data and location information is shared from the same settings area.
• Digital Well-being is a tool that strives to help users find the right balance between work and the rest of their lives. It has features that can help you be more productive or unplug for some much-needed relaxation.
• Focus mode is designed to help users stay focused on specific tasks by minimizing distractions. It lets you temporarily pause apps that may distract you by simply tapping on them.
• Family Link enables digital ground rules to be set and can help parents guide their children’s online activities. Set limits on screen time, restrict content and manage apps for your family.

If you have recently purchased a new Android comparable device, it probably came with Android 10 installed. If that is not the case, these features might persuade you that you need to update the Android OS on your phone or tablet.

Checking Your Current Android OS and updating to Version 10

When you are preparing to upgrade your mobile device, you need to know what is the latest Android OS version that can run on your machine. Some older devices may be restricted as to the version that they can handle.

Depending on the type of device and its age, the method of obtaining an Android OS download may vary. Newer devices will receive updates more quickly and users of Google devices will get notifications when they are available.

Here’s how to update your Android OS. Some preliminary steps should be taken before performing the actual update.

Check Your Android Version

The exact steps needed to perform a version check will be determined by your type of device. You want to get to the About phone information which is found in the device’s Settings. The model number can also be found here and should be noted before you begin your update.

1. Go to the Settings and scroll down to find out the System category.

2. In the System Settings section click on About device

3. Here scroll down to the end of list until you see Android version which means the version your mobile is running now.

If you decide to update your OS manually, here are a few tips to keep in mind before that:

Back up your data — You should be backing up your data regularly. Before an operating system upgrade is always a good time for a backup. You never know what might happen, so don’t take chances with your important data. Many backup apps are available. Get one and use it.

Verify your available space — The upgrade will detail how much space is necessary for your upgrade. Make sure you have enough space or move some things off of the device to free up enough for the update.

Updating the OS — If you have received an over-the-air (OTA) notification, you can simply open it up and tap the update button. You can also go to Check for Updates in Settings to initiate the upgrade.

Note: Some users may prefer to root their device to obtain updates as soon as they are available as well as being able to have more control over the device and what apps run on it.

What to Expect in Android 11

Even though there are considerable technical advances in version 10, Google plans to release the newest Android OS according to plan sometime in 2020. As you may have noticed, the company does not like to stand still.

Android 11 will focus on changes to privacy and security, application behavior, and new features including APIs. The operating system will provide support for 5G and foldable devices, positioning it to capitalize on the move to faster networks. Some specific features are:

• Biometric authentication capabilities to more securely protect your device;
• Restricts repeatable permission requests to make apps more user-friendly;
• Allows temporary permission to be given to the camera, microphone, and location services;
• Apps can automatically run authentication and connect to an available secure WiFi hotspot;
• Expanded camera support;
• Chat bubbles can be turned on and off for individual apps.

These are just a few of the new Android 11 features that the users will expect. App designers will also enjoy the extended functionality they can bring to their creations.

Wrapping Up

Except in very rare cases, you should upgrade your Android device when new versions are released. Google consistently provided many useful improvements to the functionality and performance of new Android OS versions. If your device can handle it, you just might want to check it out.

Co-Founder and CEO at Softermii. Slava has over 9-years of experience in the web and mobile development industry with focus on MVP, mobile development and design.

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