Google supports first Pixel with Android Q

By: Ram Christian Agustin and Rhosedel Grace Gabac

Google just released the first beta version of Android Q, which is readily available on Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, and Pixel 3 XL.

The continued OTA updates for the first Pixel and Pixel XL devices was unexpected as these devices are already past their promised support window for new features which at the time was two years from release.

It is still unclear if the Pixel and Pixel XL will also get the final build of Android Q which is due third quarter of 2019 but it makes sense that they would since the outing of beta builds will be rendered useless.

Interestingly, users can grab the first Android Q beta release through the Android Beta program where they can just enroll their device and then receive the build over-the-air. Up until now Google only allowed this mechanism starting with later betas, when things became more stable, and the first preview build was only installable manually, as it was aimed solely at developers.

Android Q Beta 1 is also primarily intended for developers to start testing their apps for the new release, but users can risk the buggy and unstable interface to familiarize themselves. Most of the consumer-facing features coming in Android Q should be unveiled at the Google I/O conference in May. 

The first beta has some new stuff baked in already, such as a new permission management system for location – users now have three options, granting an app access all the time, only while it’s in use, or never. This emulates iOS’ model and should bring users more peace of mind.

Apps will be able to show key system settings in their own context, not having to point a specific part of Settings and then hope users remember to go back once they’ve enabled whichever option the app needed. This takes advantage of the Slices feature introduced in Pie, and a floating UI will show up with system settings such as internet connectivity, NFC, and audio volume.

The Wi-Fi stack in Android Q has been rebuilt to improve privacy and performance, and also improve use cases like managing IoT devices and suggesting internet connections without requiring the location permission. There will also be a high performance, low latency mode for Wi-Fi which could prove handy for real-time gaming, active voice calls, and the likes.

In Android Q apps can request a Dynamic Depth image, making it possible for third party apps to offer specialized blurs and bokeh options. This data can also be used to create 3D images or support AR photography use cases. Dynamic Depth will be an open format, so it might take off.