Android 9 pie is currently available on Pixel phones and devices that participated in the Beta program from Sony Mobile, Xiaomi, HMD Global, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus and Essential. while all other qualifying Android One devices will receive this update before the end of the year.
Android 9 will help you get things done faster with App Actions, which predicts what you’ll want to do next base on your context and displays.
There’s a new software feature called Smart Text Selection which recognizes the meaning of the text you’re selecting and suggests relevant actions.
Android 9 Pie is baked with a redesigned Quick Settings, a better way to take and edit screenshots, simplified volume controls, an easier way to manage notifications and more
Android 9 brings important privacy improvements, such as TLS by default and DNS over TLS to help protect all web communications and keep them private.
Android pie also features a lockdown mode for extra security, that locks down your device with the push of a button. When enabled, it lets you disable the fingerprint sensor or trusted voice unlock (reverting to your backup unlock methods such as a PIN or pattern).
With a single home button, you now have the option to ditch Android’s traditional three-button navigation and go with gestures instead.
Android Pie mostly focuses on backstage improvements designed to make Android phones work faster while saving battery life through Adaptive battery which prioritizes the apps you use most and limit battery power for apps you less use.
Android 9 introduces tools that aimed to prevent phone addiction. A new dashboard tells you how much time you’ve spent using your phone, and the time spent on individual apps. Users can also set time limits on how much they use a certain app. The new feature comes as Silicon Valley which tries to combat tech addiction.
Android 9 pie has an official dark mode option in the Settings app. Instead of relying on the wallpaper in order to trigger the dark mode, users can now decide whether to always use dark mode, light mode, or let the phone decide for itself.
Android pie also features a new Accessibility Service which makes it easier to understand conversations by dynamically adjusting over 100 settings to boost the audio in scenarios such as a loud restaurant, bar, or concert.
Adaptive Brightness is also a new feature in the new Android software. Users’ phone learns how to set the screen’s brightness in different lighting environments and automatically does it for you over time.
With Android 9, there is a multiple camera support which enables developers to create immersive experiences using streams from two or more physical cameras, such as on devices with either dual-front or dual-back cameras. Examples include depth, bokeh, stereo vision, and more.
The new OS has Work tab in a launcher, this enables one to visually separate work apps with a tap on the work tab to see work apps all in one place and turn them off with a simple toggle when you get off work.
Android 9 now provides the ability for Enterprise IT admins to define freeze periods up to 90 days during which time devices in their fleet will not update the Android OS. This ensures their devices states remain unchanged during a critical time like holidays.
With Android 9, you can connect up to five Bluetooth devices and switch between these devices seamlessly. Incoming phone calls will be sent to all connected Bluetooth devices that can accept, so you’ll never miss a call.
Android 9 also makes use of External camera support which supports external USB / UVC cameras on certain devices.
Android 9.0 Pie brings 157 new emoji designs to the table, also revising many old ones.
References: source 1, 2.
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