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Android Q Beta 4 and Final APIs
Innovation, privacy and security are the three main themes running through Android Q. Google wants the latest and greatest running through Android Q. these would include making use of edge to edge screens, the latest connectivity- 5G, on device machine learning, foldables and much more. While doing all this, they intend to make user’s privacy and protection their top most priority. Besides Android Q beta 4, Google also has in store Kotlin- first.
There are plans to also expand on Jetpack with new libraries such as Camera X, Jetpack Security and Jetpack Compose. Recently Google announced Android Q 4 Beta and with that the latest in Android Q APIs. So what does the latest and last Beta have in store for us?
What’s in Store in the latest Android Q Beta 4?
Besides having the latest in Android Q APIs that is at level 29, the 4th beta of Android Q has system images for Pixel and Android emulator as well as updated build tools to use in Android Studio. All this means that there are different ways in which you can get your apps started to test for compatibility with Android Q.
To get your apps tested, the first step would be to download the latest version of Android onto Android Studio 3.4 or to Android Studio 3.5 Beta. You will get a list of instructions in how to do it and also a list of known issues with the Beta.
Make your Apps Android Q beta 4 Compatible:
With the final version of Android Q coming out soon, it is necessary that developers get their apps tested out soon to ensure compatibility with the latest OS.
To get started, first download and install your app onto an Android Q running machine or an emulator. Then simply go through the app to check for any issues. Common areas to look out for are- areas dealing with privacy changes, gesture navigation, paths for bionic libraries, changes to dynamic linker and much more.
When we look at privacy see for new location permissions, changes to data and identifiers and background activity starts. These are some of the key areas to look out for while testing any app on the Android Q beta 4 platform. There is even a privacy checklist, curtesy of Google, to go through as well as a behavior changes doc for more areas to look out for when testing your app.
Remember to also test for scoped storage, permission for full screen intents and location permission for wireless scans.
When also this is done, a point to remember is to get your app published as soon as possible to enable users test the app too. This will help you deliver a smoother transition of your apps to Android Q.
Enhance your App with new Android Q features:
Once you’ve downloaded the latest Android Q beta 4, check out its latest features and APIs that you can benefit from. By looking at the new features on store you can make the best out of your app focusing on security, performance and more.
