Every new Android Q feature we have found so far [Continuously updated]

That is the time of year again. Google has pushed out the pasture for its latest, best version of Android: Q. Your eagle-eyed Android police editors have been struggling to look for new features, changes, improvements, and even setbacks. We have listed everything we have found here, along with a brief description of what is new. So, let's take a look at Android Q.

As always, we must thank our tipsters () for our functionality coverage. Without all of you, our jobs would be much more difficult.

We have kept our general categories the same as last year for now, although they may be reorganized later if we decide different groups, makes sense. And remember that we still find new features, so this document can sometimes be a little behind our series coverage. Based on a request I received last year, we've changed our format for these Android features, making them easier to follow over time.

What's new?

Android Q Beta 3 landed just in time for developers at Google's I / O conference to play with. Exits from the originally released timeline, This version represents the latest incremental update before the new APIs and SDK are completed, so the features still trickle in ̵[ads1]1; you can expect it to slow down slightly after Beta 4. Unfortunately, this latest version also seems to be the least stable in the beta that is released so far, and we always recommend against using these developer-targeted buildings for your daily driver.

Many new features have been discovered since our last major update to this list, many from the new Beta 3, as well as some lingering surprises from Beta 2. Let's dive into:

• Switches and sliders in Settings & # 39; search: Slice-like controls shortcuts appear when searching for related Terms in the Settings app on Android Q.
• New Hide Sound Warning Status Icon setting: The appears to do the same as the previous "Show Silent and minimize "alert setting, but it's new.
• Change volume no longer plays preview sound: In earlier versions of Android, after changing the volume level of a particular channel (such as ring or alarm), the device will play that sound back to the specified volume so you can tell what it is may sound like. No longer.
• New Battery Icon: Following the style set to Google's new iconography elsewhere, you get an overview of the battery icon and the battery saver no longer makes it orange.
• Profile image in Settings: Quite self-explanatory, Google account's avatar now appears at the top right, such as other Google-made apps. There is also a shortcut to account settings, device information, emergency information, and payment methods.
• Audio Balance in Access: You can set the audio balance between the left and right channels via a slider in Availability.
• Tweaked Layout to Recent App Lists in the "Apps and Alerts" section of Preferences: What was previously a vertical list of five apps is now a horizontal list of three, plus some other minor layout tweaks.
• Android version info in Settings is now full screen instead of a popup: "Nuf said.
• Active media playback app in Ambient Display now only gets one icon: Before the app plays content will appear as an icon next to the associated text (track / artist info) as well as in the list of notifications below for the ongoing alert, now not displayed in the other location.
• Gesturnavigation:
• Scoped Storage Delayed: After developer and enthusiastic setback, Google has decided not to enforce Scoped Storage changes to Android R. But we should only consider this as a temporary postponement, the changes are going to happen.
• Alert channel suggestion in Settings: Alert channels are now also displayed at the top of Settings, along with the previously discovered Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings.
• App's purpose or actions appearing in new places: They are difficult to reproduce, but Android Q seems to roll out deeper integration of intent to link the content to an app with another (ie, if you sent a message with a link, you can get a button to open it via Chrome in the notification, or an option to open a result in search through the caller or Google Maps).
• Dark theme changes:
• New "Focus mode" in Digital Wellbeing deactivates distracting apps: When you really need to get the job done and you can be easily distracted, a new focus mode will ensure that some applications you specify will not prevent you from being productive.
• Family Link Options Integrated into Android Q Settings: For easier parental control, Family Links configurable options will now appear directly in Android Q's system settings. There are even a few changes that children can externally ask for more time, and parents can set limits per app, not just unified.
• Multiple Location Permissions: If an app with access to background sites takes advantage of this permission, you get a notice of it from Beta 3, so you will always be aware of when it happens.
• Smart answers come to several applications, as well as contextual actions: The smart answers that apps such as Messages and Hangouts enjoyed will be even more accessible to other apps in Android Q. And these app's purpose / actions are viewed at random places like message alerts? They are an official thing.
• Beta 3 lands with multiple units support: Last year, nearly a dozen units were able to utilize Android P-beta, and this year, Google has doubled that number to around two dozen from Beta 3.
• Vulkan 1.1 is required on all 64-bit devices running Q or higher: Vulkan API 1.1 support was introduced on Android P, but with Q and beyond, it will be a tough requirement for 64-bit devices.
• AV1 video codec, Opus audio codec: Android Q will have built-in support for the new, computer programming AV1 video codec and Opus audio code.
• Unit temperature API: Smartphones are getting much hotter now than they used to – at least except Qualcomm's amazing Snapdragon 808/810. With developers already pushing the limits of passive cooling with heat pumps, as well as external active cooling solutions, a new thermal API can help apps respond to changes in temperature for an improved experience.
• Force Dark Theme Developer Option: Whether you & # 39; is a developer trying to see how your app can respond, or a user willing to throw caution and design the wind, Android Q Beta 3 has a new option to force the dark mode of the entire system to each app. As you expect, things can break.
• Ability to turn off battery saver mode once mostly charged: Android Q Beta 3 introduces a battery saver option to automatically switch itself when your device has reached 90% load.
• Quick settings tile to disable device sensors: Whether you are privacy, the limit applies to paranoia, or you just go to a limb trying to save power (we're not sure it's going to make a difference) , Android Q Beta 3 adds an option to disable device sensors with a new quick setting chip, which can be exchanged via developer options.
• Dual SIM Dual Standby for Pixel 3: Beta 3 seems to remove the ability to enable the feature on Pixel 3, although it still works if you already had it enabled.
• Notification snoozing disappears on Beta 3: It may be an error, but the snoozing message appears to be corrupted in Android Q Beta 3.
• Separate ring and alert vibration options: We do not know when it was introduced d (it was present as early as Android Q Beta 2), but you can now control the vibration strength of ring and alert channels separately – or disable them separately.
• Simplified alert notification options: In Android Q Beta 3, Google has consolidated alert alerts in two categories: disturbing / alerting me, and mild / show quiet. The specific names you see may vary between these options. The three alert options that Android used to have (block, display, and keep alert) are still present elsewhere in Android Q, and the new options behave as "show quiet" and "keep alert" in our experience. [19659008] Android Q can display Wi-Fi passwords in plain text: Along with sharing access point details via QR codes, you can now just look at the password in plain text at the same place for verbal sharing. Practical.
• Pixel 3 and 3 XL get classic pull button navigation: Although the two phones have never had the opportunity before, Android Q Beta 3 Pixel 3 and 3 XL gives the old three-button navigation bar. [19659008] Application Interface Boundary Limitations: The limitations Google has previously discovered about background applications do not begin to launch foreground activities have been implemented from Beta 3 (although there are exceptions).
• Modular updates via Project Mainline: Google breaks down some OS updates in a way that they can be delivered to devices via the Play Store, distributed as both APK and new APEX files. TL; DR: Some OS level updates can come up even faster and more conveniently in the future.
• Audio Playback Capture API: A new API is behind the upcoming magic of Live Caption shown on I / O, allowing for real-time subtitling of any sound played on the device. However, the app can also be used for other new purposes by enterprising developers.
• Android Beam is gone in Android Q: If you used Android Beam to send files between devices with print, you need to switch to something else like sharing via the File app, which Android Q has killed Beam. (In fact, it killed it with Beta 1, we didn't notice for months because almost no one is using Beam.)
• The browser's default enhancements: Choosing standard apps in Android was always a bit tricky (although it's great to have it freedom), but Google makes the process a little easier and clearer when it comes to browsers from Android Q Beta 3.
• Works flags that disappear on Beta 3: The new features the flags we discovered hide in development opportunities have disappeared for most devices as from Android Q Beta 3.
• Encryption for all devices, including low-capacity hardware: Performance is a question, but Android Q will require disk encryption, even on the hard drive and.
• TLS 1.3 will be enabled by default, and biometrics will now be classified explicitly and implicitly based on different levels of security and privacy under different circumstances, as well as other improvements and changes in the developer's direction.
• Adaptive sleeping holds in settings: Not everyone sees it, but a new "adaptive sleep" option that appeared in settings (and which pleased us) is really just a placeholder for phone manufacturers who have implemented this kind of functionality on their own .
• 230 New Emoji, 53 Gender Neutral: Android Q will provide system support for 230 new emoji, with 53 of those not sexually universal.
• Software Assistant App Category Integrated, API Documentation Removed: Google seems to be hesitant to showcase many details of the Notification Assistant and associated API category. After integrating the changes in Beta 3, the associated documentation was removed. Presumably, apps like Tasker could still use it, though.
• "Bubbles" switch will be moved to developer options from notification options: Quite self-explanatory.
• Messages about messages cannot be set or blocked on Beta 3: This latest release turns out to be a bit of a buggy than the two previous ones, and right now it includes customization of notification channels for the Messaging app that you can't do.
• Automatic Crash Recognition: Signs that Google might test a car crash detection method on pixels detected in Android Q Beta 3, but it's not clear what this functionality can connect to.
• Share menu changed to disable app pinning, double the direct sub-targets: Android Q Beta 3 disabled pinning shares goals to the top of your sharing menu, which is unfortunate, but you get twice as much as so-called "direct" sharing goals (think contacts or specific purposes in apps).

Android Q feature list

Brand new Q featu res

• Theming: Android Q Beta 1 includes support for changing accent colors, fonts and icon shapes – even if the selection is limited.
• Remaining Battery Life Estimation in Quick Settings: Apple may have criticized the reduced battery capacity of the latest MacBook Pro update, completely eliminating battery life, but Google actually brings this feature closer to the front and center of Android Q Beta 1, something that gives you the impetus in the quick adjust shade. (Only if you enable battery concentration in the status bar.)
• Share Wi-Fi details with QR codes: OK, so QR codes didn't exactly get off the ordinary when it came to sharing websites on posters or business cards, but They have seen more use in terms of safety. Android Q Beta 1 will allow you to generate, share and add network details, including SSID and passwords via QR codes. Long passwords can be secure, but they are also boring and this solves that problem.
  • You can now also see Wi-Fi passwords in plain text in the same place.
• System-wide Dark Theme
  • Initially, it became secret, incomplete, visually broke some apps, and the setting was removed, but Android Q Beta 1 landed with a new dark theme that further expanded the previous device's theme setting to use a dark mode to a greater extent. However, the even setting has been removed from Beta 1, so you need to enable / disable it via ADB right now.
  • From Beta 2, automatic night mode can be activated via ADB.
  • Finally, Google made Dark Theme official at the I / O developer conference, where Beta 3 landed.
  • Google's Gboard will respond to theme-level color changes and dark theme settings. [19659008] Force Dark Theme Developer Options: Whether you are a developer trying to see how your app can respond or a user willing to take caution and design the wind, Android Q Beta 3 has a new option to force the entire system mode on each app. As you expect, things can break.
• App standard categories for call screening and emergency: Android, unlike iOS, lets you replace standard apps that perform standard actions with … whatever you want, really. The standard applications tab expands to include a "call screen app" and a "standby app" so you can set new third-party standards for both of these categories.
• Native desktop mode: Mobile / desktop convergence is a long-lasting dream (and it's easy to fail), but Android Q Beta 1 introduced Google's own take on idea, with a desktop style UI with free screen window management, though clear is an ongoing work.
• Built-in Screen Recording: Bloggers everywhere will be happy to hear that Android Q Beta 1 comes with a built-in screen recorder. YMMV, although some have reported errors while others have no problem.
• Android Q Beta feedback app: We knew it would be there and … well, it is.
  • The Beta 2 feedback application has been updated with a nice new dark mode and some other minor tweaks.
• Chat style Bubbles: Hidden in Beta 1, and later announced with Beta 2, it seems to be a new bubble detection system included in Android Q. Think Facebook's chatodes and you have the basic concept.
• New "Emergency" button in the power menu: The new emergency button takes you to a dialer with access to user-defined emergency information such as allergies and emergency contacts.
• Uptime for the device added to Settings -> About phone.
• ] Searchable progress bar for media notifications: Android Q Beta 2 added a progress bar for notifications for some music cups, as well as YouTube, so you can look around without having to open the app.
• The "Pixel Themes" application is likely to come: Android Q's new theme will not exist in a vacuum, a separate app may also come.
• "Deep Press" can be the Google version of Apple's 3D Touch: Touch-sensitive actions can come to Android Q (supposedly supported hardware) based on details discovered in the API documentation.
• Audio Balance in Access: You can set the audio balance between the left and right channels via a slider in Availability.
• New "Focus mode" in Digital Wellbeing disables distracting apps: When your eally needs to get the job done and you can be easily distracted, a new focus mode will ensure that some applications you specify will not prevent you from being productive.
• Beta 3 supports twice as many devices as Android Ps beta: Last year, nearly a dozen devices were able to utilize Android P-beta, and this year Google has doubled that number to around to dozen from Beta 3.
• Quick settings tile to disable device Sensors: Whether you are privacy, the limit applies to paranoia, or you just go on a limb trying to save power (we're not sure it's going to make difference), Android Q Beta 3 adds an alternative to disabling the Sensors device with a new quick setting chip, which can be exchanged via developer options.
• Modular updates via Project Mainline: Google breaks down some OS level updates in a way that they can be delivered to devices via the Play store, distributed as both APKs and new APEX files. TL; DR: Some OS level updates can come up even faster and more conveniently in the future.
• Automatic Crash Recognition: Signs that Google can test a car crash detection method on pixels, was detected in Android Q Beta 3, Although it is not clear what this functionality can connect to.

General visual changes

• Rounded screen corners / notches in screens: From Android 1, Android Q shows both rounded corners on the screens in devices such as Pixel 3, and notches on Pixel 3 XL. This may have been a mistake and we can see this back, or it may be the norm in the future. Time will tell.
• Grayscale Individual Apps Options: We do not know what to look like or how it can manifest, since it is not yet available, but Google assures us that Android Q will allow us to set individual apps as grayscale – presumably Outside the existing option for it via Digital Wellbeing's Wind Down setting.
• Icon "Bell" to show recent notifications: Google is about message management these days, and Android Q Beta 1 introduced a subtle new feature that alerted a ringing clock-shaped icon to indicate which one is responsible for your last interruption.
• App info redesign, option to open the app itself, notification statistics, "Disable" becomes "Uninstall": In Android Q Beta 1, the app information pane has seen a bit of a visual makeover, with newly centered icons and text. You can now open the app directly from it, daily alert values ​​appear, and Google has changed "Disable" to "Uninstall" for system programs (and "Enable" became "Install"). This pseudo-uninstall process no longer offers to remove app updates.
• Ambient display shows music information during playback: If your pixel is playing music on Android Q Beta 1, the surrounding screen displays details of the current track.
• New Battery Icon: Following the style set to Google's new iconography elsewhere, you get an overview of the battery icon, and the battery saver no longer makes it orange.
• Profile image in Settings: Quite self-explanatory, Google account's avatar now appears at the top right, such as other Google-made apps. There is also a shortcut to account settings, device information, emergency information, and payment options.
• Active playback playback program in Ambient Display now only gets one icon: Before the app plays content will appear as an icon next to the associated text (track / artist info), as well as in the list of notifications below for the ongoing alert . Now it doesn't appear in the other place.

Modifications to Existing Features

• Gesture Navigation
• A faster and better (or at least less bad) sharing menu: One of Android's greatest strengths is also the weaknesses, and the intent system that lets us use any app for any purpose also results in a fairly laggy part menu . Google said it would fix it and it looks like it has.
• Slices will bring options from Settings to Apps: Although they have not been used very much yet, Android slices are a great way to integrate things from one app directly into another. In Android Q, they expand to work with the settings app, allowing you to control things like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other system-level settings from inside third-party apps. Snazzy.
• Swipe left to snooze notifications: Android 8.0 Oreo introduced notification snoozing, but in Android Q it is much better integrated, and takes swipe left action. If you were used to swiping in any direction to close alerts, you must adjust to swing properly.
• Accident removal by Pixel Launcher: The version of Pixel Launcher included with Android Q Beta 1 allows you to easily reset things if you accidentally remove a widget or icon from the home screen, with a convenient "Undo" option in an
• Album art for the lock screen: Android has long used album art for the lock screen's background with a little veil, but from the Android Q Beta 1 blur is pretty crazy and it does some strange things to color. Absolutely a purchased taste.
  • Appears, this is a bug with Play Music, other apps still have pristine album art.
• Better, finer "Files" app: Android Q Beta 1 also delivered an update to Android's built-in, forgotten Files app. The new one is definitely & # 39; Material 2 / Theme & # 39; in appearance, with something added to file filtering functionality, plus dark theme support.
• Prolonged alerts: Filtering alerts are becoming increasingly important these days, and Android Q escalates things by providing a new long press option for how to manage them, plus an overall enhanced user interface compared to Android Pie.
• Easier Access to Audio Output Connection: Now game alerts on Android Q play easier access to switching audio between devices (like in between Bluetooth headphones / speakers and the device itself). This is not entirely new when Android Pie allowed you to do this, but it was buried in settings. Now there is much more available.
• Battery Saver can be activated automatically based on habits: Battery saver has been part of Android for a while now, but Android Q Beta 1 adds a feature you can enable that automatically triggers power saving mode if your phone thinks, based on your usage habits, It may not last for regular charging time.
• eSIM becomes two SIM cards for Pixel 2 and 3: Android Q Beta 1 enabled limited dual-sim functionality on Pixel 2 and Pixel 3, although it does not allow for simultaneous use of both connections, so-called Dual SIM Dual Standby, instead of Dual SIM Dual Active.
  • The implementation in the Android Q Beta 2 update is even more functional, with enhanced dialogs and the ability to select the active data SIM, as well as call / SMS preferences.
  • Beta 3 removes the options to enable this functionality, even if it is still present if you had it enabled before.
• Freeform windows can be used without ADB: In what is probably related to addition to desktop mode, freeform windows management is becoming more of a first-class citizen in comparison to the Nougat era version, with an actual switch in [19659008] The "cloud" icon backup now points more logically: Simply the biggest new feature in Android Q, just don't let that cloud fly away with all your precious pieces.
• Haptic Text Selection Feedback: Expect and enjoy a little tingle while sliding around input fields, select text.
• Vibration when connected to charger: The charging sound settings are now "charging sounds and vibration. " You & # 39; You get some tactile feedback when you connect your phone to power on Q.
• New accessibility options make toast alerts longer: Behavior for the two new settings for "time to read" and "time to action" is a little inconsistent, but Android Q Beta 1 added options to make certain types of alerts, including actions that can't be handled, alert any longer, based on your settings.
• New Feature Signs: Android Q Beta 1 literally created a new feature flag, including animation adjustments, those hints at the top of the settings menu, two new flags controlling elemental organization in other parts of the settings, and two controlling the previously discovered QR code Wi -Fi setting and audio output device.
• Most of your disabled messages come up on a list now: Android Q Beta 1 added a filter in the app alert pane to settings that better help you track which app notifications are disabled. However, from Beta 1, this list does not include individual channels, only coverage of app-wide deactivation.
• Exit sound effect: The high beep at the end of the calls on Pixels has been replaced by a smoother two-tone sound effect.
• "Active Edge" remapping: A hidden ADB option to redistribute the clasp on Pixels was discovered in Android Q so that they could be placed on other virtual assistant programs such as Alexa or Cortana.
• Apps can no longer turn Wi-Fi on / off: In what is surely upset by automation app users such as Tasks, Android Q prevents apps from turning on / off Wi-Fi. Instead, they are encouraged to integrate setting panel disks.
• Do not interfere with program adaptation: You can now easily select different entries for different schedules (ie different do not disturb mode such as "Run," Sleep "or" Work
• Customizing the Bluetooth device details: Setup of the device details pane has been tweaked slightly.
• Last 3 previously connected Bluetooth devices: Previously available only through a submenu, the last three connected devices are now visible directly in the "connected devices" route.
• Always-on screen / lock screen changes:
• App info in Pixel Launcher: You can access the "App info" preferences pane directly from a long press in the launch as from Q.
• New App installation dialog: Now a popup instead of a fullscreen thing
• . Pixel Launcher Integration in Digital Wellbeing: It's hidden right now, but Pixel Launcher can ultimately support pausing / resume programs in Digital Wellbeing.
• Individual Volume Channel Controller Returns to Popup: Stripped into the Transfer to Android P Volumeny, Android Q returns individual controls for specific volume channels such as Media, Call and Call, available in a popup via the button that previously led you to volume settings.
• Wi-Fi / Bluetooth-enabled phrases added to the main menu Settings menu: Displayed in the same location in Settings where occasional Pixel, Wi-Fi shortcuts and Bluetooth settings are displayed under certain conditions, such as when connected to device or Wi-Fi is turned off for a while.
• Selection of images in Recent's user interface is broken: Android P introduced the ability to select text and images via Recent's UI, and from Beta 2 (and maybe Beta 1, we can't be sure) that functionality no longer works.
• Shift and Slider in Settings Search: Slice-like shortcuts to controls appear when you search for related terms in the Settings app on Android Q.
• New hiding status icon setting: It appears to Do the same as the previous "Show Silent and Minimize" setting, but it's new.
• Change volume no longer plays preview height: In earlier versions of Android, after changing the volume level of a particular channel (such as ring or alarm), the device will play that sound back to the specified volume so you can tell what it can sounds like. No longer.
• Tweaked layout for newer applists in the "apps & notifications" section of Preferences: What was previously a vertical list of five apps is now a horizontal list of three, plus some other smaller layout tweaks.
• Android version info in Settings is now a full screen pane instead of a popup: "Nuf sa.
• Notification channel suggestion in Settings: Notification channels are now also displayed at the top of Settings sometimes along with the previously discovered Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• App intentions or actions appearing in new places: They are difficult to reproduce, but Android Q seems to roll out deeper integration of intent to link the content to an app with another. you have sent a message with a link, you can get a button to open it via Chrome in the notification, or an option to open a result in search through the caller or Google Maps.]
• Family Link options integrated into Android Q -innstillinger: For enklere foreldrekontroll vil Family Links konfigurerbare alternativer nå vises direkte i Android Qs systeminnstillinger. Det er til og med noen få endringer som at barn kan eksternt be om mer tid, og foreldrene kan angi g renser per app, ikke bare enhetlig.
• Smart svar kommer til flere programmer, i tillegg til kontekstuelle handlinger: De smarte svarene Apper som Meldinger og Hangouts nytes, vil bli enda mer tilgjengelig for andre apper i Android Q. Og de appens hensikter / handlinger blir sett på tilfeldige steder som meldingsvarsler? They're an official thing.
• Option to turn off Battery Saver mode once mostly charged: Android Q Beta 3 introduces an option for Battery Saver to automatically toggle itself off once your device hits 90% charged.
• Notification snoozing disappears on Beta 3: It's possible that it could be a bug, but the notification snoozing seems to be broken in Android Q Beta 3.
• Separate options for ring and notification vibrations: We don't know when it was introduced (it was present as early as Android Q Beta 2), but you can now control vibration strength for ring and notification channels separately — or even disable them separately.
• Simplified notification alert options: In Android Q Beta 3, Google has consolidated configuring notification alerts into two categories: interruptive/alert me, and gentle/show silently. The specific names you see might vary between those options. The three notification options Android used to have (block, show silently, and keep alerting) are still present elsewhere in Android Q, and the new options behave the same as "show silently" and "keep alerting," in our experience.
• Pixel 3 and 3 XL pick up classic three-button navigation: Although the two phones never had the option before, Android Q Beta 3 gives the Pixel 3 and 3 XL the old-style three-button navigation bar.
• Android Beam is gone in Android Q: If you used Android Beam to send files between devices with a tap, you'll need to switch to something else like sharing via the Files app, as Android Q has killed Beam. (In fact, it killed it with Beta 1, we just didn't notice for months because almost no one uses Beam.)
• Browser default selection improvements: Choosing default apps in Android was always a bit awkward (though it's great to have that freedom), but Google is making the process a bit easier and more clear when it comes to browsers as of Android Q Beta 3.
• Adaptive sleep placeholder in settings: Not everyone sees it, but a new "adaptive sleep" option that appeared in settings (and which had us excited) is actually just a placeholder for phone manufacturers who have implemented this sort of functionality on their own.
• 230 new Emoji, 53 gender-neutral: Android Q will deliver system-level support for 230 new emoji, with 53 of those being non-gendered for universal use.
• Messages notifications can't be silenced or blocked on Beta 3: This latest release is proving to be a bit buggier than the previous two, and right now that includes customizing not ification ch annels for the Messages app, which you can't do.
• Share menu changed to disable app pinning, double the direct share targets: Android Q Beta 3 disabled pinning share targets to the top of your share menu, which is unfortunate, but you'll get twice as may so-called "direct" share targets (think contacts or specific intents in apps).

Privacy tweaks

• Tweaks to identifiable permissions like location, IMEI MAC address, background app changes: Android Q, as of Beta 1, limits access to non-changeable device IDs like the MAC address or IMEI, and further changes permissions to provide options so they can be granted "only while the app is in use," rather than just a blanket yes/no. That means an app that isn't immediately open doesn't necessarily have access to your location. Background apps also can't suddenly change focus to bring themselves forward anymore.
• Clipboard managers are ded: Although clipboard managers can provide utility in some workflows, the permissions they rely on could be used surreptitiously by nefarious apps in ways that could violate your privacy. From Android Q on, Google's giving them the boot. Only input method editors (keyboard apps, etc.) and foreground apps with focus will get access to the clipboard.
• Revoke permissions at first launch for apps targeting older (pre-Oreo) API levels: Apps that haven't updated to target Android 8.0 Oreo will spit a new interstitial screen at launch that asks which permissions you'd like to enable, allowing you to manually disable those you don't want — and maybe break the app in the process.
  • As of Beta 2, Android will ask for permissions to be granted again when launching apps installed before the update.
• Overlay attack mitigation: In the world of Android security, overlay-based attacks are one of the bigger problems, but Android Q works to mitigate their effect by changing how the overlay permissions work. From now on they'll need to be granted again every time you open an app that uses them.
• Smart Lock developer options: Tweaks to how "trust agents" (like Google's Smart Lock) can keep the device unlocked.
• MAC address randomization: Initially added in Android P as an experimental feature, MAC address randomization is now on by default in Android Q — though it's consistent, you will see the same randomly generated address when connecting to the same network again. It can be disabled if you need to turn it off, though.
• Scoped Storage in Android Q nerfs filesystem access: Apps targeting Android Q will be limited in how they can access the filesystem via new isolated storage sandboxes. That means apps won't need permissions to write their own files, while also enhancing security between apps through isolated storage. It also means that they won't have blanket filesystem access by default. Old permissions aren't going away any time soon, and apps targeting platforms before Q will work via a "compatibility mode" that doesn't include these restrictions.
• Encryption for all devices, including low-end hardware: Performance remains a question, but Android Q will require disc encryption, even on low-end hardware and.
• TLS 1.3 will be enabled by default, and biometrics will now be classified as explicit and implicit based on type for different levels of security and privacy in different circumstances, plus other developer-facing improvements and changes.

Under the hood/API/developer stuff

• Dynamic Depth data: Android Q will allow for apps to request depth information from the cameras. Google's done some incredible work to extract that information from its cameras (without the help of parallax, I should add), and in Android Q, even third-party apps will be able to make use of that extra data in new and interesting ways. I can't wait to see what gets cooked up.
• ART enhancements: Developers can enjoy enhanced performance and more efficient garbage collection on Android Q via a suite of impressive but highly technical Android runtime enhancements.
• Further non-SDK API deprecation: As much as possible, Google doesn't want developers using undocumented APIs in Android, and Android Q furthers this crackdown, expanding the list of affected APIs.
• Folding phone tweaks: Android Q will feature some developer-facing modifications to better work with the emerging device form factor, but they're all too technical to get into here.
• Smart home/IoT tweaks for Wi-Fi setup: Configuring smart home gadgets, which almost always need their own special app and require a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection, can be easier in Android Q. Developers will be able to configure their setup apps to have a list of preferred SSIDs, and paired with the expansion of slices to offer a built-in Wi-Fi picker in those apps, that can make the often tedious IoT setup process a little bit faster and simpler for consumers.
• Apps assigned to default roles will get more permissions: Details are a little sparse on precisely which permissions each category gets, but apps that you assign as the default for a given role — like browser, SMS app, launcher, etc. — will pick up elevated access to certain functions based on that role.
• Foldables (running Q) added to Android Studio emulator: Developers looking to get a head start on developing for foldable devices can do so via the Canary release of Android Studio 3.5, which includes emulator images that have folding functionality.
• API for microphone direction: Android Q includes new APIs that allow developers to request specific microphone directions like "front" or "back."
• New "Notification Assistant" API for apps like Tasker: Android Q may be making things harder for apps that harness things like automation or overlays, but Google is introducing a new default app setting and associated API that might mitigate things for those sorts of apps slightly — at least when it comes to notifications.
  • This feature isn't intended for general public use, though. After enabling it in Beta 3 and accidentally publishing documentation for the API, the pages have been taken down, and Google has confirmed that these actions were intentional. Notification Assistant is an invite-only API club.
• Vulkan 1.1 required on all 64-bit devices running Q or higher: Support for Vulkan API 1.1 was introduced on Android P, but as of Q and forward it will be a hard requirement for 64-bit devices.
• AV1 video codec, Opus audio codec: Android Q will have native support for the new, data-saving AV1 video codec and the Opus audio codec.
• Device temperature API: Smartphones get a lot warmer now than they used to — at least, excluding Qualcomm's wonderful Snapdragon 808/810. With developers already pushing the limits of passive cooling with heatpipes, as well as external active cooling solutions, a new Thermal API can further help apps respond to changes in temperature for an enhanced experience.
• Audio Playback Capture API: A new API is behind the upcoming magic of Live Caption shown off at I/O, which allows for real-time subtitling of any audio being played on your device. However, the app could also be used for other novel purposes by enterprising developers.