Google has recently released its Android P Developer Preview program. The developer preview is now available for app developers to test their apps on the upcoming Android operating system. Google is not providing the preview version for regular Android smartphone users; nevertheless, the company has shared key features of the Android P version. And the future of Android looks very promising according to the features.
The initial alpha build will provide an idea of the new programming features to the developers. Using this, they can consider and integrate such features into their apps.
Following are the top features that will offer on the Android P version.
All-new colour scheme
On Android P operating system, you will witness the use softer colours. Rounded corners will be the standard in the new version of Android. It will add nice aesthetics to your handset.
Better Notifications
Notifications on Android system will get a major renovation. You will experience smart reply features for your messaging apps right from the notification bar. You can see conversations, attach stickers and photos via notifications tab. Just swipe down and the new world of notifications will open in front of you.
Easy screenshot editing
The screenshot tools on Android are not considered as great right now, but it won’t be the case in future. You will be able to edit a screenshot right from the notification tab. A new tool called Markup will be useful for editing screenshots.
Media Controls
To use media output control on smartphones running on Android Oreo or below, we have to either use Cast button or Bluetooth settings in the music app. However, with new Android version, you will be able to use media output controls right when you press the volume rocker. Tap on Media and check the available devices.
Compatibility for Notch
The iPhone X-like notch is getting very popular among smartphones these days. Hence, Google will provide support for the notch in its software. The notch simulator will provide an ease to developers to simulate the display cut-out effect on screen. The apps developed using this simulator will be compatible with all smartphones that have such notch on the display.
In case you don’t know what Android’s initial version is meant for, then read below.
What’s the Android P Developer Preview Program?
The initial release of upcoming Android version is called as Preview 1 (Alpha), whereas an incremental version is later provided called as Preview 2 (Beta). These are the platforms which indicate ‘work in progress’ build before the release of the final software rollout. After these, there are Preview 3, 4 and 5 which helps Google developing a stable version for its new Android version. After all these, the final release of the new mobile operating system version is rolled out.
Google collect and utilise the user feedback for the further development of its software using such preview releases. The purpose of running the beta program is to find out the problems with various devices and allow developers to update their apps to support the latest features or changes to the new OS platform.
The Android P Developer Preview will be supported on select smartphone devices in the initial phase. The list includes Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, and Pixel XL 2. Though it is a developer preview version, you can download the system images and test its features before it goes official.
How to enter into the Android P Developer Preview?
With the Android Beta Program, Google offers the preview and the over-the-air updates of its next Android version before its actual release. This program is similar as of the Microsoft’s Windows Insider program.
Previously, Google had offered the beta program for Android Nougat and Oreo versions which were very easy to enrol. It does not involve any flashing updates and any complicated processes. However, for Android P version, the company has not released the Public beta version yet; so you will have to try its Developer Preview until then.
Again, you won’t able to use the features of the new Android version as this is purely meant for developers to test their apps. So, if you are not an app developer, this version won’t entice you for usage. Here’s how to enrol you in Android P Developer Preview program your Android smartphone:
Traditional System Image
To get Android P developer preview via traditional method, the users have to go the system image/manual flashing route. The users can check and download the images from Google and then flash them on their devices. However, one should note that performing so will erase everything on the device and install a fresh version of Android. Refer this site to download it manually.
The traditional system image is supported by the abovementioned devices. It is worth mentioning that the system image flashing will wipe out all the data on the device, so back up of important data should be taken prior taking the traditional system image method.
