Android 10, has started rolling out to Pixel devices and
brings a host of welcome changes. While Android Pie was more focused on
usability and efficiency, Android 10 pushes the OS’ conventional boundaries by
introducing some notable visual and functional changes.
To know all about Android 10’s features, we’ll need to deep
dive into the OS. And while we work on a comprehensive guide, we thought about
discussing some of the OS’ standout features.
Android OS is changing the way you perceive notifications by
introducing Bubbles. If you are familiar and love Facebook Messenger’s chat
heads, you’re bound to love Google’s new notification delivery system. Similar
to Messenger, Bubbles sports a circular notification, hovering above whatever
app you’re using. You can simply tap on the notification to explore additional
options.
How to enable Bubbles
Well, you don’t need to enable Bubbles.
The Bubbles feature is available on Android 10 update from
Google. If you have updated your Pixel (or any other device, like the OnePlus 7
Pro) to Android 10, then you already have it enabled on your phone.
If you own a Galaxy
S10, Galaxy Note 10, Moto G7, Moto G6, or any other device that doesn’t
have Android 10 update yet, you will have to wait until your device’s
manufacturer rolls out the update for your device.
How to activate Bubble feature on an app
Well, much depends on the app you want to use Bubble feature
with. Apart from the usual messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, Hangouts, or
Telegram, Bubbles also works seamlessly with other supported apps. For example,
we were able to get Bubble icon easily on Google’s Phone app by making a call
and then just tapping the Home button (green icon in the screenshot above). The
GIF below shows how you activater and use a Bubble (on Google Phone app).
What can you do with a Bubble
Well, with Bubble, you have quick access to the important
actions of the app’s ongoing event (a call for the Phone app) while also
being able to use the Phone as you would. It aids greatly in multi-tasking. You
don’t need to look out for the ongoing notification of the app to interact with
it as it’s available right on the screen.
Sharing a contact or photo while on call is very easier now
thanks to the support of the Bubble feature in Google’s Phone app. When in
call, you can simply press the home button, have the Phone app minimized to a
Bubble for quick access, do your stuff, and get back to call using Bubble when
you need to. No need to pull out notification panel for going back to the app.
You also don’t need to go back to Phone app in normal
fullscreen mode to end the call or put it on speaker, or even mute it, as you
get these options when you tap the Bubble icon. See the screenshot below.
Which apps have the Bubbles feature
- Google
Phone
- You
tell me!
Google is being conservating about handing over the API to
developers, advising them not to implement Bubbles unless it’s
helpful/necessary. The company, of course, doesn’t want your screen to be
flooded with unwanted Bubbles.
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