Android Q Beta 2 Bubbles Is Here
After the release of the Android Q Beta, a second beta version has been released and it contains some new and interesting features. In the initial beta release of Q, privacy changes and updates have been addressed as well as some features for Android developers such as connectivity for APIs, camera specifications and changes in app graphics.
While the first beta was all about privacy updates, the latest beta version has something unique to offer. Bubbles have made a comeback to the Android OS but with a new twist. Now, these bubbles will be visible in the notification panel and interface.
Looking into the details of Android Q Beta 2 Bubbles
Since the first beta has just been out, it did not take them too long to release the second beta after three weeks. This update has not only fixed some bugs and security issues but it has a lot more to offer to its users. The API for notifications has been completely revamped into chat/speech bubbles.
Notifications and chat heads in bubbles
Bubbles have entered the interface of the notification panel and now contain the message details, the name of your contacts and the icon of the app the notification is from. This feature of bubbles is expected to be available in all the message apps that are able on the Play Store. For now, it is seen in the default message app for Android devices.
Google has made an official statement that Bubbles are solely integrated into the notification panel of Android devices. However, this notion has given Android users second thoughts since its functionality is still somewhat limited. Users are not sure what other apps will support the notification bubbles yet.
The inclusion of a foldable emulator
The advancements in mobile technology are shifting to foldable mobile devices. Samsung is expected to release its first ever foldable phone on April 26, 2019, so a foldable emulator is a great inclusion for those who want to experience all the features foldable phones will have. In the Android Q Beta 2, you can experience the features of screens that fold through a device emulator. This emulator comes with the Android update and it present in the Android Studio 3.5.
Along with the beta release of Android-Q, a new version of Android Studio has been out as well. Version 3.5 will be equipped with this foldable device emulator for developers to create simulations for emulating the same layout the future Android devices are expected to have.
Changes in the share sheet
The API for sharing shortcuts was out in the Beta Q 1 but in the second beta, it has faced some minor changes. Now a preview will be available of the content you will share along with the options to alter the title and thumbnail image from the Settings.
Scoped storage to protect your data
Google also changed data storage methods for further security and data protection. Now users would have to approve every app that asks for writing to shared memory and it will not be done without user permission. This update is essential for data protection as the authority rights are in your hand and not every app will be able to read, edit or make deletions.
However, if your device has been updated to Android Q and your chat app, such as WhatsApp, had videos or digital media then the content might not be present in your phone’s gallery. This feature is known as Scoped Storage and serves as a sandbox for all the apps present in your Android phone. This feature analyzes and makes sure your media and data are protected at all costs.
Some new features and APIs
The bubble notifications are a new addition to Android but that is not the only update Android Q has. Some of the connectivity features include an API for Wi-Fi network connection and one is for Wi-Fi network suggestion. The call screening, ID and quality have been further improved in this beta release. As for the media and graphics, the feature and APIs include a Native MIDI API and support for the monochrome camera.
If you want to develop and build apps with Android Q then you would have to download Android Q Beta SDK and use the tools from the Android Studio for app and functionality configurations.
Installing Android Beta 2 Version
You could register on the Android platform and enroll to get all the Android Q updates at once. You can check beforehand if this update supports your smartphone or not. Once you have joined the list, you will be notified whenever a new update is available. Some users still have not received the update for Android Q Beta 2 so after enrolling, you just have to wait for it and do nothing from your end. If you do not own a Google Pixel then you can use the Android Emulator by downloading it directly from Android Studio SDK Manager.
What is next?
These are all the latest updates available for the Beta Q 2. The changes and updates are very detailed and extensive so we cannot say if the team will release another Beta version but let’s see what awaits next for Android Q. Most of the platform issues such as bugs and privacy have been corrected already but if they think further changes are needed so we are eager to know what those alterations would be.
