Android Q Beta 4 has arrived.
Google today launched Android Q Beta 4, continuing its testing of Android Q ahead of the public release in Q3 2019. This update includes the final Android Q developer APIs (API level 29), the official API 29 APK, and updated build tools for Android Studio, all of which will help developers get their apps ready for the final Android Q release.
The update to Android Q Beta 4 is now available to the Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel, and Pixel XL. You can enroll your Pixel phone in the Android Beta Program to get updates over the air, or you can manually flash system images if you'd prefer to go that route.
Several non-Pixel phones also have access to the Android Q beta. Those include the Essential Phone, Huawei Mate 20 Pro, LG G8, Nokia 8.1, OnePlus 6T, Oppo Reno, Realme 3 Pro, Sony Xperia XZ3, Xiaomi Mi 9, Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G, Asus ZenFone 5Z, Tecno Spark 3 Pro, Vivo X27, Vivo Nex S, and Vivo Nex A. You can find more information on updating these devices here.
Android Q is bringing with it lots of new features and enhancements. A system-wide dark mode is one big addition, letting users turn the lights down on Android's UI so that they won't be blinded by a bright screen at night. A feature called Focus Mode will let you flip a switch to silence apps that might distract you when you're trying to get something done, and Family Link will give parents more control over their kids' smartphone usage.
Other notable features coming with Android Q include Project Mainline, which will allow Google to keep Android more secure by updating certain parts of the OS without requiring a full-on system update; support for system-suggested replies and actions in your notifications; better optimizations for foldable devices; Settings Panels, which will allow apps to show relevant settings in the context of the app so that you don't have to launch the Settings app to get to them; and fully gestural system navigation.
Have you tried the Android Q beta yet? If so, what do you think of it so far?
