Google Rolls Out Last Android Q Beta, Final Public Release Is Just Weeks Away
The finish line is in sight for Google when it comes to the Android Q operating system. The company released its first developer build of Android Q way back in March, and now the final development build (Beta 6) has been released to the public.
With the release of Android Q Beta 6 comes the final API 29 SDK for app developers. Google explains that this final beta build includes all the "features, system behaviors, and developer APIs that you’ll find in the final platform, so it gives you everything you need to get your apps ready."
Google warns, however, that changes made to improve Android performance, battery life and security -- as with previous major Android releases -- may lead to some minor incompatibility issues for app developers. With this in mind, now is the time to for developers to address any show-stopping bugs in their apps before the final Android Q build is released to the public.
It should be noted that Google has been making various changes to its gesture controls during the Android Q developmental period, and Beta 6 is no exception. "First, to ensure reliable and consistent operation, there's a 200dp vertical app exclusion limit for the Back gesture," writes David Burke, VP of Engineering for Android. "Second, we've added a sensitivity preference setting for the Back gesture."
With regards to the back gesture, Google's Chris Barnes tweeted about the new changes, which you can see below:
The behavior of the exclusion APIs are changing. You can request what you like, but the system will now only honour X amount from the bottom (currently 200dp). pic.twitter.com/CXoCvQ5MlS
— Chris Banes (@chrisbanes) July 2, 2019
If you have a Google Pixel device and joined the beta program, you should be seeing the OTA update for Android Q Beta 6 by now. If not, it should get pushed out to all testers within the next few hours or so. If you don't mind doing a destructive upgrade, the you can download the images directly from Google using the following link. Smartphone OEMs that have partaken in Google's Android beta are already starting to push the update out to customers, a witnessed by a timely release for the Essential Phone.
Our team is excited to roll out Q Beta 6 to #AndroidQ Beta users today!
— Essential (@essential) August 7, 2019
Our app will provide you with the update over-the-air. Want to sign up? Get the details here: https://t.co/o6f8tGDdlN pic.twitter.com/tv53azW8sv
Hopefully in the coming days we’ll finally receive the final name for Google’s newest mobile operating system.
