Thursday, 31 October 2019

When should you expect to receive Android 10? (Updated November 1) https://ift.tt/32pzc0M

Officially called Android 10, the next major version of Android launched September 3, 2019. The Android 10 update began rolling out to all Pixel phones, including the original Pixel and Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, and Pixel 3a XL.

What about other devices? Which ones already have Android 10, and which ones are expected to get the update at some point? Read on to find out everything you need to know about the Android 10 update schedule.


Key Android 10 update features

We’ll have a complete overview of all the new features in our Android 10 review. In the meantime, check out our video above to see what’s new in Android 10, what new features it brings, all the design tweaks, and much more.

If you’re short on time, here’s a list of features we’ve seen so far:

  • Improved privacy controls
  • New gesture navigation
  • Google Assistant “handles”
  • Accent colors and theming options
  • System-wide dark theme
  • Native screen recording
  • Native desktop mode
  • Grouped silent notifications
  • QR codes to connect to Wi-Fi
  • Google Pay in the power menu

The feature that has everyone talking isn’t even a feature — it’s a name change. Google is no longer naming its mobile operating system after sweet treats. Instead, the company is moving to version numbers, starting with Android 10. Check out our article to learn more about what caused the change and some of the thinking behind it.


Looking for Android 9 Pie update info? We’ve got you covered.


1. Essential Android 10 update

Essential Phone

September 3, 2019: On Twitter, Essential announced Android 10 is now rolling out to the Essential Phone. The company noted the update is rolling out “for select open market customers.” Android 10 should be available for all Essential Phone owners in the coming days.


2. OnePlus Android 10 update

OnePlus Android 10 update

Last year was a turning point for OnePlus in regards to updates. The OnePlus 6T launched with Android 9 Pie pre-installed, while the OnePlus 5, 5T, and 6 received the update by the end of the year. It took until May 2019 for the OnePlus 3 and 3T to get Pie, but it’s a miracle the phones received their third major Android updates in the first place.

Expect the OnePlus 7 Pro to get first dibs on Android 10, followed by the OnePlus 6 and 6T. It’s a toss-up with the OnePlus 5 and 5T, since both phones already received two major Android updates. Perhaps OnePlus will surprise everyone and update the two 2017 flagships with the newest version of Android, even if the waiting game might be a much longer one.

Android 10 launch ETA: September 2019

September 3, 2019: On the same day as the official Android 10 launch, OnePlus announced an Android 10 open beta for the OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro. This is not a stable release, but a good first step towards hitting that ETA we mentioned above. More details here.

September 4, 2019: OnePlus has announced that the OnePlus 6 and 6T will get Android 10 by the end of this month. The company also released open beta builds for the two phones, which are “meant to prepare your devices for the Android 10 update” — learn more here.

September 18, 2019: OnePlus has released the second Android 10 open beta update for the OnePlus 7 and 7 Pro. The update appears to mostly involve bug fixes and small design tweaks — learn more here.

September 21, 2019: Great news for all you OnePlus 7 and 7 Pro owners out there. The company is now rolling out the stable version of Android 10 to both devices.

October 2, 2019: Around two weeks ago, OnePlus started rolling out the Android 10 update for the OnePlus 7 series. However, according to users on Reddit as well as the official OnePlus forums, many people still don’t have the update. OnePlus did say the Android 10 upgrade would be a slow rollout, but that usually means over the span of a few days. At this point, it’s been 12 days since OnePlus announced the launch, which suggests there’s been some sort of delay. It’s possible OnePlus halted the rollout entirely. Read the full story here.

October 10, 2019: OnePlus has announced that every OnePlus device from the OnePlus 5 forward will get a stable version of Android 10. Older devices will need to wait quite a while to get it, but the update will come. The OnePlus 6 and 6T will get the beta update by the end of October 2019, while the stable variant will be rolled out a month later. The OnePlus 5 and 5T should receive the stable update in the second quarter of 2020.

October 14, 2019: OnePlus is rolling out Android 10 to the OnePlus 7 and 7 Pro — for real this time. In a community post, the Chinese brand confirmed that “version 10.0 was paused due to certain bugs” and that Oxygen 10.0.1 is now rolling out. It should reach all devices in a few days — learn more here.

October 21, 2019: The Android 10 Open Beta build is now rolling out to the OnePlus 6 and 6T — learn more here. The stable version of the update is expected to hit the devices in November.

October 29, 2019: OnePlus 7 Pro 5G users will need to wait quite a bit to get the Android 10 update. The company’s global community manager said the update is expected to be released sometime in Q1 2020.


3. Samsung Android 10 update

Android 10 update for Samsung phones

Samsung doesn’t have the best update track record, but the company turned over a new leaf in 2018 when it announced Pie for almost 30 of its devices. Better yet, Samsung mostly stuck to its update roadmap. It took a bit longer than we wanted, but phones like the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy Note 9 received Pie before the end of January.

Also read: Best Samsung phones you can get: High-end, mid-range, and entry-level models

With Android 10, Samsung could announce a similar roadmap. That means Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note 10 owners might have to wait until next year to get the update, with other Samsung devices getting the update at some point after.

However, we did hear a rumor that T-Mobile is already testing an Android 10 build for the Galaxy S10 and Note 10 lines. If true, this could mean we might see an Android 10 release for the main Samsung flagships sooner than we expected.

Android 10 launch ETA: January 2020

September 17, 2019: Looks like Samsung will soon release its first Android 10 beta update. Rumors have it that the company will roll it out in the US and Europe in early October. There’s no word on which devices will get it, but it’s a good bet we’ll see it on new flagship series such as the Galaxy Note 10 and the Galaxy S10.

October 23, 2019: Samsung has confirmed that the One UI 2.0 beta — based on Android 10 — for the Galaxy Note 10 series will come to the US. The rollout seems to be restricted to the regular Note 10 and Note 10 Plus models, with no mention of the 5G variants. Only unlocked phones will be compatible. In addition to the US, the beta program has also been confirmed for Germany.


4. Nokia Android 10 update

Nokia 9 PureView

Nokia flexed its update game something proper in 2018, with most of its flagships getting Android 9 Pie by the end of the year. Some lower-end and older smartphones had to wait until this year to get Pie, but Nokia made it clear it’s taking updates seriously.

Also read: Best Nokia phones: Flagships, mid-rangers, and budget models

Thankfully, things don’t look to change much with Android 10. According to Nokia, it’ll update its devices with Android 10 in five waves. The company will spread out the waves from the fourth quarter of 2019 through the second quarter of 2020. Expect flagship and high-end mid-rangers to get priority, followed by mid-range and low-end smartphones in Nokia’s lineup.

Android 10 launch ETA: October 2019

September 27, 2019: HMD Chief Product Officer Juho Sarvikas confirmed on Twitter that the Nokia 2.1, Nokia 1 Plus, and Nokia 1 will all receive the Android 10 (Go Edition) update. However, it’s going to take some time before the update reaches the phones — lean more here.

October 9, 2019: Android 10 is now rolling out to the Nokia 8.1. The news was announced by Juho Sarvikas via his Twitter account.

October 14, 2019: Android 10 beta builds for Nokia phones have leaked. These include the Nokia 6.1, 6.1 Plus, 7 Plus, and Nokia 7.1. They are internal builds, which means they are definitely not designed for public use. Although there are straightforward instructions on how to flash one of these Android 10 Nokia beta builds to your device — learn more here — we’d advise against doing so if you use that phone as your daily driver. Anyway, if the beta builds have popped up online, the stable versions should be released relatively soon.


5. Huawei/Honor Android 10 update

huawei p30 pro vs huawei mate 20 pro held in hand showing displays

Huawei was surprisingly prompt with Pie, pushing out the update to various flagships by the end of 2018. Even a handful of Honor flagships received Pie alongside the Huawei flagships, though updates slowed down significantly in 2019.

Also read: Here are the best Huawei phones you can buy right now

Unfortunately for Huawei, the company is in somewhat of a pickle. Even though it announced the Android 10-based EMUI 10 beta, we don’t know if the beta will be available globally or only in China. Huawei promised its line of flagships and some Honor devices will get Android 10, but that was before the U.S. trade ban kicked in. At best, Huawei’s update situation is very murky.

Android 10 launch ETA: November 2019

September 9, 2019: At IFA 2019, Huawei revealed its roadmap for the EMUI 10 update, which is based on Android 10. Huawei will first roll out the latest version of Android to the P30 and P30 Pro in November. The update will then make its way to the Mate 20 phones as well as the Honor 20 and View 20 a month later. The P30 Lite, P20 series, and Mate 10 series will get the update in March 2020, while the rest of supported Huawei/Honor phones will receive it sometime in Q2 next year.

October 22, 2019: Huawei has announced that the beta version of Android 10 is ready for the Honor 20, 20 Pro, and View 20. The company is looking for users to test it in Germany — there are 400 seats available. Those interested can enroll in the beta program via the company’s Beta-test app.


6. Xiaomi Android 10 update

Xiaomi Android 10 update

September 3, 2019: Surprisingly, Xiaomi is already rolling out Android 10 to the Redmi K20 Pro. According to XDA-Developers’ Mishaal Rahman, the update is only available in China. That said, K20 Pro owners around the world should expect to get Android 10 very soon.

September 12, 2019: Looks like the Android 10 update for the Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as the Redmi K20) is just around the corner. Xiaomi told AusDroid that it plans on rolling it out in October.

September 24, 2019: According to users of Xiaomi’s Mi Community forum, the stable version of Android 10 is rolling out to Redmi K20 Pro devices in India.

September 30, 2019: According to a Xiaomi support representative (via PiunikaWeb), the Android 10 update will start rolling out to the Mi A2 Lite in the UK next week.


7. Motorola Android 10 update

Motorola One Action back on a table 1

Even though Motorola rolled out Pie to a good number of its smartphones, it took until the last day of December for a non-Android One smartphone to get the update. Even worse, Pie rolled out to one of Motorola’s mid-range smartphones before it rolled out to the Moto Z3.

Also read: Best Motorola phones

We expect a similarly sporadic roadmap from Motorola for Android 10. The company’s Android One smartphones will likely be first in line, followed by its non-Android One devices.

Android 10 launch ETA: November 2019


8. Sony Android 10 update

Sony Xperia 1 Android 10

Even with a struggling smartphone business, Sony’s been quietly consistent when it comes to updates in recent years. That quiet consistency didn’t change in 2018, when it updated its Xperia XZ1 and XZ2 flagships before Thanksgiving.

Also read: 5 best Sony cameras | Here are the best Sony Xperia phones

We don’t have reason to believe Sony will tarnish its solid update track record with Android 10. As usual, flagships will get first dibs on the update, followed by mid-rangers.

Android 10 launch ETA: October 2019


9. LG Android 10 update

LG G8 ThinQ Review against mirror

With the Software Upgrade Center, LG’s poor update track record was supposed to be a thing of the past. Instead, it took until January for any of the company’s smartphones to get a whiff of Pie. Even worse, it took until May for U.S. versions of LG’s smartphones to get the update.

Also read: Best LG phones you can buy

Unfortunately, we don’t think much will change with Android 10. Even with phones like the G8 and V50 packing the latest internals, don’t expect either phone to get Android 10 before the end of 2019.

Android 10 launch ETA: January 2020

October 15, 2019: LG has announced the start of the Android 10 public preview program in its home country of South Korea. The company plans to release the official update by the end of the year. The tech giant hasn’t committed to an international release date yet, but it looks like we can expect the Android 10 update to come to the West in early 2020. Until then, the first device to get the preview is LG’s G8 ThinQ, followed by the V50 ThinQ next mont


10. HTC Android 10 update

Android 10 for HTC

HTC hit a new low for updates in 2018, when the company pushed out Pie to just one of its smartphones. We’d have to wait until June for HTC’s current U12 Plus flagship to get Pie, followed by the U11 and U11 Plus.

Also read: Here are the best HTC phones you can buy right now

HTC’s update game will likely remain just as bad with Android 10. The Android One version of the U11 Life will probably get Android 10 before we’re done with 2019, followed by HTC’s flagships sometime next year.

Android 10 launch ETA: November 2019


11. Asus Android 10 update

Asus Zenfone 6 back here shot 2

It took a bit for Asus to push out Pie, but the company’s been steadily pushing out the update to its phones since December 2018. It was surprising to see so many of Asus’ smartphones on its update roadmap, but it was more of a pleasant surprise. You’d expect phones like the Zenfone 4 to be forgotten, but nope — Asus rolled out the Pie beta in June.

With Android 10, expect Asus to make a similar commitment. That means you might have to wait until the new year to get the update, but at least it’s coming (probably).

Android 10 launch ETA: December 2019

October 22, 2019: According to PiunikaWeb, Asus is rolling out the open beta Android 10 update to the Zenfone 5Z. The update comes with the new ZenUI 6 on top.


12. Oppo Android 10 update

Oppo Reno 2 profile shot of back showing gradient

Oppo remained quiet on its Pie update plans until March, when the company announced the Pie-based ColorOS 6 skin. In China, the rollout began in April with the Reno. Other Oppo smartphones also received the update, albeit in beta form.

We’re not sure why it’s taken Oppo so long to push out Pie, but expect a similarly-slow rollout for Android 10.

Android 10 launch ETA: April 2020

October 2, 2019: Oppo has released the beta version of Android 10 for the Oppo Reno, according to GizChina. The update is only available in China for now.

October 23, 2019: Oppo has announced that it will roll out what seems like a beta update of the Android 10 to a limited number of Oppo Reno devices in India. The update will then also expand to Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia by the end of this month.


13. Vivo Android 10 update

Vivo Android update

Vivo technically fulfilled its promise of updating its phones with Pie by the end of 2018. However, we wouldn’t see the stable release until March. Even stranger, Pie rolled out to only a handful of Vivo smartphones.

With such a strange update schedule, we wouldn’t be surprised if Vivo started rolling out the stable version of Android 10 next year. Then again, the Vivo X27 is part of the Android 10 beta program, so we could see it a bit sooner.

Android 10 launch ETA: March 2020


14. Realme Android 10 update

Realme 5 in hand showing display and homescreen

Realme burst onto the scene in 2018 with a slew of smartphones, but the company’s struggled to deliver timely updates. We didn’t see the stable version of Pie roll out to Realme smartphones until May, a long wait for anyone that cares about updates.

Here’s hoping Realme doesn’t wait nearly as long to push out Android 10. Signs are pointing up, seeing how the Realme 3 Pro is part of the Android 10 beta program. We understand Realme a relatively new brand, so here’s hoping its slow pace with updates picks up.

Android 10 launch ETA: May 2020

September 13, 2019: Realme has revealed its Android 10 roadmap. The company will first roll out Android 10 to the Realme 3 Pro, Realme 5 Pro, Realme X, and Realme XT in Q1 2020. The update will then make its way to the Realme 3, 3i, and 5 in Q2, and to the Realme 2 Pro in Q3.

October 28, 2019: Realme has revealed its Android 10 roadmap for a few more devices. The Realme X Lite and Realme Q will get it in the first quarter of next year, while the Realme X2 and X2 Pro should receive it in Q2 2020. Keep in mind that these time frames only apply to Chinese versions of the phones. However, we expect the updates to make it to other markets a few weeks after being released in China.


Other Android 10-related coverage:


Have you received the Android 10 update on your phone? If not, when do you hope to get it?



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You can now cover your tracks in Google Maps thanks to incognito mode https://ift.tt/2RCwQXa

Google Maps incognito mode is currently being tested.

Update, November 1 2019 (2:00AM ET): Google quietly began testing an incognito mode in Google Maps back in September. Fortunately, the waiting is over as the search giant has announced that the feature is now rolling out for Android users.

The company made the announcement via its Google Maps support forum (spotted by Android Police), adding that incognito mode is rolling out in stages. So give it a few days if you don’t see it on your device just yet.

To activate the feature, you simply have to launch Google Maps, tap your profile picture, and “turn on incognito mode.”

Google adds that enabling incognito mode in the app doesn’t affect how your activity is used by other apps, other Google services, or internet providers.

Original article, September 19 2019 (2:05AM ET): Google Maps has received plenty of love in 2019, but the search company is reportedly hard at work on two more additions to the mapping service.

The company is testing an incognito mode in the preview version of Google Maps (version 10.26), according to Android Police. Google Chrome‘s incognito mode doesn’t record your browser history on the device or your Google account, and a similar principle is in effect here.

The Google Maps incognito mode won’t save your browsing history, update your location history/shared locations, or use your data to personalize the experience. Check out a screenshot below.

A screenshot of Google Maps incognito mode.Android Police

This might be handy if you’re doing shady things or looking for a birthday gift and don’t want someone to see where you’re going (if they have access to your Google account or device). It might also be useful if you’re going to a place you know you won’t like, and you don’t want Google to recommend similar places.

Editor's Pick

Google Maps incognito mode isn’t the only interesting feature coming to the platform though. XDA-Developers has also uncovered references to an eyes-free navigation option in the preview version of the app.

The so-called Eyes Free mode will apparently reduce the need to look at the screen when walking around, as it will deliver more frequent and detailed voice guidance.

XDA also noted references to incident reporting for various situations, such as broken-down vehicles, obstructions on the road, and lane closures.

What features would you like to see in Google Maps? Give us your answers in the comments section!

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The best USB-C adapters https://ift.tt/36qwvyH

OnePlus 7T USB C port SIM tray and speaker

From smartphones and tablets to laptops, USB-C is finally gaining traction as the future of connectors. However, some companies took that to mean they can get rid of other ports folks have gotten used to using over the years, including HDMI, USB 3.0, and more.

If you want to restore some of those lost ports, your best choice is a USB-C adapter. It’s not ideal, but a USB-C adapter gives your device more versatility than before. Here’s our list of the best USB-C adapters you can buy today.

The best USB-C adapters:

Editor’s note: We will update our list of the best USB-C adapters over time.


1. Anker USB-C Hub Adapter

Anker USB C Hub Adapter

First up is the Anker USB-C Hub Adapter. The adapter features two USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port, an SD card reader, and a microSD card reader. The HDMI port supports up to 4K resolution at 30fps, though it also supports 2K resolution at 60fps.

Also read: The best USB-C cables

While the port selection is nice, there’s no USB-C port. This isn’t an issue if your device has more than one USB-C port, but those with the iPad Pro, Apple MacBook, or other devices with one USB-C port should take note.

The Anker USB-C Hub Adapter is available for $19.99.

Check pricing


2. Satechi Slim Aluminum USB-C Multi-Port Adapter

Satechi Slim Aluminum USB C Multi Port Adapter

If you want a USB-C adapter with more ports, take a look at the Satechi Slim Aluminum USB-C Multi-Port Adapter.

The adapter features six ports: two for USB 3.0, one for microSD cards, one for SD cards, one for HDMI, and one for USB-C. The USB-C port supports the Power Delivery charging protocol and delivers up to 60W of output.

The Satechi Slim Aluminum USB-C Multi-Port Adapter is available for $69.99.

Check pricing


3. Vava USB-C Hub Adapter

Vava USB C Hub Adapter

Just in case you aren’t satisfied with six ports, the Vava USB-C Hub Adapter features eight ports.

The ports include two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, an HDMI port, two microSD and SD card readers, a gigabit Ethernet port, a USB-C port with support for 49W input, and even a headphone jack. The headphone jack is particularly useful for iPad Pro owners, since the iPad Pro doesn’t have a 3.5mm port.

The Vava USB-C Hub Adapter is available for $39.99.

Check pricing


4. HyperDrive Duo 7-in-2

HyperDrive USB C Hub

Because the HyperDrive Duo 7-in-2 was specifically designed for the Apple MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, the adapter doesn’t work with anything else. That said, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention this unique adapter.

Also read: What you need to know about USB-C audio

As with other USB-C adapters, the HyperDrive Duo features two USB 3.0 ports, two microSD and SD card readers, and an HDMI port. However, there are two USB-C ports instead of just one. Even better, both ports support Thunderbolt 3 and 100W PD. The adapter features two USB-C ports because it takes up the two USB-C ports on the side of the MacBook Pro or MacBook Air.

The HyperDrive Duo is available for $69.99.

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5. Uni USB-C Hub

Uni USB C Hub

In terms of port selection, the Uni USB-C Hub has a healthy selection. There are two USB 3.0 ports, two microSD and SD card readers, an HDMI port, and a USB-C PD port with up to 100W of input. Standard stuff, but it’s nice to see PD support with the USB-C port.

Where the Uni USB-C Hub differs from the competition is with its removable USB-C hub connector. Other USB-C adapters feature permanently-attached hub connectors, which could lead to concerns over durability.

The Uni USB-C Hub is available for $32.99.

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6. Nonda USB-C Adapter

Nonda USB C Adapter

Unlike any of the aforementioned USB-C adapters, the Nonda USB-C Adapter isn’t a hub. Rather, it’s a miniature USB-C to USB 3.0 adapter. When we say miniature, we mean it. It’s barely smaller than a quarter.

The adapter also features an LED indicator to let you know when it’s connected to your device. Just make sure to not move around the Nonda USB-C Adapter too much, since it wiggles a bit while connected. That said, the adapter is a cheap and ultra-portable way to add a USB port to your device.

The Nonda USB-C Adapter is available for $8.99.

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That’s it for our list of the best USB-C adapters. In the comments below, let us know your thoughts on our list and your own recommendations!

More posts about USB-C



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