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Google has started rolling out Android 10 — here are the 10 best new features and updates to look out for

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Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider
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Google began rolling out the Android 10 version of its Android mobile operating system on Tuesday to Pixel devices, including the original Pixel, Pixel 2, and Pixel 3 phones. 

As with the past few versions of Android, there are some new features and updates that may not be immediately obvious. You could even miss them if you don't know what to look for. 

That would be a shame, since some of these new features are pretty helpful. To help you get the most out of Android 10, Business Insider has compiled a list of features to look out when you get the update.

Check it out:

10. Smart Reply gives you useful shortcuts to apps that might be relevant to notifications.

8. Live Caption will add handy text captions to your videos, as well as to podcasts and audio messages, without needing an internet connection.

7. A new app called Sound Amplifier can boost the sound you want to hear and filter out background noise. Quick — and odd — disclaimer: It works only with wired headphones.

android 10 sound amplifier
Google

6. Photos can be saved in the HEIF format, which means they use up less space and look just as good as the old JPEG format.

Google Pixel 3
Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

5. Privacy becomes easier on Android 10.

android 10 privacy setting menu
Google

Privacy is getting its own spot in the Android 10 settings, where all the privacy settings like app permissions, account activity, and personal data will be found in one place. 

That's a major improvement to the privacy settings in Android 9, where privacy settings are dispersed through different settings and you have to find app privacy settings within each app. 

4. You get more control over which apps get permission to access your location data.

android location permissions
Google

With Android 10 you can customize how the apps on your phone access your location data: all the time; only when you use the app; or never. And Android 10 will even remind you if you gave apps access to your location all the time, in case you decide you want to change that. 

3. Android 10 phones will receive security updates like an app update in the Google Play store, making it faster and easier for people to get the latest security updates.

android 10 google play system updates
Google

2. With a new "Focus Mode," you can temporarily pause apps that might distract you when you're trying to get something else done.

1. Android 10 has the option for a system-wide dark mode, which is more comfortable for your eyes and easier on your battery.

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Antonio Villas-Boas was a consumer tech expert with over a decade of experience testing and reviewing smartphones, tablets, computers, smartwatches, and phone carriers.ExperienceAntonio joined the Business Insider team in 2015 as a tech reporter on the news desk and moved to the service journalism team in 2020. During his time as Business Insider’s senior tech reporter, Antonio developed industry-leading battery-life tests for smartphones and tablets, and covered and reviewed hundreds (if not thousands) of products from major brands like Apple, Google, Samsung, and OnePlus since as far back as Samsung’s Galaxy S6, the original Apple Watch, and the very first Google Pixel. This decade-plus of experience has given him tremendous insights into what consumer tech truly stands the test of time and what will be irrelevant in just a few years' time (RIP The Pebble).Antonio is also an experienced deal hunter, surfacing the best discounts on phones, laptops, and smartwatches for readers during sale events like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Previously, Antonio was a consumer-electronics analyst at PCMag and ran his own blog. Why you can trust AntonioAntonio approaches all his reviews not only as a tech expert but as a consumer himself. He reads every word of fine print in the phone carrier plans he reviews, and is deeply skeptical of deals that promise you the latest iPhone model for free. (Spoiler: it might be “free,” but you could be stuck with it for three years.)He largely recommends less expensive and small-scale fixes to upgrade your existing tech before considering buying the latest and flashiest in new tech. Antonio believes his role as the go-to “tech guy” for his family and friends extends to his readers as well; he only recommends products that have stood up to the testing process.Scripps News, NewsNation, Fox 5 DC, NBC LX, and Rich DeMuro’s “Rich On Tech” radio show have requested his commentary and expertise. ExpertiseHis expertise includes:
  • Phones, including the iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy models
  • Phone accessories, including charging cables, phone cases, and protection plans
  • Smartwatches, including the Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch, Pixel Watch
  • Mobile carrier plans, including major carriers and MVNOs
  • Tablets, including iPads and Galaxy Tabs
  • Laptops and computers, including MacBooks and Windows models
  • Computer accessories, including mice, keyboards, and monitors
EducationAntonio graduated from Colgate University in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in history.Outside of workBesides testing tech products, Antonio is also a full time dad to two young kids. His ideal day would be spent on a lake in the Adirondacks.Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.Learn more about how we test tech and electronics.