Android 10: All about the name, functions and system updates

In the world of mobile technology, every major release of the operating system from Google arouses keen interest among users and enthusiasts. For a long time, there was a strong tradition of naming Android versions after popular sweets and desserts, which became a kind of calling card of the platform. However, with the release of the tenth version, the company made a strategic decision to abandon this practice in the public space, which gave rise to many questions and speculations.

Android 10 officially lost the sweet code name in marketing materials, becoming the first version presented to the world simply under a digital index. Internally, developers still use traditional notations to help navigate the codebase, but this remains hidden information for the end user. This move was dictated by the desire to make the brand more global and understandable for an international audience, where dessert names might not be obvious or difficult to pronounce.

Despite the change in naming, this version of the operating system brought fundamental changes in architecture and user experience. The introduction of native support dark theme, a redesigned permission system and new navigation gestures have made interaction with the smartphone more intuitive. Understanding how the platform has evolved will help you make better use of the capabilities of a modern device and intelligently customize it to suit your needs.

Naming history and internal code name

Before the release of this version, Google followed a clear alphabetical order, assigning each new iteration of the OS the name of the dessert with the next letter Latin alphabet. Users are accustomed to Android Pie, Android Oreo and other “tasty” names that often appeared on robot figurines during presentations. With the release of the tenth version, this chain was interrupted at the level of public marketing, although the technical documentation maintained continuity.

The internal code name for this version remained true to tradition and sounds like Android Quince Tart. This name translates as "quince pie" and continues the letter sequence (Q after P). However, you won't find this name in your phone's settings or in the corporation's official press releases. The decision to hide the “dessert” part of the name was part of a global rebranding strategy aimed at simplifying communication with users around the world.

⚠️ Attention: In third-party firmware and unofficial builds (Custom ROM), developers can return old names or come up with their own. Always check the build number in the section Settings → About phoneto make sure the software version is up to date.

The refusal to publicly use dessert names is also associated with localization problems. In many markets, especially in Asia and Eastern Europe, the names of specific Western sweets lacked cultural resonance or required complex explanations. Digital numbering turned out to be a universal language, understandable without translation anywhere in the world. This simplified the process of updating and searching for information on the network for millions of device owners.

Key innovations and system changes

The transition to a new version was marked not only by a change of name, but also by profound changes in the system core and user interface. One of the most anticipated innovations was the emergence of a full-fledged one at the level of the entire operating system. Previously, users had to rely on third-party solutions or settings of individual applications, but now switching to dark mode has become a system function, accessible through the quick settings panel. dark theme at the level of the entire operating system. Previously, users had to rely on third-party solutions or individual application settings, but now switching to dark mode has become a system feature, accessible through the Quick Settings panel.

Significant improvements have been made to the privacy management system. Google has introduced more flexible control over app access to location data. Users can now allow geolocation access only while using the app, blocking background data collection. This is a critical feature for protecting personal information and saving battery power, which was previously only available in the form of patches from enthusiasts.

The navigation interface has also undergone major changes, finally consolidating the abandonment of capacitive buttons in favor of gesture controls. The new gesture system has become smoother and more predictable, eliminating many of the shortcomings that were criticized in the previous version Pie. Returning to the home screen, switching between applications and calling the assistant are now done with intuitive swipes, which frees up useful space on the screen.

In addition, the notification system has been improved, with the ability to sort by priority and smarter grouping. Users now have the ability to customize notification behavior on a per-app basis, choosing which ones can interrupt and which ones should remain silent. Such granular control (detailed control) allows you to reduce information noise and increase productivity with your smartphone.

Security improvements and privacy controls

The security of user data has always been a priority for Android developers, and in this version, protection has reached a new level. A default DNS encryption mechanism (Private DNS) has been implemented, which protects your requests from being intercepted by your ISP or attackers on public Wi-Fi networks. This provides an additional layer of privacy without the need to install third-party VPN services for basic traffic protection.

The permissions system has become more transparent and strict. Apps that request access to the camera, microphone, or phone are now required to do so explicitly, and the user sees activity indicators in the status bar. If an app tries to use the microphone in the background without good reason, the system can restrict its access or notify the device owner of suspicious activity.

• 🔒 Scoped Storage: Limits app access to the file system, allowing them to see only their own files and shared media files, which prevents data leakage.
• 📍 Background Geolocation: Requires explicit user confirmation to access a location in the background, not just when in use apps.
• 🆔 Resettable Advertising ID: Allows users to more easily control tracking and targeted advertising by resetting the ID in Settings.

It is important to note that many security features are dependent on support from the device manufacturer and the version of the Linux kernel. On older smartphones, some advanced protection mechanisms may not work at full strength or may be absent altogether. Therefore, when choosing a new device, it is recommended to pay attention to the presence of a Google certificate and a guarantee of receiving security updates for several years.

Gesture navigation and interface ergonomics

With the release of this version, Google has finally approved a new gesture navigation system, which replaced the classic three buttons at the bottom of the screen. This transition was aimed at maximizing the usable display area, which is especially important for modern smartphones with elongated screen proportions. Gesture control takes some getting used to, but after adaptation, many users note increased speed.

The main principle of operation is to use swipes from the edges of the screen. A swipe up from the bottom edge returns to the desktop, a swipe with a hold opens the multitasking menu, and a swipe from the side edges functions as a “Back” button. The sensitivity of gesture trigger zones can be adjusted in the menu System → Gestures, which allows you to adapt the control to individual preferences and palm size.

Particular attention was paid to the ergonomics of one-handed use. The new navigation makes it easier to reach interface elements with your thumbs, as the main control areas are shifted to the edges and bottom of the screen. In addition, the animation of transitions between applications has been improved, making the interface more lively and responsive. The smoothness of animations directly affects the perception of device performance, even if the hardware remains unchanged.

Action	Gesture	Alternative (3 buttons)
Home	Swipe up from bottom	Round button
Back	Swipe from the left or right edge	Triangle
Multitasking	Swipe up from hold	Square
Google Assistant	Swipe from the bottom corner diagonally	Long press the Home button

For users who are not ready to give up the classic scheme, the system still allows bring back three navigation buttons in settings. However, by default, most new devices that ship with this version of the OS have gesture controls enabled. This pushes the industry towards a single standard of interaction, simplifying application development and interface adaptation.

Digital well-being features and parental controls

In response to growing public concern about the impact of smartphones on mental health, Google has integrated tools Digital Wellbeing (Digital Wellbeing) directly into the core of the system. Previously only available on select devices or as beta tests, these features have now become standard for all users. The purpose of these tools is to help a person consciously approach the use of gadgets and control the time spent in applications.

The central element was a panel displaying statistics on the use of each application for the day. The user can set time limits for specific apps, such as social networks or games. After the set time has passed, the application is locked and the icon turns gray, which serves as a visual signal to stop using it. This is an effective method of combating the addiction to endless scrolling of the news feed.

The function Sleep mode (Bedtime mode) automatically activates the Do Not Disturb mode and turns on the full-screen dark theme at a user-specified time. This helps reduce blue light exposure to your eyes and minimize distracting notifications before bed, promoting better rest. The mode setting is flexible: you can select activation days, start and end times, as well as a list of applications that can disturb the silence in case of emergency.

⚠️ Attention: Parental control via Family Link requires separate settings on the parent’s device. Don't rely solely on the built-in limits when monitoring your child's device, as tech-savvy kids can find ways around the limits.

Focus Mode has also been improved, allowing you to temporarily pause distracting apps. This is useful during work, school, or a family dinner, when you need to be completely immersed in a process or conversation without being distracted by pop-up messages. The flexibility of the settings allows you to create different profiles for different situations, switching them in one click from the quick settings panel.

Compatibility and firmware update process

The process of obtaining an update to this version highly depends on your smartphone manufacturer and telecom operator. The flagship devices of the line Pixel receive updates first, often on the day of the official release. For devices from other vendors, such as Samsung, Xiaomi or OnePlus, the delay may range from several weeks to several months due to the need to adapt the proprietary shell.

Before starting the update, it is strongly recommended to create a backup copy of important data. Although the update process is usually seamless and without loss of user files, power outages or errors in the download process can lead to unexpected consequences. Make sure that the battery charge is at least 50-60%, or connect the device to a power source during the entire procedure.

Settings → System → Advanced → System update → Check for updates

If automatic updates do not arrive, you can try clearing the cache of the Google Play service or the Google Play Services application. Sometimes the delay is because the update is rolling out in stages and it's not your turn yet. In this case, waiting is the only safe solution, since attempting to manually install the firmware without the proper knowledge may lead to loss of warranty.

What to do if the update is stuck?

If the update process is stuck at the download or installation stage for more than 30 minutes, try performing a forced reboot by holding down the power button for 10-15 seconds. In most cases, the system will recover and offer to try again or cancel the update without losing data.

It is worth considering that older devices released more than 2-3 years ago may not receive an official update to this version. Manufacturers usually guarantee support for major OS updates for a certain period of time. For such devices, custom firmware can be a solution, but their installation requires unlocking the bootloader, which entails resetting all data and potential risks to the security of banking applications.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to return the name Android Q or Quince Tart in the phone settings?

Officially change the displayed version name in menu About the phone is impossible without obtaining root access. The system displays the name assigned by the device manufacturer. However, if you repeatedly click on the Android version number in this menu, an Easter egg (game or animation) specific to this version may start, but the name text will remain digital.

Why does my new phone immediately have Android 10, although it came out a long time ago?

This means that the device was released after release of this OS version in 2019. Manufacturers install the system version that is current at the time of production. If the phone was purchased in 2020-2021, the presence of this version is the norm for the budget and mid-range segment of that period.

Will old applications work after updating to Android 10?

The vast majority of applications developed for previous versions remain fully compatible. However, some very old applications that have not been updated by developers for many years and use outdated 32-bit libraries may be unstable or not launch at all due to stricter security requirements.

How to disable gestures and return buttons if they are inconvenient?

Go to Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation. There you will see a switch between Gesture Navigation and 3-Button Navigation modes. Select the second option and the classic buttons will appear at the bottom of the screen. Also there you can change the location of the "Back" button (left or right).