Android Q beta 3 is already available to download and install on certain phones, and as Google announced at its 2019 I/O developer conference, it's going to come with a lot of new features, including the user-requested dark mode.
To access these, users will need a Pixel or any other supported phone running on the OS. Tech Times has a guide on how to install the new Android Q beta, but a word to the wise, builds such as this aren't going to be stable.
Android Q Beta 3 Features
• Gesture Controls
With the update, users can go with full gesture navigation. When it's enabled, the classic three-button or two-button layout will disappear. Instead, users will have to swipe to get around their phones. For instance, a swipe from the left or right edge of the display will trigger the Back key.
To turn this on, just head to Settings > System > Gestures > "System navigation." There, users can activate the "Fully gestural navigation" option.
• Dark Mode
A dark theme is one of the most requested features. It's as simple as flipping a switch, setting the entire phone into a sort of night mode.
All users have to do is to go to Settings > Display > Theme and tap on Dark.
• Smart Reply
Smart Reply makes responding to messages easier and more convenient, as it provides suggested replies in notifications that users can send at a tap of a button.
As Google explains, it works on any messaging app, though some users report that it's not working on their end on certain apps yet.
Other Android Q Features To Expect
Full gesture navigation, Smart Reply, and a dark theme aren't the only big things to expect from Android Q.
Here's a list of the others that are slated to roll out in the foreseeable future:
• Next-Generation Google Assistant
Google is expected to launch what it calls a "next-generation" version of Assistant. It's touted to process requests and such up to 10 times faster, allowing it to compose emails and multitask more efficiently.
There's no word on a release date yet, though. The only available change at the moment is that users can simply tell Assistant "stop" to turn off alarms and timers, instead of having to say "Hey Google" or "OK Google" first.
• Live Caption
This accessibility feature is a must-have for those with hearing impairments. When it's on, it's going to automatically caption just about any kind of media on the phone, including podcasts, videos, and even recorded messages. Best part is it doesn't even require an internet connection.
• Digital Wellbeing
Google is beefing up its Digital Wellbeing tools, namely with a new Focus mode that lets users mute select apps so they can concentrate on their tasks. Family Link is also included in every device that's supported by Digital Wellbeing, making it easier for parents to access features such as setting time limits on certain apps and rewarding kids with "bonus time."
Android Q is also bringing better control over privacy and security, and couple that with the features listed above, it's a huge update to look forward to in more ways than one.
