[Update: OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 7 series added. Essential has released an app to allow users to easily get the Android Q beta via OTA]

Google I/O 2019 kicked off today. There were lots of announcements regarding new projects Google has been working on but one of the highlights of the event was the official announcement of Android Q. Google listed some of the new features coming to the 10th version of Android and also announced partner devices that will be able to run a beta version before the stable version is released.

First, let us run through some of the features Android Q will bring to Android devices:

Dark Theme

This a feature Android users have wanted for ages. Google has confirmed that Android Q will bring a dark mode to Android phones. The feature, when activated, should be easy on the eyes and also help conserve battery, especially on phones with AMOLED screens. Google says users will also be able to configure it to turn on at dusk and also turn on when battery saver mode is activated.

Focus Mode

Last year, Google introduced Digital Wellbeing to help us use our phones less. This year, it will bring Focus Mode. This new feature will allow you to select which apps should be active while the rest are disabled. This should allow you to focus on what you want to do. When you are done, you can resume all other apps. Focus mode will be available on Android Pie and Android Q devices this fall under the Digital Wellbeing app.

Family Link (Parental Controls)

Android Q will let parents have more control over their children’s phones. You will be able to review apps, monitor app usage, and set a time limit for specific apps. Kids will also be able to ask their guardians for extensions when using their phone which can be granted or denied.

Security

Google says Android security updates will arrive faster now. The plan is to update important parts of the OS in the background a way similar to how they update apps. Users will be able to update these important parts of the OS (12 for now) via the Play Store. Called Project Mainline, phone owners will not need to wait for their manufacturers to roll out security updates anymore. Main OS updates will still be handled by the manufacturer.

Improved security for low-end devices

Entry level devices running Android Q will now support encryption, providing more security for them.

These are just a few of the new features coming to Android Q. You can read Google’s blog post which explains all the exciting features the new version of Android is bringing.

Android Q Beta 3 devices

This year, Google is partnering with more OEMs to run a beta version of Android Q. Below is the list of devices (excluding the Pixels) getting Android Q Beta 3:

  1. Asus Zenfone 5z
  2. Essential PH-1
  3. Nokia 8.1
  4. Huawei Mate 20 Pro
  5. LG G8 ThinQ
  6. OnePlus 6T
  7. OnePlus 6
  8. OnePlus 7 series
  9. Oppo Reno
  10. Realme 3 Pro
  11. Sony Xperia XZ3
  12. Tecno Spark 3 Pro
  13. Vivo X27
  14. Vivo NEX S
  15. Vivo NEX A
  16. Xiaomi Mi 9
  17. Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 5G

READ MORE: Google reportedly forms three separate design teams for future phone designs

The beta is already available for some of these devices but not as an OTA yet (at least for my Essential PH-1). You can check here for your devices. You can either decide to wait for the OTA to be available or flash it if you want.

There is an app for the Essential PH-1 on the Play Store that makes getting the OTA easier. Just download and follow the instructions.

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