How to Get the Android P Public Beta for Your Phone Right Now
Android: Earlier this year, Google offered app developers (and adventurers) an early look at Android P. The company is now releasing an official public beta to the general public. Here’s what you need to know.
Who will receive the Android P beta?
Previously, Google limited these early beta tests to its devices (like the Pixel series), but this has changed completely this year. You can install Android P on a wide variety of devices, including the Sony Xperia XZ2, Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S, Nokia 7 Plus, Oppo R15 Pro, Vivo X21, Essential PH-1 and the upcoming OnePlus 6.
Of course, a beta version is also available for Google branded hardware. If you have a Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, or Pixel 2 XL, you’re fine.
How to install the beta
Installing Android P on your smartphone is pretty straightforward. Just go to the beta program website and make sure you’re signed in to your Google account. Then click View Available Devices and click the green Register button next to the phone you want to update. Finally, you will need to agree to some terms and conditions before you can confirm your decision.
At this point, Google will send a notification to your phone when the file is ready to install, but this can take up to 24 hours. In the meantime, you should probably back up your device in case something goes wrong or you want to go back to Android Oreo.
When an update comes out, just click on the notification and click Download. From there, Google will guide you through the process. You should start testing Android P right away.
What to try in Android P
Google is introducing a number of new features in Android P with a focus on making your phone more efficient so you can spend less time looking at it. For example, App Actions puts quick contextual cues all over your phone. So the next time you plug in your headphones, you can see the app action to quickly start playing your favorite playlist on Spotify.
There are also snippets that trigger quick actions when searching for an app. For example, if you do a Lyft search, you can see how long it takes to get home and how much it will cost, as well as a button to immediately book a ride right from the search results.
Finally, if you’re trying to spend less time on your phone, try Google’s new Do Not Disturb mode. It not only turns off all alerts and notifications, but also hides them from the lock screen. To enable the new mode, all you have to do is place your phone face down on the table and all these distractions will disappear.