Although we are only in January, an early build of Android Q has appeared that shows the presence of a system-wide dark theme, revamped privacy and permissions, new accessibility options, and the hint of a Desktop Mode. Join us after the break for more details.
According to the XDA, this early build of Android Q has an option in Display Settings where users can toggle a “Set Dark Mode” on or off. When switched on, the Dark Mode will switch the Settings, Launcher, Launcher Settings, and the Files app to a dark gray hue while the Quick Settings panel, volume panel, and notifications turn black. Even third-party notifications such as download notifications turn black. If Google isn't trolling us, the system-wide dark mode could boost battery life noticeably on phones with OLED panels.
The Android Q build also reveals that privacy is a focus, with users being able to check the individual permissions of every app with the ability to restrict permissions usage to when the apps are open and in use. When an app is using the device's location, a location icon will appear when the notifications shade is pulled down. Pressing the icon will then reveal which apps are using the device's location.
Also present in the early build are a bunch of new Accessibility options including “Time to Take Action” that lets users decide how long to show messages that require action to be taken that are only visible temporarily. The “Time to Read” option is used to configure how long heads-up notifications show that don't require immediate action.
Developer Mode is said to hint at some sort of ‘Desktop Mode' within Android Q which could be like Samsung's DeX, although it wasn't possible to activate the option on the device (Pixel 3 XL).
Other notable mentions include the return of free-form windows support that allows users to launch multiple windows by pressing the app icon in the recent apps overview. There are also changes to the Always on Display function and the presence of a “Game Update Package Preferences” that lets users choose graphics drivers.
If Google stick to its usual schedule, we could see the first Android Q Developer Preview launch around the middle of March, which isn't too long away.
Source: XDA
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