Android Q What's New ?- It's Beta Release Plan

Android 10 Q (API 29) : is the tenth major version of the Android operating system. It was first announced by Google on March 13, 2019, and the first beta was released on the same day. The second beta (the first incremental update) was released on April 3, 2019. 

Highlight Feature:

• New permissions to access location in background and to access photo, video and audio files.
• Background apps can no longer jump into the foreground.
• Limited access to non-resettable device identifiers.
• Sharing shortcuts, which allow sharing content with a contact directly.
• Floating settings panel, that allow changing system settings directly from apps.
• Dynamic depth format for photos, which allow changing background blur after taking a photo.

Foldable Phone Support

Android Q is supporting the Android devices with foldable displays with a major update in terms of battery life.Mostly support Samsung Galaxy F.

Multi-Resume Feature

Multi-resume feature which is upgraded version of what we have been experiencing under the name of, “Split Screen” and “Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode”.Its Enable users to use all the split app screens in active mode. In other words, it won’t be like all apps in the background will go inactive/sleep mode while we are interacting with an app.All the apps will run simultaneously, independent of our interaction with the other opened app screens. This will enable the present generation to enjoy working with multiple apps on their smartphones, i.e., do multitasking.

Warning against Older Apps

Android Q has introduced the feature of warning users against older apps. This new Android Q feature informs the user that they are installing an app based on Lollipop or earlier and that it won’t be able to employ the latest features of the smartphone.

this way, prevent them from installing an application that won’t work efficiently on the latest Android OS and have an unpleasant experience .

Vulkan API for UI Rendering

Vulkan API:It is an effective low-overhead, compute and cross-platform 3D graphics API.

Treble compatibility

The tech giant will aid the users with the opportunity to flash GSI (generic system images) on any Android device running on Android Q and enjoy faster software updates.

Earlier Access to Android Q for Testing

The Android Q source code is will be shared with Android developers and users through an OTA (Over-the-Air) approach. The tech giant will request the interested users to register for testing Android 10 beta and once done, the beta update will be rolled out on their devices.

Dark Mode

Android Q dark mode is another exciting addition to the features that we will observe on upcoming Android version. This feature, as confirmed by Google, cuts down the battery consumption on devices with OLED screens and enables the users to enjoy more productive hours on their devices.

Better Smart Locks

Android 10 beta version is also highlighting the arrival of two new smart locks. The first type enables us to increase the unlock time period of our Android device, provided it is already unlocked. And the second type of smart locks when the trusted device is no longer trusted, resulting in boosted privacy and security.

Facial Recognition

Android 10 is also coming up with facial recognition functionality. This enables users to easily unlock their device, log in to different apps and even place an order. Also, it encourages brands to integrate facial recognition technology into their app tech stack and leverage higher benefits.

Native Screen Recording

Android Q native screen recording feature offers multiple controls in the notification shade, while it seeks for our permission in the first time.Besides, it also provides with an opportunity to record a voice-over that goes well with a video clip.

Permissions

 The new Android OS version gives users an opportunity to have a comprehensive look at the apps having access to native device features such as location, camera, microphone access, etc. through a search function.The users are also entitled to change the permission setting of each application individually. Additionally, they can customize the settings, signifying they can decide if to provide the access ‘all the time’, ‘for once’ or ‘only when the app is in use’ etc.

Seamless Notification Access

Android Q Enhance to the notification setting. Now, the notifications doesn’t fade away unless we perform an action on them – even when the device is restarted. In other words, the notifications remains on the screen till our slide the notification towards the left to open the icons or towards the right to dismiss them.

Sharing Shortcuts

Google has also simplified the sharing procedure in Android OS. They have introduced a new ‘Sharing Shortcuts’ feature in Android Q that will enable users to directly switch to another application to share images, videos, etc.

Carrier Control

Android 10.0 (Android Q) is also bringing a significant difference in how mobile networks carriers dominate our SIM cards. The successor of Android Pie lets the network carriers decide which SIM card will work with a specific mobile device and which not, implying a list of “allowed” and “excluded” carriers that can be employed to block things like MVNOs even on the smartphones favoring the main carrier will be created,carriers are empowered to restrict the functionalities of SIM in the second slot if the SIM card in the first slot is not from an approved carrier.

Accessibility on Desktop

Android Q this feature makes it possible for the users to connect their smartphones with their desktops and access all of its characteristics. This means a PC-like home screen, resizable app windows and access to keyboard and mouse is now possible.

Android Q Release Plan

The Android Q Beta program runs from 13 March 2019 until the final public release to AOSP and OEMs, planned for Q3 2019. Each includes SDK tools, Beta system images, emulators, API reference, and API diffs. The milestones are listed below.

• Beta 1 (initial release, beta)
• Beta 2 (incremental update, beta)
• Beta 3 (incremental update, beta)
• Beta 4 (final APIs and official SDK, Play publishing, beta)
• Beta 5 (release candidate for testing)
• Beta 6 (release candidate for final testing)
• Final release to AOSP and ecosystem

The first three Beta milestones provide an early test and development environment that help us identify compatibility issues in our current apps and plan migration or feature work needed to target the new platform. This is the priority period in which to give us our feedback on features and APIs and file compatibility issues — for all of these releases.

At Beta 4 we shall have access to the final APIs and SDK to develop with, as well as updated beta system images to test system behaviors and features. Android Q will provide a standard API level at this time. we can begin final compatibility testing of our legacy apps and refine any new code that is using the APIs or features.

Also starting in Beta 4, we’ll be able to publish apps to devices running Android Q at the official API level, such as consumer devices that have opted into the Android Beta program. we can publish into the Google Play alpha and beta channels first, we can test our apps with Android Beta consumers before distributing broadly on the store.

At Beta 5 and 6 we’ll have release candidate builds—which include the final APIs and near-final system images—for development and testing.