INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Google's Android P update is one step closer to launching now that Google IO 2018 is underway and the keynote should give us more clues
about its features.We're expected Android P Developer Preview 2 to launch, as Google's official release date timeline calls for an early May
timetable for the next beta software update.The first version of its operating system upgrade is now available for developers as well as
those curious enough to check out some unfinished software.It builds on 2017's Android Oreo update by focusing on overhauling the visual
Of course, Google is bound to still make countless more changes and improvements in the coming months.Looking to download Android P for
yourself You'll need one of four phones currently supported: the Google Pixel, Google Pixel XL, Google Pixel 2 or Google Pixel 2 XL
More devices will support the software shortly after its final release, like the Google Pixel 3, but if you want beta access, going Google
is the only option.We'll add new information to this article as we hear it, including what the Android P name could stand for, but while we
always room for more improvement.Cut to the chaseWhat is it The next version of AndroidWhen is it out Probably August 2018How much will it
cost It will be a free updateAndroid P release dateGoogle brought out the first developer preview of Android P in early March 2018, and we
expect to see Developer Preview 2 at the Google IO keynote.The cadence of beta updates will pick up, according to Google's vague release
date timeline, with the final version of the software due to launch in August 2018, one year after Android Oreo landed.Of course, it will be
available first for the Google phones listed above, but it will also likely make its retail debut in the Google Pixel 3 nearing the year's
end.Android P newsAs we get closer to the release of Android P, some new features are starting to pop up
Recently, a feature cropped up that will let Android P remember the preferred volume that you use in your Bluetooth devices.This small, but
important feature will make certain that your music or podcasts are played neither too loud or quietly.Android P first impressionsAfter the
trial and error that always comes with the delicate process of flashing a smartphone, we finally have Android P loaded onto a Google Pixel
It didn't take long for us to notice a few small, but appreciable tweaks to the visuals from the initial setup screen.Text is more sharp,
there's generally more color in the menus, transition animations have been touched up, and some stuff has been moved around
It looks and feels fresh, even in this very early software build.Looking for the time It's now on the top left corner of the screen
App notification icons pile next to it, which could get dicey if A.) you use a lot of apps, or B.) your next Android phone has a notch
that you see when you wake up your phone
welcome improvementAmbient Display has been overhauled, at least compared to what came before it on Pixel XL and what currently exists on
the latest Pixel 2 XL Oreo software
that down at the screen's bottom, it displays the battery percentage, so that you don't have to wake it to know whether you need to plug in
We look forward to Google making more updates to Ambient Display as the dev preview continues.Image 3 of 3iPhone X-sized notchBuried in the
display settings, the preview allows developers, and by extension, us and anyone else who installs the preview, to simulate a notch on their
Offering three different notch options, Google lets developers test their apps using a hypothetical notch before more devices with the
feature release, which will inevitably happen
I'm sure some people will leave this feature on for fun, but it looks pretty silly on the Pixel XL's humongous bezels
Plus, seeing app notifications hiding because there's no more space Not so much fun at all, really.We're still digging around Android P and
will be installing new updates as they come, so stay tuned.What we want to seeAndroid is in quite a polished state by this point, but there
are always improvements that can be made, such as the following things.1
Wider, faster availabilityAndroid has long had a fragmentation problem, with many devices stuck on very old versions and even those which
This is largely in the hands of manufacturers, but Google might be able to do something to help.In fact, Google is already working on this
Movable search bar and date widgetsNot everyone wants the same layout, hopefully Android P will address thatOne of the things we typically
bar and date widget.They are currently glued to the bottom and top of the home screen respectively in the stock version of Android Oreo.Most
nothing stopping you switching the stock launcher for a third-party one to gain those options, but then you lose the Oreo look and feel, so
for Android P we want more customization built-in.4
Make the Pixel Launcher available on all devicesPixel Launcher is a slick take on Android that we want to see on more devicesWhile your
its availability and compatibility widened.5
for all devices running the software and to come as part of the core Android P update.6
Picture-in-picture for every appPicture-in-picture is handy, but only works with a few appsPicture-in-picture is one of the big new features
part of Oreo we want to see it available for most or all video apps as part of Android P.7
it add the likes of system-wide drag-and-drop and more native tablet apps with Android P
