ISSUE 67 • ANDROID ADVISOR 125BUYING GUIDErecent apps screen, which still offers the same app
suggestions at the bottom along with the Google bar.
Recent apps are now displayed in a horizontal list
rather than the older vertical Rolodex style. You can
fling apps off the top of the screen to close them or
swipe down (or tap) to open one.
An easier way to switch between apps is by using
the navigation bar at the bottom. It works like the
iPhone X/XS so swiping to the right will switch to
the previously used app. Swipe and hold and you
can scroll between all your apps, then simply let go
when you’ve found the one you want.
It’s all very different, especially if you’ve become
accustomed to the old way of doing things on Android.
You will get used to it, and you’ll have to as there’s
no option to switch the old navigation buttons on.
Otherwise, it appears that you generally get the
same pure Google experience with the Google
Assistant a swipe away from the home screen and,
of course, no bloatware.
There are a number of new (sometimes hidden)
elements though, including the ‘At-a-Glance’
section at the top of the home screen, which provides
handy information such as upcoming calendar
events and more. Tap on any to get more detail.
Android Pie also monitors how you respond to
notifications. If you clear certain ones a lot, then it
will suggest to turn them off.
Active Edge remains, too, so you can squeeze
the phone to trigger different things. It’s a sort
of hidden feature since the design of the phone
doesn’t indicate it’s there.