Android developer Till Kottmann has taken to Twitter with some new spoilers about the upcoming Android Q Beta program, highlighted in an apparent screenshot detailing exactly how feedback will work through testing. This time around, Google will be taking comments and suggestions via the more common settings menu option as well as a brand new app and Quick Settings Tile dedicated to providing feedback.
That means users will be able to navigate to the “Send feedback” option in the “Tips & Support” sub-section of the Settings app as usual or simply pull down the notification shade or launch an application.
The addition of new ways to cue the search giant into how the beta test is going is already a relatively big deal and Google will undoubtedly be keeping track of how users are reporting feedback as part of the test. That data will likely go into future user experience or interface improvements based on how users are accessing those types of features.
Perhaps more importantly, the documentation seems to suggest that Google will be accepting suggestions in terms of major UI and design changes or new features too. Those may not ultimately make it into Android Q but that will probably depend on how difficult the change is to implement, meaning that some fairly substantial reworks might take place before final launch.
What’s already known?
Information about what will be included in the next iteration of the world’s most popular mobile OS is somewhat sparse for the time being. A new system-wide dark mode is expected and there will most likely be changes and improvements to core features such as Digital Wellbeing.
Changes to the way Android’s preview program will work may end up being far more impactful though. With the final design with Android Q relying on feedback from the beta program and users free to offer more insight and suggestions, tearing into upcoming features and improvements ahead of their respective finalization could become much more difficult.
That’s because those participating may end up changing the update across any number of fundamental levels prior to release but also because there will be so many more who are able to participate for Android Q.
The update is slated to arrive in its entirety in the second half of 2019 but before that happens, more devices from more manufacturers than any previous beta are expected to be included. In fact, nearly every major OEM could potentially have at least one device that’s compatible according to recent reports.
When is this coming?
Google has historically launched an initial beta for upcoming Android versions just ahead of its annual Google I/O Developers Conference — where more details and a wider beta are typically announced. The same should hold true for Android Q so those who are interested in the program will want to keep an eye out for it over the coming days or weeks.
The dates for the tech gathering itself were first revealed by the same developer responsible for the latest information about the beta program — effectively spoiling company’s usual contest meant to let developers work the dates out for themselves. Google I/O 2019 will start on May 7 and run through May 9.
Android Q Beta will include a new “Android Beta Feedback” app, as well as a specific QS Tile for reporting issues. It seems like they are open for major suggestions before Q will be finalized, or use them as suggestions for their next cycle. pic.twitter.com/xmeS5JpGfW
— Till Kottmann (@deletescape) March 12, 2019