HONOR 10 software update adds Party Mode app, camera/fingerprint tweaks

Not to be confused with the HONOR View 10, the HONOR 10 received a software update today that introduces the Party Mode app, a handful of enhancements, and more.

Starting with the app, Party Mode uses NFC to connect several phones to each other and have the devices simultaneously play the same song. The idea is to have the devices work as a poor man’s surround sound, though the HONOR 10’s mono speaker might make Party Mode a bit ill-advised at parties and get-togethers.

The HONOR View 10 also received the Party Mode app through a software update, so we do not know if this means you can connect HONOR 10 and HONOR View 10 devices to each other through the app.

The software update also included enhancements for the AI Camera functionality within the default camera app.. Once AI Camera detects the scenery, it now shows a text message that indicates the photo effect. The lack of any versatility with the scene recognition process was something we noted in our HONOR 10 review, so it is good to see HONOR somewhat address that point.

Even the HONOR 10’s fingerprint unlock process got a bit of love. The phone now detects how compatible your current fingerprint is and prompts you to delete and replace it if necessary. That will come in handy for those times when the fingerprint sensor might have trouble recognizing your fingerprint from certain angles.

Other highlights include a new theme and live wallpaper, the HiCare app now located on the home screen instead of the Tools folder, enhanced power consumption processes for extended use, and the May 2018 security patch.

The update will arrive as COL-L29 8.1.0.120 and should make an already impressive HONOR 10 that much better.