In addition to the new Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, and Nest Hub Max hardware that was announced today, Google also had some Android Q software news to share at I/O 2019.
Android Q Beta 3 was released today, and in addition to bringing some new features, the update expands the Android Q beta to more phones. Previously you needed a Google Pixel phone to try Android Q, but now the beta is open to 21 devices from 13 brands. Here's the full list of devices that can install Android Q Beta 3:
Google Pixel 3, Google Pixel 3 XL, Google Pixel 2, Google Pixel 2 XL, Google Pixel, Google Pixel XL, ASUS ZenFone 5Z, Essential Phone, Huawei Mate 20 Pro, LG G8 ThinQ, Nokia 8.1, OnePlus 6T, Oppo Reno, Realme 3 Pro, Sony Xperia XZ3, Tecno Spark 3 Pro, Vivo X27, Vivo Nex S, Vivo Nex A, Xiaomi Mi 9, Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G
If you've got one of those devices and you want to give Android Q a try, point your web browser at this page to start the process of installing Android Q Beta 3.
As for what's new in Beta 3, Google says that it's included features like Scoped Storage, which will give you more control over files and let you prevent apps from accessing sensitive user or app data. Android Q Beta 3 also blocks apps from launching in the background so that an app doesn't unexpectedly launch and interrupt something that you're doing.
Also in Android Q is Project Mainline, a new feature to help keep Android users secure by allowing Google to update specific parts of the OS itself without requiring a full-on system update from the device maker.
Android Q Beta 3 offers Live Captions, which will automatically caption the media playing on your phone, and system-provided smart replies and actions that are directly inserted into your notifications. Google has also included a Dark Theme toggle that you can find in Settings > Display, using the new Quick Settings tile, or turning on Battery Saver.
Android Q also includes a new feature called Focus Mode. With it, you can pick the apps that you think might distract you when you need to focus. Then when you flip Focus Mode on, these apps will be disabled. Think of it like a selective Do Not Disturb mode. Focus Mode will launch on Android P and Android Q devices this fall.
Google is implementing better parental controls into Android Q as well. With Family Link, parents can set daily screen time limits, see the apps their child is using, review new apps that your child wants to install, and set a device bedtime. And in Android Q, you can set time limits on specific apps and give your kids Bonus Time if you want to reward them. Family Link is coming to Android P and Android Q devices in the fall.
Google has previously said that we should expect Android Q Beta 4 sometime in early June, followed by Beta 5 and Beta 6 releases. A public Android Q launch is slated for Q3 2019.