The first Android Q Beta has been released by Google, which comes as a bit of a surprise. There is no Developer Preview this time around, its a direct beta.
So, what’s new in the latest version of Android?
Android Q Beta features
Location Privacy
Android Q offers more control over permissions for location privacy, in all apps. You can allow an app to use the location permission once, or allow it permanently or block it.
Sharing Shortcuts
Google says that the share screen will now load instantly (instead of the laggy mess it is right now in Direct Share), thanks to the new Sharing Shortcuts. Essentially, selecting this option jumps to another app directly for you to share the content in.
Foldable devices
Foldable devices are now a thing, with the Samsung Galaxy Fold being the world’s first foldable phone. Google wants to improve support for foldable phones which includes better pause, resume, resizable (split-screen) options.
Settings Panels
This option will allow developers to bring a pop-up prompt screen in their apps, to ask the user to enable settings such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, Audio Volume, without leaving the app.
Dynamic depth format
Android Q enables camera apps to request a Dynamic depth image which will use a combination of a JPEG, XMP metadata and a depth and confidence map. This will allow the app to offer specialized blurs and bokeh options.
Feedback
You can now provide feedback for the Android Q Beta directly from the OS. You can even request new features for Google to add. This is kind of similar to the Windows 10 Insider Hub.
Android Q Beta download
You can enroll to the Beta program on the following Google devices:
- Pixel
- Pixel XL
- Pixel 2
- Pixel 2 XL
- Pixel 3
- Pixel 3 XL
You will get the OTA update on your device.
Or you can also download and flash the Android Q Beta on your phone manually. Do remember that manually flashed images will not get OTA updates during the beta, or the final stable version.
