Here in this article, we will share with you how to install Android Q Beta on Sony Xperia XZ3 handset. Google has released Android Q beta developer preview 3 for 21 devices currently at developers conference 2019 at California.
The Q Beta includes the dark mode, privacy & security options, notification assist, smart reply, live capture, focus mode, etc. It also brings enhancements for foldable devices, new APIs for connectivity, new media codecs, camera improvements, Vulkan 1.1 support, faster app startup, and more.
All the Google pixel series devices are eligible to get the update right now. Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, and Pixel 3 XL are in the list. While non-pixel Android smartphones are also on the list. Such as Asus ZenFone 5Z, Huawei Mate 20 Pro, Sony Xperia XZ3, LG G8, OnePlus 6T, Oppo Reno, Realme 3 Pro, Vivo NEX A, Vivo NEX S, Nokia 8.1, Essential PH-1, Tecno Spark 3 Pro, Vivo X27, Xiaomi Mi 9, and the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G.
Read More: How to Enable Themes on Android Q Beta (Easiest Way)
Before heading over to the installation process, let’s take a look at the Android Q Beta 3 version features briefly.
Android Q Top Features:
Some of the top Android Q Beta features are mentioned here in brief. The improved Security and Privacy option, system-wide Dark Theme, Live Caption, Project Mainline, improved gestures, Smart reply, and Focus Mode.
Security and Privacy Control
In terms of the security and privacy options, the Android Q Beta DP3 provides much improved and better privacy control over apps, locations, etc. Now the system will allow apps which permissions to be taken for granted or not. This will play a major role in the near future. Even you can use incognito mode on Maps to keep your location private.
Dark Mode
The system-wide dark mode feature is now available on the whole system. Now, you can change your theme and even accent color according to your choice. Meanwhile, theme color will have only two options like light and dark theme. Where all the system apps will work in the night theme. It will even reduce your eye strain during low light and saves device battery a lot.
Live Caption and Project Timeline
Whereas the Live Caption will come in handy for deaf users who can’t hear sounds or have any issues. It will allow the system to capture the voice conversation and show a subtitle on the screen even in offline mode. The Project Timeline is so much useful for all the users because it will tweak system architecture so that you will receive security patch updates via Play Store.
Gestures, Smart reply, and Focus Mode
The improved gesture navigation control now offers more smooth and fluid gestures than earlier. But this time Google has removed the back button to give a full-screen mode. Smart Reply is one of the top features of Android Q beta right now. It supports all the major messaging applications and offers auto-reply mode with templates for easier use.
The last but another useful feature is Focus Mode. However, the feature was released on Android Pie but most of the devices didn’t get this feature officially. It will help the user to choose the apps which are quite disturbing in terms of the notifications. It’s quite similar to DND mode.
Important Information:
This is a Beta software for your device, intended for application development and not for daily use. Please be aware that it might be unstable and functionality might be under development. All personal content in the device will be lost and you cannot use Backup or Restore as long as you run the preview software.
Not all variants of Sony Xperia XZ3 will have the support for the Android Q Beta software right now, only versions like H8416, H9436, and H9493 are eligible currently. Operator customized devices will not be able to download the Android Q Beta software version. To make sure you get a compatible device, the safest way is to buy a device directly from Sony Mobile.
The Dual Sim functionality that is present in some versions is not supported in Android Q Beta.
Please Note: Kindly do a factory reset of your device before you flash your device. The user data would have been erased regardless of this step but the device should be clean when installing the software. You can keep device data backup before doing anything.
How to install Android Q Beta on Sony Xperia XZ3 (Developer Preview 3)
There are 3 variants of Sony Xperia XZ3 that can be flashed with Android Q Beta such as H8416, H9436, and H9493.
- Make sure you have Xperia Companion v2.5 or later installed on your computer. If not, download the latest Xperia Companion from here.
- Start the Xperia Companion tool.
- Hold down the ALT key (on the computer) and click on “Software Repair” on the home screen.
- Tick the checkbox “My device cannot be detected or started”, then click on “Next”.
- Wait for the initialization to complete, then follow the instructions on the screen.
Please Note: You can return to factory settings/Xperia SW at any time by connecting back to Xperia Companion and following the Software repair (without holding ALT button).
Android Q Beta 3 Version Known Bugs:
- The setup wizard can sync down backup data from google account/cloud, but not restore via BT/Wifi from other Xperia device.
- Delay with black background after the “Android Beta” information is shown before entering the home screen.
- Camera functionality and quality are limited compared to Xperia SW.
- The camera button press is not starting camera, but double press on the power button starts the camera.
- Chromecast does not work for audio/video as cast icon is not shown.
- Media playback support is not on par with Xperia SW.
- External SDcard is not fully supported for media playback and MTP.
- Audio routing with PHF is not fully working.
- Adaptable storage is not supported.
