Android Q: Smart replies and live subtitling - what's in the new update
New features in the beta release of the operating system include dark mode, live subtitling, and seamless foldable transitions.
Friday 10 May 2019 14:10, UK
The newest version of the Android operating system is being rolled out today, with 21 devices from three brands in the beta release.
A full release with tried and tested features isn't expected for a few months when Q will be given its full name, but those willing to try out Google's experimental offering can expect:
:: Support for foldable phones
:: Live caption subtitling
:: Smart replies and suggestions
:: Dedicated privacy setting
:: More digital well being tools
Android versions have historically been named in alphabetical order after various forms of confectionery, with the most recent being called Marshmallow, Nougat, Oreo, and Pie.
Onlookers have noted that the options for words beginning with Q are very slim (quince has been suggested) and some suspect Google might drop the convention as a result.
:: Support for foldable phones
Android Q is being designed to support everything these foldable devices could achieve, from multi-tasking on a single screen through to adapting what's on the screen while users unfold their phones.
A number of foldable phones have been announced this year, although has delayed its launch after the device was criticised for being too easy to break by reviewers.
Huawei and LG also announced foldable phones earlier this year, with LG's V50 appearing to be optimised for gaming according to publicity images.
A video released by Google shows a seamless transition into the Samsung Galaxy Fold's open state while playing a driving game.
:: Live caption subtitling
Google has also touted its on-device machine learning software, which is powering a live subtitling feature.
There are 466 million deaf and hard of hearing people around the world, for whom Google says "captions are more than a convenience - they make content more accessible".
The aim is that with a single tap the feature will automatically caption any media that's playing on users' phones, whether videos, podcasts or audio messages, even if WiFi or data isn't enabled.
This on-device machine learning software also means that Android Q can provide smart suggestions when users receive messages, including prompts to open Google Maps when users are sent an address.
:: Dedicated privacy setting
Google claims there are almost 50 new features and changes which focus on security and privacy.
A new dedicated privacy section in the settings app will provide users with all of their controls in one place.
A new location section will also provide users with the ability to control which apps they can share location data with, and when.
Notably this feature already exists in Apple's iOS, which has for a long time been seen as the more security and privacy-focused operating system.
Android Q aims to gain back some ground in this area though with an additional update to provide security in the background without users having to reboot their phone.
:: More digital wellbeing tools
Across the world there has been a push-back against the time that people are spending on their mobile devices.
Apple's chief executive recently declared that the company doesn't want its customers to spend all of their time on phones.
Android Q is introducing a new featured called focus mode in which users can select the apps they find distracting - such as email or the news - and silence them until they come out of the setting.
A new dark mode will be included for people who dislike seeing the bright white light of the background.
It will also help families control their children's use of their phones more using the Family Link parental control setting, which can add time limits to apps and even lock the device at night.
Android is the most widely used mobile OS in the world, installed on roughly 76% of all smartphones, including those manufactured by Samsung, Sony and Huawei.
Features in the Q release are heavily configured towards promoting Google's own services - something for which the Android maker has been recently criticised.
Last year Google was fined €4.34bn (£3.8bn) by the EU for abusing its control of the operating system by forcing vendors to pre-install its apps.
It is unclear how competitors will respond to the features included in Q.