App DND Blog

While the latest official Android version (Android Pie) is not yet fully rolled out, we are already getting our feet wet with the upcoming Android Q release. It’s still a code name and it’s still in beta, but this is what we already learned so far:

A number of permissions controls are getting a major review in Android Q. For example, users can now limit when an app has access to their location. In the past, you either gave app access to your location, or you didn't. Starting with Android Q, you can limit an app's location access only when you are using the app.

Foldable devices have opened up some innovative user experiences and Android is quickly adapting to this foldable phone trend. Particular improvements come in the form of how apps pause, resume & resize. And there is also added support for multi-display app switching.

The sharing feature in Android has always been very slow. In the most recent Android versions, you tap on the share button, and then you have to wait for a while before the various sharing options are finally presented. Google has worked on this issue and in the upcoming Android Q version sharing content will be much better & faster. Google added the concept of “Sharing Shortcuts”, which let users jump directly into another app to share content.

In Android Q, users will be able to quickly toggle settings that pertain to the app from within the app itself (instead of having to navigate to the Android System Settings). For example, a browser could display a panel with connectivity settings like Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi (including nearby networks), and Mobile Data.

More expensive Android devices use multiple lenses to take photos that allow them to capture depth information. This depth data is stored along with the photo itself, and in Android Q, apps will be able to use this information. Photo editing apps could use this for instance to apply more advanced filters that only apply to nearby objects for instance.

Android Q Dark theme: Android may soon get a Dark theme that can be accessed through the Display settings in Android. You can put it on or off, or you can schedule it based on date & time.

No more back button?

There’s a rumor that the back button will be replaced by a gesture (drag the home button to the left).

Warning against older/obsolete apps

Android Q will introduce a new feature that will warn its users against all the older apps. This feature will prevent users from installing applications that won’t work properly on the latest Android versions.

These are the major features & changes that we’ve seen so far. We’ll update this post when we find more info about the upcoming Q release.

Do you want to learn more about how we can help you with your Android app development? Then contact us today. We’re specialized in building apps for all the major platforms including Android. We can build your Android app with native technologies for the best possible experience or we can build it with cross-platform technologies to make it available for both Android & iOS.