Dark mode is coming to Gmail

There are hints of Gmail finally getting dark mode. The latest version of the app (2019.08.18) shows its splash screen and widget sporting the dark mode colours. If you run Android Pie and have night mode activated, you'll see this. The next version of Android, Android 10, will be bringing a system-wide dark mode that lets you change colour schemes with just a single tap. Apps like Chrome, Google Maps, and Google Play have been prepared for this. And it looks like Gmail is up next if this update is any indication.

Another useful feature made its way to Gmail. It's now easier to swap from one Gmail account to another. Instead of having to select the account over at the icon at the top right, you just need to place your finger on the icon and slide up or down. The same feature has appeared in Google Maps and Google Drive before.

Source: TechRadar

Android drops dessert nicknames for mobile OS

After years of naming its mobile operating system after sweet treats, the company has decided to take a more straightforward approach. Android Q is just going to be called Android 10. Perhaps thinking up of a Q-named dessert was too much of a challenge. But Android's official release is that this approach makes it more "relatable." Sameer Samat, vice president of product management for Android, wrote in a blog post, "As a global operating system, it's important that these names are clear and relatable for everyone in the world. So, this next release of Android will simply use the version number and be called Android 10. We think this change helps make release names simpler and more intuitive for our global community."

On top of changing the name, the Android logo gets a new "more modern, accessible look" with droid prominent in the logo as well. Google hasn't officially announced when the new software will roll out to users. But the company says this new logo will come out in the "coming weeks with the final release of Android 10."

Source: CNET

Google looks to standardize gesture navigation with Android Q

Soon after Apple got rid of its home button and replaced it with gesture-based navigation, Android followed suit. But different OEMs had different interpretations for this navigation type. Google is looking to change that with Android Q. Gesture navigation will be the default with this version of Android, and it'll standardize the gesture system so it'll be easier to pick up. The beta version of the operating system has a new gesture system that gets rid of the back button. In its place, you swipe from the side of the screen. And the main gestures are similar to Apple's implementation.

The upside of gesture navigation is it does things like add function while using less screen real estate and make it easier to switch between apps. But if you're not into using gestures, you can still switch back to the three-button navigation.

Source: Phandroid

Smart Reply is coming to all messaging apps with Android Q

If you use Google’s Messages app or Gmail, then you’re familiar with Smart Reply. Thanks to machine learning, the feature anticipates what you’re going to type before you type it out. With the upcoming Android Q release, Smart Reply will be heading to other third-party messaging apps. Aside from using it to reply to messages, it’ll also anticipate your actions. So, if a friend sends you an address, it’ll assume you want to open Google Maps and suggest that to you. If you’re worried about sending your activity to Google, the machine learning happens on-device, so you don’t have to worry about it hitting Google’s servers. The company has really been rallying around promoting the privacy and security of its users with this next Android release.

Source: Android Authority