Android Q is expected to be official in May at the Google I/O 2019. That’s a major event where the Android team makes public the next Android dessert. The ‘Q’ may not be revealed yet but we’re looking forward to learning about the features and enhancements Google has to offer. It’s no joke to work on major updates each year but the search giant has always been committed to making things better for everyone. The first time we mentioned Android Q here was last year when we said Essential Phone might still get it.
Android Q will be available for new phones but sadly, the Essential Phone will be no more. It was also noted Android Q would warn apps running on older Android versions. Android Q may also be ready for mobile users and developers ahead of AOSP.
The Android development team may not post any hint or early previews yet but we’ve got some information from a source. Shared on XDA are exclusive details. Android Q will include a Desktop Mode, Permission Revamp, and a System-wide Dark Theme.
Android Q was sighted running on a Google Pixel 3 XL. It’s not confirmed yet but the source said this is not exactly the first Android Q Developer Preview–at least, not yet.
The early build is Android Q with February 2019 security patches. It is said to come with new platform features including a system-wide dark mode option under the Display settings. This dark theme will spread on to other areas and screens like Launcher, Settings, and Files app. Even the notification, volume panel, and Quick Settings panel will also turn black.
The dark theme should be easily enabled and disabled if you wish. There is a Developer option as “override force-dark”. The dark theme should also work on other third-party apps although there may be parts that will remain white. This mode is important to mobile users because they help save battery life.
By now, you already know that Android is doing major changes in permissions. Android Q will introduce a few important updates. Users may soon see a preview of permission access by apps. Permissions can also be restricted and viewed.
Android may be copying Samsung DeX as a “force desktop mode”. Right under the Developer Option, you can see “force experimental desktop mode on secondary displays.” This means that phone can be viewed on another screen. Well, it could be via projection or casting.
Other important additions include Game Update Package Preferences, built-in screen recorder, Always on Display showing a current wallpaper, two new Accessibility settings (Time to read and Time to take action). The early build also shows a “sensors off” Quick Setting, new screen lock setting options (“Lock screen when trust is lost” and “SmartLock only extends unlock”), and ability to filter files by different categories.
VIA: XDA Developers
