Android Q Public Beta, Rolling Out To Google Pixel Devices

Android Q is the latest Android OS version by Google. With some advanced features and latest tech device compatibility. Google released the first beta version of the Android Q today.

You can download and run Android Q on all Google Pixel devices, to get Android Q on your Google Pixel device, you need to be a part of the Google Android Beta program.

How to Download Android Q:

Once you are a part of Google's Beta program, you will receive the build over the air. Android Beta program users can enroll Google Pixel devices from the source link below. 



What's new in Android Q:

Privacy: Google introduced new privacy and security policy with Android Q to enhance privacy for OS controls, file-based encryption, Google Play Protect, and more. With Android, Q Google has also provided options to control an apps' access to photos, videos or audio collections via new runtime permissions feature. Also, apps that access downloaded files on your device have to now go through the system file picker. Android Q has a unique real-time running feature which will prevent any background app from launching an activity unless it is essential, such as alarms or an incoming call.


Control over location: Android Q will give you more control over the location sharing. With Android Q, the user will have the option to provide app permission to use location all the time, only when the app is in use, or never. This is an extraordinary feature I found which will help your phone to save better and internet data.

Device location access and foldable screen support : With new folding smartphones support one can let two apps work simultaneously, and to notify the app when it has focus. Apart from that, Google will also give you to decide how your app is shown on foldable screens. We should hear more on that in the upcoming betas.

Sharing shortcuts: Android Q with a new shortcut feature in Android Q user can jump directly into another app for sharing content using a feature called Sharing Shortcuts. Also, the next Android version will include a new settings panel which will let you see key system settings such as Wi-Fi connection, network, and aeroplane mode on third party apps via a floating window. 

Dynamic Depth Image: With new Android Q image feature, apps can request a 'dynamic Depth Image' which allows you to use specialized blurs and bokeh options as well as enjoy 3D images and support for AR photography.


Source: Android Beta program

Android 9 Pie, Rolling Out To Google Pixel Devices

Google has revealed that Android 9 will be called Pie and made Android 9 available to its Pixel branded phones. Android Pie makes use of artificial intelligence to anticipate user actions. For example, it includes adaptive battery and adaptive brightness. Together, this will adjust the settings throughout the day to reduce power drain while making sure users have access to the phone’s full power. App Actions predict what users are likely to do next based on their context and displays that action on the phone. 

Android Pie introduces new navigational gestures that rely on swiping and flicking a small pill that appears at the bottom of the screen. The smart text selection tool now transports text more easily between apps, while the tweaked Quick Settings bar offers a better way to take and edit screenshots. The new dashboard is meant to help you use the phone less. Which includes an app timer, wind down, and an improved do not disturb mode to make sure people spend time away from their phone without interruptions. 

These well being tools are only available in beta, and currently requires a beta invite from Google (Digital Wellbeing beta link). The new Android 9 OS also includes a number of security improvements, such as a more secure way to handle biometrics. Google is distributing Android 9 Pie to Google Pixel, Google Pixel XL, Google Pixel 2, and Google Pixel 2 XL devices via an over the air download. Android 9 will also reach select phones from Sony, Xiaomi, HMD Global, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, and Essential (Essential PH-1 Android 9 release), as well as all qualifying Android One devices later this fall.


Source: Google 

Final Android P Dev Preview Goes Live, Official Android P Coming Soon!

Android P is almost here! As Google puts the finishing touches on the updated platform, today Google and Essential bringing us Android P Beta 4.

Android P Beta 4 is the last preview milestone before Google launches the official Android P platform later this summer. Google says to take this opportunity to test your apps and publish updates, to make sure you offer a great experience for users transitioning to Android P!

What's in this update?

Today's Android P Beta 4 update includes a release candidate build with final system behaviors and the official Android P APIs (API level 28), available since Android P Beta 2. It includes everything you need to wrap up your testing in time for the upcoming official Android P release. Visit the Developer Preview site for details and check out the what's new in Android P Developer Preview video for more on what's new in Android P for developers at the source link below.

How do I get Android P Beta 4?

It's easy, you can get Android P Beta 4 on Google Pixel and Essential PH-1 devices by enrolling at the source links below. If you're already enrolled in our Android Beta program you'll automatically get the Android P Beta 4 update soon. As always, downloadable system images for Google Pixel and Essential PH-1 devices are also available (source links below). Partners who are participating in the Android P Beta program will also be updating their devices to Android P Beta 4 over the coming weeks.


Source: Android P Developer Preview site, Android P Developer Preview download link, What's New in the Android P Developer Preview

System Images: Google Pixel devices, Essential PH-1

Google Rolls Out Android P Developer Preview 4

Google's Android P Developer Preview Beta 4 is available now if you have a Google Pixel, Google Pixel XL, Google Pixel 2, Google Pixel 2 XL, and Essential PH-1. Today Google has announced Android P Beta 4, an early release candidate build which comes with near final system behaviors.

The official Android P APIs have been finalized with the previous Android P Beta and Android P Beta 4 seems to be all about bug fixes and minor improvements. No major new features have been added in the newest Android P Beta, Google keeps on polishing the software ahead of its graduation from beta to stable which is said the released in August or September.

System images are up for grabs if you want to manually flash your Pixel's or Essential PH-1. If you've been running Android P Beta 2 on your device you'll see an over the air update notification in the next few days. If you haven't joined Google's Android Beta Program and want to do so now head on over to the Android P Beta source link below. Once you enroll a supported device you'll receive an OTA update that will install the latest beta.


Source: Android Beta Program, Essential PH-1 Developer Beta

Android P Developer Preview Beta 2, Now Available For Google's Pixel Handsets

Android P Developer Preview Beta 2 has been released by Google. Android P Developer Preview Beta 2 devices include the Google Pixel, Google Pixel XL, Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel 2 XL. To receive the update OTA you need to enroll your Pixel in the Android Beta Program by following the source link OTA/flash. You can also flash the factory image if your Pixel has an unlocked bootloader. 

Android P Developer Preview Beta 2 includes the final Android P APIs and an updated SDK. While Pixel owners can install the update keep in mind that it really is aimed at developers only, and could be buggy. 

If you're interested in loading Android P Developer Preview Beta 2 on your Pixel device via an OTA update or flashing it using a factory image, click on the source links.

One major change includes the "clear all" button once you swipe to the left while in the app switcher. The update also includes the June 5, 2018 Android security patch.

If you don't have a Pixel, keep checking in. Google could soon release the Android P developer preview beta 2 to non-Pixel devices such as the OnePlus 6, Essential Phone, Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S, Sony Xperia XZ2, Nokia 7 Plus, Oppo R15 Pro, Vivo X21 and the Vivo X21 UD.


Source: Android Developer blog, Google Android Beta Program

Android P Developer Preview, Now Available

Android P is now available as a Developer Preview! It’s currently available to the Google Pixel, Google Pixel XL, Google Pixel 2, and Google Pixel 2 XL at this time.

This is the first Android P build and is labeled as an “alpha” release. It’s for developers here, rather than being used as a daily driver.

Remember this is not a beta, so this isn’t available in the Android Beta Program. Follow the source links for install instructions and file downloads.


Source: Instructions and factory images

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL's Portrait Mode Has Been Ported To Non-Google Devices Running Oreo (APK Download)

Google Camera modder Charles Chow has created a modded Google Camera APK with portrait mode on board for the first-generation Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL, the Google Nexus 6P, and Google Nexus 5X. Chow is well-known in the Android community for porting newer features to older phones. 

Charles Chow's explanation of Camera NX is more complicated than he lets on, but to the end user portrait mode simply replaces the lens blur mode. Taking a photo in this mode will produce two images: one HDR+ photo with zero shutter lag, and one with the portrait effect applied.

To get this feature on your Google Pixel, Google Pixel XL, Google Nexus 6P, or Google Nexus 5X, simply download Camera NX v7.3 via the source link below. Charles Chow's version of Camera NX is based off of Google Camera 5.1.016, which is the most recent Google Camera v5.1.018.


Source: APK 

Is This Google’s 2nd Generation Pixel XL, Made By LG

According to Android Police the above image is said to be that of the 2nd generation Google Pixel XL, that is codenamed “taimen” made by LG.

As you can see from the design, this looks a lot like the phone that an XDA member leaked a couple of weeks ago.

According to Android Police's sources, this is the phone that LG has made for Google in place of the HTC made “muskie” that was once thought to be the new Google Pixel XL. It rumored to have a 6 inch LG made AMOLED display with a 2:1 ratio. 

It is also rumored that the new LG made Google Pixel XL phone will sport squeezable sides, just like we've seen on the HTC U11 which will allow you to interact with the phone.


Source: Android Police

Google Releases July Security Update For Pixel And Nexus Devices

According to Google, July's security update is now available for download for the following devices: Google Pixel, Google Pixel XL, Google Nexus 6P, Google Nexus 5X, Google Pixel C, Google Nexus 6, Google Nexus 9, and Nexus Player.

The most important issue patched in this update concerns a critical security vulnerability in media framework, which “could enable a remote attacker using a specially crafted file to execute arbitrary code within the context of a privileged process.”

For the rest of the issues that have been addressed in the July security update, you can hit the source link below.


Source: Google, OTA Images, Factory Images

Android Public Beta Program For Android O, Coming Soon!

Google’s beta program has allowed Nexus and Pixel users to test upcoming features and Android Beta Preview builds before anyone else. 

According to the Google developer's page Developer Preview build 2 is set for the middle of May which is listed as a beta, not alpha likely indicating the first Android O public beta preview.

If you want to be the know about the upcoming release of the Android O beta program be sure to visit our website for updates, check out Google's official Android Beta Google+ Community Page, or visit Google's Beta Program website directly by hitting the source links below. 


Source: Google+ Android Beta Program, Android Beta Program

Google Releases Teaser For October 4th Pixel Event

Google has finally confirmed it will be unveiling its new Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones at a media event scheduled for October 4th.

Google has also created a new “madeby.google.com” web page which shows the same animation as the video but with some amazing photos, suggesting that the search giant plans to market the new smartphones as “made by Google” although reports claim they will be manufactured by HTC.

Google just published a video to confirm the date Oct. 4th, as you can see in the video below, the search bar slowly turns into a silhouette of a phone with Oct. 4th, and the Google "G" logo on the opposite side.


 


Source: Google