Google is expected to release the first Android Q developer preview for its Pixel smartphones soon. While no specific date has been confirmed yet, a Google Pixel 2 running on a preview version of Android Q has surfaced on the Geekbench benchmark database.
Android Q Developer Preview Right Around the Corner
The Geekbench listing confirms that the Mountain View-based company is indeed set to roll out the first Android Q developer preview very soon. Last year, Google released the first Android P developer preview for Pixel smartphones on March 7. For at least a few weeks, the developer preview will only be available for Google Pixel smartphones. The Android Q Beta Program is likely to be launched at Google I/O 2019, which is set to take place from May 7 to 9 this year at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View. Android developer Illiyan Malchev recently revealed during the Android Developers Backstage podcast that the Android Q Beta Program will include a much higher number of Android devices than the Android P Beta Program last year.
As you can see in the listing above, the Google Pixel 2 running Android Q scored 1,856 points in the single-core and 6,307 points in the multi-core test. Both the scores are more or less in line with the average scores achieved by the smartphone on Geekbench. Android Q will bring several new features to the table, including a system-wide dark mode. While smartphones with LCD panels will not benefit from the dark mode, it should help improve battery life slightly on OLED phones. Android Q will also come with an overhauled permissions system. Instead of granting permissions on a permanent basis, users will be able to grant permissions to an app while active. Some of the other possible highlights of Android Q include improved facial recognition, screen recording support, and a desktop mode.
