Ten years ago, Google started a tradition of naming its Android after the names of deserts. However, the tradition has come to an end this year, when the search engine giant named its latest version of the OS as simply ‘Android 10’. On September 3, Google officially released the final version of Android 10 after several months in betas. 

Tech geeks are theorising that one of the reasons why Google stopped its desert tradition is due to the fact that Android is a global brand and going with a desert name that starts from Q leaves some regions out. However, it’s just the name that has been switched; the statue of the robot will still be there.

The Role Of Machine Learning

Every time a new updated Android comes up, it’s not just the excitement that is high, but expectations of better features are also significantly high. And this time, the new features that Android 10 is going to provide is something that every tech enthusiasts need to know as machine learning is playing a vital role.

When we talk about features like conversational understanding and image recognition, machine learning is one thing that comes to our head. And to make these features work, machine learning has been deployed in the cloud; however, Google has taken things to the next level by making the ML run on devices such as personal phone or smartwatch, or IoT devices. And the best thing is it works regardless of whether the device is connected to the cloud or the internet.

According to Google’s announcements, the company this time has focused on the users’ everyday lifestyle and for that, Android 10 is equipped with on-device machine learning. While there are a lot of features that are also significant, the on-device ML technology is taking the spotlight.

Google’s on-device is mostly focused on smart messaging. Simply put, the on-device machine learning enables technologies like “Smart Reply” to be used for any application, without even having to connect with the cloud. This feature got the traction since February 9, 2017, when Google made the announcement about its “On-Device Machine Intelligence”. However, with Android 10, the feature has become better as the search giant has enhanced the underlying machine learning algorithms in order to provide actionable suggestions.

For example, if you receive a text message where your friend is asking you to meet at some café (simply put, when a user receives a notification with a physical address) Smart Reply can generate a link for viewing it in Google Maps. Also, this feature works with other popular messaging apps too.

Here Are Some Of The Major Highlights Of Android 10

Live Captioning: One of the new features that Google has introduced in Android 10 is Live captioning. This feature lets the user captions videos, podcasts, and audio messages and even self-recorded stuff, all with just a single tap. And the best thing about this feature is it doesn’t need any Wifi connection or cell phone data.

Smart Reply: As mentioned, this feature is powered by machine learning and suggests responses to messages along with recommended actions.

Focus Mode: A part of the “Digital Wellbeing”, the focus mode helps you blocking out distracting apps. All you need to do is select the apps that you want to pause temporarily and tap. However, the focus mode feature is now in Beta.

Gesture Navigation: Google also seemed to be more interested in the “pull and swipe” rather than the back button. The Android 10 is equipped with gesture navigation that allows the user to toggle between apps with just swipe and a pull.

Sound Amplifier: The all-new Android 10 also comes with a sound amplifier that helps in boosting up sound, filtering background noise, and is also capable of fine-tuning to help you hear best.

Family Link: It is also a part of Google’s Digital Wellbeing toolkit, and this feature helps children and families find a better balance with technology. Some of the best thing about this feature is that parents can now set screen time limits, view app activity, manage apps and content restrictions, and also see where their kids are.

The Dark Mode: The best thing about this theme is that one can set the theme for the entire phone as well as for specific apps. And this theme makes sure that the screen light is easier on your eyes, and battery as well.

Security and Privacy Features: According to Google’s official announcement, the company has made almost 50 changes related to privacy and security, giving users greater protection, transparency, and control over data. 

• One can only share location data with apps while s/he is using them. That is not all, the cherry on top is the fact that the OS would also alert you when any app (that the user is not using actively) uses users’ locations. So, you can decide whether you want to continue or stop sharing
• One can get important security and privacy fixes from Google Play itself. So, as soon as there is an update available, get them fixed.
• There is also a new Privacy section that has been added under Settings.