Android 9 Pie, Android’s latest operating system, was just launched after premiering at the company’s developers conference in May! After months of speculation, Google finally revealed what the P in the name stands for and despite all the multiple names thrown around, the one that stuck was Pie! From the first glance, Android 9 Pie seems to be extremely promising. Here is taking a look at the features this new and updated version of the Android has to offer!

1. Machine Learning

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence is the one bandwagon everyone is ready to jump on, including Google.  One of the key updates in the new operating software is the Adaptive Battery, which understands which apps you use the most and will help you optimise them accordingly. App Actions predicts which app you will use next, based on your usage.

2. Background upgrades 

One of the most popular controversies yet to be proven in the world of smartphones is how Facebook could be listening to your conversations through smartphone microphones. Despite not being proven, Android Pie is going to restrict access to mic, camera and all SensorManager Sensors from apps that are idle for a long time. This basically means that if the app switches to background mode, it will lose access to the phone’s microphone! Furthermore, if an external device is trying to gain access to your camera, an automatic error message gets generated, letting owners know their phone is being hacked in an instant.

3. Privacy a major factor 

In an attempt to increase the privacy settings of one’s phone, the new OS has taken privacy quite seriously. Google is creating a new permission’s category called Call Log, which requires developers to ask for explicit permission to access users’ call logs, rather than lumping it all into a single “Phone” permissions group. As an added safety measure, all Android phones are required to access links starting with HTTPS and not HTTP, making sure the network is safe and secure.

4. New interface 

So far, one of the major differences between Android and Apple was user interface. Up until now, Android had a three touch navigation button. However, with the new OS, the software is now giving way to a slicker one touch navigation system, seemingly inspired from the gesture features of Apple iPhone X. For instance, you can swipe up the button to see recent applications. The thumbnails of recent applications now appear larger with a full screen view. Smart Text Selection has also been improved and integrated within the “Overview” of recent applications. One of the other key features in the new upgrade include Quick Settings, a feature which lets you access only the apps you have used regularly.

5. Digital Well Being

Google’s new Digital Well Being software is the only software part of the new upgrade which will still be in beta phase during the launch. In case you missed Google’s OS launch back in May, this software deals with limiting the amount of time you spend on your app. While it may seem counterproductive for an OS developing system, the long term goals are beneficial. Once fully functional, one can go to the settings on your dashboard and look at how much time you have spent on your phone and what app is taking up most of your time. To limit usage of these apps, you can set timers and enable the “Do Not Disturb” feature, which instantly switches the app into lock mode.

Sticking to age old Google tradition, the new update is coming to the Pixel phone first. Non Google phones like Sony Mobile, Xiaomi, HMD Global, Oppo,  Vivo and One Plus, will receive the software upgrade towards the end of this year. Android One phones like Mi A2 and Mi A1 will also receive the update toward the latter half of this year!