Hot on the heels of all the talk about Google's newest Android Q update, known as Android 10, there's a new beta to check out. OnePlus is one of the many partners that can now offer its users a chance to test the latest version early. That means you can install the newest Android Q beta right this second on your OnePlus 6, 6T, or 7 Pro just like Google's Pixel smartphones. The OnePlus devices are not currently eligible to install the automatic OTA update for testing the latest Q beta, but OnePlus offers a solution that is not overly complicated and can get you up and running in no time. You won't need to worry about root access or an unlocked bootloader when using the OnePlus' method of updating, which means you can jump right in no matter the status of your device. Before you install the latest beta, note that this is a very early developer preview not meant to be a daily driver. There's always a potential for bugs and errors to occur at any given time. Also, many of the OnePlus features you enjoy using will be missing from this build for the time being. With every new beta version, you'll start seeing more system stability and core features. Update (8/4/2019): OnePlus 7 Pro Android Q Preview 4 now available Requirements battery level should be above 30% at least 3 GB of free space on your internal storage Step 1: Back Up Your Data Installing the latest Android Q beta will wipe your internal data completely, so make sure to back up and save anything to a computer before moving on to Step 2. If you're rooted and have TWRP installed, now would be the time to boot into recovery and make a NANDroid or use your favorite method of backup. If you aren't rooted or have no idea what that means, make sure any essential files on your internal storage gets transferred to a computer for safekeeping. You don't want to lose anything during the install process, so this is just a friendly reminder to help avoid any data loss. Step 3: Transfer the File Now that you have the update file for the Android Q beta, you need to transfer it to your phone's internal storage. Mount your phone to your Windows, Mac, or Linux computer, then move the update file to the root directory on your phone's internal storage. It must be stored in this location so the system update feature will recognize the file when it's time to start the installation process. Step 4: Install the Android Q Beta Now you need to head over to your phone's system settings and go to the section where you can perform a system update. Follow the location below to reach the system update section of your OnePlus phone. Settings –> System –> System Updates Once you reach the system update section, tap the options icon at the top right, followed by "Local upgrade." Since you put the update file at the root of the storage, it should pop up immediately on the list. Tap the update file, press the "Confirm" button, then it will begin installing the Android Q beta onto your device. Once the system update has completed successfully, tap the "Reboot" option to finish up and boot into Android Q. Note for Unlocked Bootloaders If your bootloader is unlocked, the system will automatically recognize that and let you know it will download the full upgrade package. Just confirm it by tapping "OK," and that's it for your part — it will install like normal after that. Your bootloader stays unlocked after the update, so you don't have to worry about that when restoring your phone later. Note for Those That Want to Use TWRP TWRP custom recovery won't work right now until an official release for Android Q comes out. I'll be keeping a close eye on this and will update you when new development occurs. Step 5: Enjoy the New Dark Mode & Other Features Most modern flagship devices use OLED panels, so having a darker color scheme means the display won't be consuming as much battery life. Dark Mode now works across all locations and apps at the system level — absolutely everything will automatically switch to the new dark theme when you turn it on. Turn on Dark Mode from the "Theme" settings. Settings –> Display –> Theme –> Dark Since this is an early test version, not all apps support this feature just yet. Many of Google's apps already work when Dark Mode is enabled, but you can expect updates from your other favorite apps very soon. The final version of Android Q is not due out until August, so there's still plenty of time for them to update their apps. Luckily, Google made it easy for app developers to add it to their apps with minimal effort. Dark Mode is just one of the many new additions coming to the final version of Android Q. If you want to learn about the latest changes and features so far, hit up our Android Q features roundup. It's packed full of all the finer details to help you get an idea of how big the new update will be. More Info: 38 Exciting New Features & Changes in Android 10 Step 6: Return to Android Pie When Finished (If You Want) Once you finish testing the new Android Q beta, it's advisable to downgrade to the stable version of Android Pie. The downgrade process is the same as you did with the beta update, so follow the steps in this guide again, but trade out the Android Q beta file for the appropriate Android Pie RollBack package linked below. Download: Android Pie RollBack Package for OnePlus 6 Download: Android Pie RollBack Package for OnePlus 6T Download: Android Pie RollBack Package for OnePlus 7 Pro After the downgrade finishes successfully, reboot your phone, then it'll wipe your data once again like before.<doc-sep>At Google I/O, its annual developers conference, the company announced the next Android iteration, Android Q (or Android 10). During the presentation, the company told the gathering the names of the few phones that will receive the the Beta version of the next iteration of the OS. The list includes OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T devices. Google has announced that Android Q will bring features like a system-wide Dark Mode, more powerful Google Assistant, among others. “We’re excited to be one of the fastest software updates in the industry. Android Q Beta allows some of our tech-savvy followers to experience the latest technologies that this platform can offer. Updates including the new gesture-based navigation, Dark Theme and privacy enhancements all contribute to the burden-less experience that OnePlus strives to bring to its users,” Pete Lau, Founder and CEO, OnePlus, said in a statement. While the Android Q beta platform is now available for download for OnePlus 6 and 6T users, OnePlus also announced that it would be available for OnePlus 7 Pro on May 14. “Android Beta for OnePlus 7 will be available for download in the coming weeks. The official Android Q platform will be available for download later this year,” the company said. For those who don’t know, OnePlus will announce this year’s first flagships on May 14 at different locations globally. Given the leaks and teasers, OnePlus seems to be betting big on the OnePlus 7 series, especially the OnePlus 7 Pro. The company had claimed that the OnePlus Pro would come with a “smooth” display. It will have a 6.64-inch AMOLED display with a Quad HD+ resolution and a refresh rate of 90Hz. OnePlus also announced that the display of the OnePlus 7 Pro is HDR10+ certified, a mode that provides users with a more dynamic and detailed picture quality. Under the hood, the phone will come with Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 855 mobile platform and 10GB of RAM. The company has already teased the triple rear cameras on the smartphone, which come with a 3X optical zoom and 10x digital zoom. There is the 48MP primary camera, which is paired with an 8MP sensor with a telephoto lens having an aperture of f/2.4, and a 16MP sensor with an aperture of f/2.2 and an ultra wide-angle lens. The phone has a 4,000mAh battery capacity.<doc-sep>Alongside Android Q Beta 3 today, Google announced that for the second year in a row, OEMs would be able to join in on the beta fun. Already, two of our favorite devices in the Essential Phone and OnePlus 6T have the Android Q beta available. Here’s how to get it. OnePlus 6T (and OnePlus 7) Android Q Beta It should come as no surprise that the OnePlus 6T is jumping in on Android Q this early. Last year’s OnePlus 6 was also quick to get Android P’s preview after I/O 2018. For Android Q, both the OnePlus 6T and the OnePlus 7 are getting access to the beta, and since the latter isn’t out yet, you can already get that update for the OnePlus 6T and the OnePlus 6. Available directly from OnePlus’ forums, the first Android Q Beta from the company gives users an early look at the new OS on this hardware. As with last year, we should probably expect features to be lacking a bit compared to standard OnePlus releases, and there are bugs too. So far, known issues include broken camera features, ambient display issues, and overall stability issues as well. Hopefully, those will be worked out soon. Just like last year, updates for this beta aren’t provided by Google. Instead, they’re directly provided by OnePlus, which means they’re usually well behind the beta found on Pixel devices. You’ll also need to sideload this update as no OTAs are available. OnePlus devices are some of the most developer-friendly phones out in the market. We look forward to seeing how app developers and other early adopters in our community will take advantage of this beta to create even better software experiences. As the name suggests, this build of Android Q is best suited for developers and early adopters. As it is still in an early stage of development. That said, we do not recommend flashing this ROM if you have little to no experience in software development or flashing custom ROMs. Proceed at your own RISK! Essential Phone Android Q Beta Despite a lack of new hardware, Essential is also making itself known for the Android Q Beta. If you’re still rocking a PH-1, the device can be updated to Android Q right now and, shockingly, it’s even available as an OTA update. Downloading an app from the Play Store gives users a quick and easy way to download the Q Beta on the Essential Phone. The app allows users to both download the update as well as revert back to Pie if need be. Essential hasn’t listed out any known issues with the update aside from “certain phone functionalities may not work depending on carrier.” As per usual, you’ll want to install at your own risk. Other Android Q Beta Updates For the most part, the Essential Phone and OnePlus 6T are going to be the most popular devices for the average Joe checking out the Q Beta. However, there are way more devices available. ASUS, Nokia, Xiaomi, OPPO, and even huge names such as LG and Huawei are all participating. You can view the full list of devices over on the Android website, and the guys over at Android Police also have a great roundup of all the bugs and issues associated with each device. More on Android Q: FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More. Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news:<doc-sep>Android Q beta 3 is out for the Google Pixel series, OnePlus 6T, and 20 more devices with system-wide dark mode, full gesture controls, and more Just like Google told us they would do, the start of May means it’s time for the next Android Q beta. What better time to release it than Google I/O? Android Q Beta 3 is here for the Google Pixel family and now even more phones than the Android Pie beta. This is the last incremental update before Beta 4, which will include final APIs and the official SDK. Previous beta updates brought features like system-wide dark mode, desktop mode, notification bubbles, and a whole lot more. Android Q is not so much about UI updates as it is about user experience and privacy. The previous betas were limited to the Pixel family, but Android Q Beta 3 is available also for the Xiaomi Mi 9, Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G, Asus Zenfone 5z, Essential Phone, Nokia 8.1, Huawei Mate 20 Pro, LG G8 ThinQ, OnePlus 6, OnePlus 6T, Oppo Reno, Realme 3 Pro, Sony Xperia XZ3, Tecno Spark 3 Pro, Vivo X27, NEX S, and NEX A. There are a number of pretty big updates in beta 3 that we previously talked about. Dark Theme is something we saw and now it’s available in Beta 3. You simply toggle it on and the UI switches to a black background (not dark gray). Apps have to support Dark Theme for this to work and Google says all of theirs will support it. A screenshot and screen recording of Q beta 3’s new gestures, courtesy of XDA Member paphonb. Next up is the new and improved gestures we previously wrote about. They’re real and here in Beta 3. Google pretty much went the iPhone route with a thin bar across the bottom and no back button. The back gesture is a swipe from the left side of the screen (can also work as a previous gesture from the right). Swiping up still brings the Recent apps screen and you can quickly switch between the previous and next app by swiping left or right on the pill. Android Q Beta 3 is now ready for foldable displays and 5G. Google also talked a lot about accessibility. Live Caption is a new tool for the deaf and hearing impaired. It automatically captions media that is playing audio on your phone. Smart Reply is built into the notification system in Android Q as well. Digital Wellbeing is getting more tools. Focus Mode will help you stay focused on a specific task by blocking distracting apps. Family Link also has Digital Wellbeing integration and Bonus Time. Android Q Beta 3 is now officially out for all Pixel devices (enroll here), including the Google Pixel, the Pixel XL, the Pixel 2, the Pixel 2 XL, the Pixel 3, the Pixel 3 XL, and the newly announced Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL. As mentioned, you can also join the beta if you have one of the many devices listed above. We’ll be diving more in-depth with this update soon. Read more about Android Q Update 1: OnePlus has announced that the OnePlus 6 is also eligible for the latest Android Q beta release.<doc-sep>
At Google's IO 2019 developers conference Android Q or Android 10 is finally announced. Alongside revealing the key highlights of the Android Q - system-wide dark mode, smarter Google Assistant, among others - Google also announced the name of smartphones that are eligible to get Android Q beta update. The list incorporates several phones across various brands including the OnePlus 6T and the OnePlus 6. "We're excited to be one of the fastest software updates in the industry," said Pete Lau, Founder and CEO of OnePlus. "Android Q Beta allows some of our tech-savvy followers to experience the latest technologies that this platform can offer. Updates including the new gesture-based navigation, Dark Theme and privacy enhancements all contribute to the burden-less experience that OnePlus strives to bring to its users." "We are super excited to announce we have been working closely with Google to give OnePlus 6T and OnePlus 6 users early access to Android Q developer preview. We will also release our first Android Q developer preview for OnePlus 7 Series in the coming weeks," notes OnePlus. Android Q beta platform is currently available for download for the OnePlus 6 and the OnePlus 6T users and will also be available for OnePlus 7 Pro on May 14 - the day when the phone is set to launch in India. The official Android Q platform will be available for download later this year, Google has announced. In 2018, OnePlus released a software maintenance schedule program to provide the best in class software maintenance and upgrade cycle including 2 years of regular software updates from the release date of the phone. The program also offers an additional year of Android security patch updates every 2 months. To move from Stable official version to Open Beta version follow these steps: 1. Download the latest ROM upgrade zip package from the specified server. 2. Copy the ROM upgrade package to the phone storage. 3. Go to Settings -> System -> System Updates -> Click top right icon -> Local upgrade -> Click on the corresponding installation package -> upgrade -> System upgrade completed to 100 per cent. 4. After the upgrade is complete, click Restart. 5. Phone will boot into recovery mode to format user data, it will reboot again after formatting. 6. Update successful. To rollback from Developer Preview version to Stable official version follow these steps: 1. Download the latest ROM upgrade zip package from the specified server. 2. Copy the ROM upgrade package to the phone storage. 3. Go to Settings -> System -> System Updates -> Click top right icon -> Local upgrade -> Click on the corresponding installation package -> upgrade -> System upgrade completed to 100%. 4. After the upgrade is complete, click Restart. 5. Phone will boot into recovery mode to format user data, it will reboot again after formatting. 6. Update successful. For more details visit OnePlus forum here. Here's how to download Android Q on your OnePlus phone: --Go to https://developer.android.com/preview/devices/index.html --Find your phone in the list. --Then click on the link that says get the beta. Download the beta update from the manufactures website Commenting on the Android Q Google says, "You can learn how to install Android Q Beta by visiting each partner's site. Each partner provides a system image that you can download and flash, and/or an over-the-air (OTA) delivery where supported by the partner. Each partner provides support resources to guide you through the installation process - use the GET THE BETA link to jump to the partner's download/OTA information."