Android Q is the tentative name of Android version 10.0, which is expected to launch after the summer. In fact, its real name has not been released yet. All that is known is that it will be the name of a dessert, as has become tradition. Last year's version, in fact, was called Pie, while the year before took the name of a famous cookie: Oreo.
Before the arrival of the final version will be released several betas, which will allow users who want to try the new features of Android Q in preview. The first beta was released in March this year, while the second beta was released in early April. The third beta is scheduled to be released in May, the fourth beta will be released in June, two more betas are scheduled to be released between July and September, and then it will finally be time for the release of the final version.
On this page we will explain how to download and activate Android Q so that you can try and test the Android Q Beta 2 version. Also, we'll introduce you to some of the new features just from the second Beta version that's currently available.
Android Q: compatible smartphones and how to download it
Before we see what's new regarding Android Q Beta 2, let's quickly see how to download and install Android Q on compatible Pixels. The new Beta version of Android Q is finally available and you can download it to try it on the new third-generation Google Pixel smartphones, but also of the previous two. Per averla a tua disposizione ti bastano pochi passaggi.
I dispositivi compatibili con Android Q
Non tutti i dispositivi sono compatibili con Android Q, perciò occorre prima verificare i requisiti necessari se si vuole testare il nuovo sistema operativo. Ecco l’elenco di tutti i dispositivi con cui puoi provare la beta di Android Q:
- Google Pixel;
- Google Pixel XL;
- Google Pixel 2;
- Google Pixel 2 XL;
- Google Pixel 3;
- Google Pixel 3 XL.
Ma Android Q è stata reso disponibile anche su dispositivi non Google. Ecco quali sono:
- Asus ZenFone 5Z;
- Essential PH-1;
- HMD Global Nokia 8.1;
- Huawei Mate 20 Pro;
- LG G8 ThinQ;
- OnePlus 6T;
- Oppo Reno;
- Realme 3 Pro;
- Sony Xperia XZ3;
- Tecno Spark 3Pro;
- Vivo X27;
- Vivo NEX S;
- Vivo NEX A;
- Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G;
- Xiaomi Mi 9.
How to download Android Q
After checking the requirements, you need to backup your Android smartphone so that your data is safe. To make the backup, you need to go into Settings, System and Backup. Make sure that data backup is enabled, if not, enable it so that the operation is done successfully and so that you don't risk losing your data, such as messages, photos, videos, call history and everything you have on your smartphone and you care to keep.
Now let's see how to download and install Android Q. The process of getting the Beta versions on your Pixel is very simple. You just need to be enrolled in the public testing program. This program allows you to try Android versions before they are released and test new features. Registered devices automatically receive updates to the latest beta version.
If you have a Pixel device, Google allows you to access the Beta program through a Google account and choose the smartphone on which you want to install the operating system. After selecting the Register button, Android Q downloads directly via Wi-Fi to your smartphone. In case you encounter problems you can always reinstall the previous version of Android. If you are an expert, you can choose to install the Beta version of Android Q by flashing Factory Images, but this option is recommended only if you are a developer or if you are familiar with flashing Android ROMs.
Android Q Beta 2: what's new
Google has released Android Q Beta 2 for all Pixel series smartphones. This new version has some very interesting new features. Among them are the new Bubbles and a new management of apps in windows that resembles the Chat Head of Facebook Messenger.
The Bubbles for updates and notifications
How have the Bubbles changed? This is a radical change in how multitasking is handled on Android. In fact, background apps in this new version play a small circular icon on the smartphone screen when you get a notification. Once you press on the icon, the app will open in a small window, which has the shape of a comic strip, and the keyboard will also open to allow you to quickly reply to the message you've received.
This feature can be useful just when you get a new message, allowing you to reply to the sender without taking up the whole screen and interrupting what you were possibly doing with your device. This solution will not only work with messages and messaging apps, but it will offer users the ability to conveniently view everything that arrives on their smartphone, such as updates, notifications about incoming calls or arrival times. In this way, the Bubbles, according to Mountain View's company's intentions, allow quick access to interfaces that can be simplified, for example, regarding notes and translations, and can also provide visual reminders.
As they are designed, the Bubbles are configured as a more effective method than the split screen to manage multi-window on Android, which is not always very comfortable on smartphones. But the noteworthy new features don't end there in the second version of Android Q.
A new navigation system
The main novelty concerns switching between apps. Now a simple swipe to the right or left is all that's needed, and gone is the scroll bar that allowed you to move through the carousel of apps. You can use this feature while you're inside an app. When you're on the homepage, however, you'll have to swipe up.
Media Progress Bar
Android Q Beta 2 has added an interactive progress bar dedicated to apps that play music and videos, such as Play Music, YouTube, and Spotify. This solution gives you more and more control over music playback without having to interact with the app. The bar allows you to skip forward or backward through the song.
Pop up volume management
This new feature impacts the management of different levels that can be done from any app without having to access the settings menu. How does it work? Once you have pressed one of the buttons to adjust the volume and the new icon located at the bottom of the indicator, you can access a pop up that allows you to manage the level of the ringtone, alarm and call volume. Once you have set the levels you want, just press the Finish button to save the changes.
Dual SIM Dual Standby
This is a new feature that allows devices to simultaneously use the physical SIM installed in the smartphone and the built-in eSIM. With this mode, the two SIMs remain active at all times and can receive messages and calls: when one of the two cards is active, the other goes into standby mode. You will be able to take advantage of this novelty when the possibility of activating the new eSIMs will be introduced in our country as well.
Customizing your smartphone with Pixel Themes
This application could offer the possibility to customize your smartphone in a more effective way. The customizations involve changing the background colors, changing the font and the shape of the icons. Pixel Themes should therefore be a kind of hub that will allow easier access to a whole range of customizations.
Custom swipe to clear notifications
This option allows you to choose the direction of the swipe to clear notifications and access dedicated settings. To access the feature you have to follow this path: Settings > Apps & Notifications > Notifications > Advanced > Swipe Actions. In this way you can decide to use the swipe in a certain direction to delete notifications in a single gesture.
Functionality of Scoped Storage
The theme of privacy is increasingly dear to users, who prefer smartphones and operating systems that respect their privacy. On this Beta version the Scoped Storage feature is active, which should guarantee even more privacy to users, who will have even more control.
Support for foldable devices
With the new SDK related to Beta 2 it is possible to test applications on specific emulators that simulate the behavior of foldable devices. Google, in fact, is very interested in the arrival of the new foldable smartphones and is developing special functions. For example, the vertical split-screen mode is just the beginning of the support for foldable devices with Android OS.
If you are curious to try all these novelties, you just need to download Android Q Beta 2 on Google Pixel. This way you can preview the new features on your device and get a better idea of what Android version 10.0 will be like. If you're the curious type and you never miss a new technology, you shouldn't miss this opportunity. And then remember that for the final version of Android Q there is still time. Will you be able to wait without having a look at what the house of the green robot is up to?