You no longer have to wait for the upcoming Android Q if you are a Pixel user. Google has released the Android Q Beta 1 update for all Pixel smartphones including Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, and Pixel 3 XL. The thing is, it is surprising how Google is continuing support for new updates on first-gen Pixel devices which have already run over its originally intended support window of two years.
As per GSMArena, first-gen Pixel devices will get the final version of Android Q slated to launch between July to September (Q3, 2019) after a series of beta updates are launched via OTA updates. Further, Pixel users to try out the Beta 1 Android Q build simply by enrolling their device hereafter which, they will receive an update via OTA. As of now, the first beta will be buggy and unstable as it is meant for developers. We will get to know the bugs overtime when Google rectifies it and offers a more stable Beta 2 update later followed by three other updates and finally, the official launch slated in Q3, 2019.
Android Q will bring a stack load of features with it including a system-wide dark mode that will run across all apps and processes. Further, it has revamped the permission-based system wherein the user will be able to independently control all the services used by apps and grant access or deny it as well. The user can choose which services an app can use and he/she can set whether the permission will be granted always or when the app is in use or never.
Moving further, Android Q has revamped Slices feature updating the user interface as well. The connectivity feature including services like mobile data, Wifi, NFC, etc will be available on a single click without leaving an app to access it. The upcoming Android version will allow keeping apps running in the background and foreground as well. It will prevent apps running in the background and would allow apps to follow a high priority notification mode when user’s attention is needed and the app will directly display on the screen so that the user can take care of what it needs.
Android Q will introduce picture-in-picture mode as well and will support conversion from small screen to the big screen thanks to the onset of foldable displays. Since Android Q has been optimized to resize apps according to the available screen size, it will be fluid and smooth in this operation that would otherwise cause a lot of lag.
The upcoming version will include Sharing Shortcuts feature as well that will allow users to share content from one app to another simply by tapping on the Share button which is simply an advanced version of what Sharing feature you see on Android Pie now. Further, the platform will support AR functionality where the OS will be able to take depth metadata supporting the Dynamic Depth Image feature that would allow the user to render a photo in various bokeh options and AR applications as well.
Google Pixel devices will be the first to support stable and final Android Q version later this year sometime between July and September 2019 followed by other brands such as OnePlus which is known to act on Android updates quicker than any other smartphone brand and finally, other brands including Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, LG, Motorola, and others.
