How to Install Android P on Your Phone Right Now
Sorry, but your new Android phone is already out of date. Google unveiled the latest version of its mobile operating system earlier this week, and Android P – yes, it’s basically an inverted Beats logo – comes with some interesting new features and slight visual changes.
Here’s everything you need to know about Android P, including how to get it installed on your phone right now.
What’s new in Android P?
The most notable (and controversial) update coming to Android P is support for all of these iPhone X imitators. Android developers or owners who want to pretend their device is an iPhone X (or Essential Phone) can opt for slim, tall, or chubby dimensions for your fake recesses. Just turn on developer options in Android P and scroll through the long list of options until you get to the Draw section where you find the Simulate Cutout Display option.
Android P also adds rounded corners to the Android quick settings menu, as well as several new ways that users can quickly respond to message notifications. You can choose one of Google’s Smart Answers if you don’t have time to talk, or you can quickly launch an image right from the notification bar.
Other changes in Android P include a new battery saver feature that prevents apps from using the microphone, camera, and other sensors while in standby mode. Google also says Android AutoComplete should now remember your password better.
For a full overview of the features coming to Android P, be sure to watch the great introductory video from Google:
How to get Android P right now (official way)
You can get the first developer preview of Android P right now, but there are a few important caveats. First, it is limited to the Google Pixel and Pixel 2 (regular version and XL version). This beta is also quite unstable. You shouldn’t try to run it on your main smartphone, but it might be worth trying that old first-generation Pixel that you have lying around somewhere.
To get started, download the Android P system image. Each Pixel phone has its own version, and you can find them all here .
Once you’ve unzipped the file and are ready to flash your Android P device, things get a little more complicated. Installing Android P on your smartphone requires a lot of work and little code. If you’re ready to complete this task, follow Google’s instructions here . Just make sure you back up your phone first – if you need to – as flashing a new preview will erase all of your old data.
How to Install Android P on Other Android Phones
If you don’t have a Pixel, but want to try Android P anyway, hope isn’t lost yet – just mostly lost. A third party developer has created an unofficial launcher for Android P that you can use to make your smartphone look like you have the latest OS, but without its features.
Download this APK file to your Android smartphone. When finished, tap Install on your device and then press its Home button. Android should ask you to choose a launcher. Select the “Pixel Launcher” you just installed. If you have a Samsung phone, you’re done. Otherwise, you will have to press the Home button again, re-select the new launcher, and select Always for it to be the default setting.
Finally, open “Settings” and select “Apps” or “Apps” (depending on your device). Tap on Pixel Launcher and then on Permissions to allow access to the basic features it needs, such as your location and your smartphone’s storage.