What you need to know
- Google is now rolling out Android Q Beta 6.
- There are further improvements to Q's gesture navigation.
- This is the final beta that Google is releasing before the official build drops.
Ever since the first public beta build was launched in March, Google's been continuing to refine Android Q with beta update after beta update. Now, on August 7, the sixth and final beta is starting to roll out to users.
As you'd probably expect, Android Q Beta 6 is a pretty minor change compared to Beta 5 that came before it. For developers, Beta 6 includes the latest system images for the Pixel and Android Emulator, as well as the final version of API 29 SDK. Furthermore, Google notes that Beta 6 has the "features, system behaviors, and developer APIs" that'll be present in the final build, ensuring that applications can be optimized prior to its release.
For you and me, the only notable change with Beta 6 is Google's further tweaks to Q's gesture navigation.
We've made further refinements to Gesture Navigation in Beta 6 based on user feedback. First, to ensure reliable and consistent operation, there's a 200dp vertical app exclusion limit for the Back gesture. Second, we've added a sensitivity preference setting for the Back gesture.
I wasn't impressed with Android Q's gestures in the last beta, so here's to hoping that the improvements offered in Beta 6 are substantial.
If you're already enrolled in the Android Q beta, keep your eye out for an over-the-air update that should be rolling out soon. If you aren't enrolled, you can find instructions on how to do so here.
With Beta 6 now here, the next step is to just wait for the final build of Android Q. Google's confirmed that it'll be released at some point during Q3, meaning that we only have to wait until late September at the latest.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Amazon's super useful and ultra-cheap Echo Flex is now available to buy
The Echo Flex plugs directly into any standard outlet and gives you direct Alexa access in places that may be hard to put a traditional smart speaker.
Google places more limitations on political ads ahead of elections
Ahead of the elections, Google has made some changes on how political ads can be targeted on its platform across search, YouTube, and on websites. Ads will now be less targeted and restricted to only using "age, gender, and general location (postal code level)."
Do you use AirPods with an Android phone?
Apple's AirPods are some of the most popular earbuds on the planet. Do you use them with an Android phone?
Time to dump Chrome: 8 alternative desktop web browsers
If you getting frustrated with the lack of privacy, slower speeds or difficulty using extensions in Chrome, it's time to switch to one of these web browsers.
