Android P beta 3 download guide – how to install Google’s new mobile OS now
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Google is making it safer than ever to download its Android P beta with the release of the "near-final" version of the mobile operating system.
In other words, now is the best time to get early access to the OS – and here's how you can grab it today.
Android P beta warning – what you need to know before installing
Though the Android P beta 3 is as close to the final product as we're going to get before its public release next month, there are still some caveats you should be aware of.
Firstly, this is still an incomplete version of the operating system, meaning it could still be prone to the same bugs and glitches as prior releases.
So you probably shouldn't download it on your main Android phone.
And if you do decide to go ahead with it, you should make sure to back up your Android handset first so that you don't lose your precious pics and videos if something should go wrong.
Google beta 3 offers “the latest bug fixes and optimizations for stability and polish,” which sounds promising. But it's best to be safe than sorry.
How to install the Android P beta 3 on your smartphone
Get early access to Google's brand-spanking new mobile OS by following these simple steps:
The easiest way for Pixel phone owners to grab Android P is by enrolling in the .
You can sign in with the Google account you use on your phone.
Next, scroll down and choose the device you own and tap the 'opt-in' option
Wait a few minutes and you'll be greeted with a prompt in the notification panel. Tap it and your download will begin.
The OS is also available on the following smartphones:
- Essential Phone:
- OnePlus 6:
- Sony XZ2:
- Nokia 7:
- Oppo R15 Pro:
- Vivo X21UD:
- Vivo X21:
- Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S:
Android P beta key features – here's what's new in Google's mobile OS
Google's refreshed smartphone OS is here, and these are its best bits:
- Taking a page out of Apple's iPhone X book, Android P touts "gesture navigation" to make browsing your phone even easier.
- A new digital wellbeing dashboard that tells you how often you use every app on your smartphone. The idea being that it will encourage users to set time limits on things like Instagram, Snapchat, and maybe even Candy Crush Soda Saga.
- There's still a back and home button, but everything else has changed.
- You can now swipe up for an overview of open apps and swipe up further to go to your app drawer. The square multitasking button is gone, and the back button only shows up in apps.
- Time on the left: the mobile reception meter on the left-hand-side of the display has been moved to the right, in its place is the time.
- New app actions: housed within a multitaksing page, this feature will pedict which app you want to use next with the help of AI.
- Smart replies for notifications: Those quick responses from Gmail will be avilable for all notifications, so you never have to type a reply again.
- Adaptive battery: AI will channel your phone's battery to the apps you use most, while restricting the ones you don't from draining your device's juice.
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- Notch support: All those Android iPhone X clones will be fully supported, with apps tailored around edge-to-edge displays.
- More privacy: Android P will restrict location-tracking apps from snooping on you while they're idle in the background.
Have you downloaded the Android P beta yet? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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