Android 9.0 Pie is official: here are the new features
Android 9.0's name is now official: it's Pie! The update is now available for download on certain devices, including Google's own Pixel smartphones, of course. Here are all the availability details and which new features you're going to get.
Android 9.0 Pie is already available for download
After many beta versions, the final version of Android P finally gets its turn to land this summer. The Mountain View company also took the opportunity to give it a final name: Android Pie!
When will I get Android Pie?
The new and final version is available publicly right now on all Pixel and Essential smartphones via OTA. Sony Mobile, Xiaomi, HMD Global, Oppo, Vivo and OnePlus smartphones that participated in the beta program will receive this update by the end of the fall! Google is also working with a number of other partners to update their devices to Android 9 later this year.
Check out the new features
Intelligence, simplicity and digital well-being are at the center of this new Android version. Excitingly, there's new gesture navigation and adaptive battery that uses AI to optimize usage.
Android Pie 9.0 includes a new basic interface that uses navigation gestures, similar to those of the iPhone, and smarter ways to access functions usually buried within apps.
Actions directly from apps
Android Pie is able to recommend actions within apps to anticipate your needs.
Easier navigation gentures
Here are some examples:
- Tap: access the home screen
- Long press: launch Google Assistant
- Drag up: access to the recent apps screen
- Full Scan: access to the app drawer
- Swipe to the right: scroll through recent apps
- Back button: go back (only appears in apps)
A battery with more endurance
Adaptive battery uses AI to understand the apps you use and optimize your energy consumption accordingly. The battery is only made available for the apps you use most.
What do you think about Android Pie 9.0's official name and new features?
Pistachio ?! The name is sufficiently uninspired to not attract attention. But that's a taste (!). In any case, the new version of Android brings too few upgrades, unexpectedly few. Do they really have no imagination?
Smartphones are like cars, nothing has changed thats considered as "amazing" in decades. They still have four wheels, a steering wheel and a seat on one side. Any added bells and whistles are used by probably about 10% of drivers. Android makes your phone light up, send and receive calls and check your email. Any added bells and whistles are used by probably about 10% of users. Besides the four basic gestures, U, D, L & R, no one is going to remember a list of gestures..... You'll need a reference card to remember what gesture does what function, and now in which app! Oh, that's right two finger "C" gesture saves my sheet to the cloud. Will there be an undo gesture for Candy Crush!
Ok em "Pie" am I the only person who thought 😯 😧 😬...
So is Android moving away from Material Design, is there a name for the new design philosophy?
Its difficult to predict how the new interface will feel, is it complete shift or just a little nudge?
Peace 🖖
I have a Samsung Galaxy active with Android 4.2.2 and I've been using gesture navigation like about 4 years with Nova launcher. It's unbelievable you guys recognize this as an advance
I agree, playing catch up is never cool. Nova has been there for a long while!