Android P is releasing on August 20, suggests trusted tipster
There have been quite a few leaks and rumors about the release of Google's latest Android OS, the Android P. Now, according to reputed tipster and mobile reporter Evan Blass, Android P is expected to be released on August 20. And given his track record with previous reveals, it appears he surely has some solid insiders' information. Here are all the details.
Android P release date: Save the date, suggests Evan Blass
So we know the date. What about the name?
Google will quite likely release Android P on August 20. But surely Google won't be calling it 'P', considering the tech giant's confectionery-themed naming style. According to reports, Google may call its upcoming Android software as Pistachio Ice Cream. However, this could well be a codename used internally. Notably, plenty of monikers ranging from Popsicles to Poached Pear are doing rounds on the web.
Android P is the biggest Android update ever
Android P completely changes the way you use your Android phone. The OS comes with support for a notched display, intuitive iPhone X-like full-screen gestures, smarter notifications, a battery-saving dark mode and a host of other features discussed in detail below.
Android P could help you use your phone less
Android P features a new dashboard that tells you for how many minutes you've used your phone, how many notifications you've received, and for how long you've used each app. You can also set limits on app usage. If you set a half-hour limit on Instagram, the app will pause after your 30 minutes of usage is up and its icon will turn grayscale.
Do Not Disturb mode now justifies its name
Another feature in Android P is "Wind down." Specify your bedtime to your phone and when it arrives, the device will automatically go into DND mode, becoming entirely grayscale (you can still use it). On turning DND mode on, notifications will fully disappear and won't show on the lock screen or always-on display. Only the contacts you've white-listed will be able to reach you.
Android P tries to not bother you with unnecessary notifications
To keep you from mindlessly using your phone, Android P will prompt you to disable notifications you usually swipe away. You can already configure work apps separately from regular apps. Android P is taking that functionality a notch up and allowing users to collectively disable them with a toggle switch. You can also now long-press a notification to get to that app's notification settings.
Android P completely revamps the core navigation of your phone
Android P will support iPhone-like gesture navigation control. There is a pill-shaped Home button, the back button only shows up in apps, and no Recent Apps button at all. You'll now half swipe up to go to an overview of open apps and full swipe up to go to the app tray. These gesture controls work even if you're not on the home screen.
Powering the UI with AI
Android P features a new AI functionality called Actions. They are deep links to apps that can be accessed from anywhere on the phone. Actions predicts things you might want to do, say text a friend or re-order food, and puts direct links for those tasks in front of you. Actions can surface anywhere: the launcher, Google Assistant, home screen, and even PlayStore.
