Android Q will bring an iconic Apple iPhone feature

In this article (5)
In Android 8 Oreo, Google added a long press gesture that allows Android users to see shortcuts related to certain apps. That feature was continued on Android 9 Pie. For example, press hard on the YouTube icon in either build, and you’ll see shortcut options that can take you to the app’s search feature, and a list of your YouTube subscriptions. Documentation for Android Q reveals that the next Android build will allow users to see the same information, only faster, with a “deep press.”
Found inside documentation for MotionEvents is a statement that says a touch on the touchscreen can be classified as a “deep press” when a user presses harder on the screen intentionally. This will “accelerate the long press behavior.” In other words, a “deep press” will reveal the same information as a long press, only quicker. Unlike 3D Touch, it doesn’t appear that Android devices will be able to distinguish between a light press, a medium press, and a hard press.
“The annual developer conference will run from May 7th through May 9th.”
Google could turn to algorithms to determine whether a user is using enough force to count a touch as a “deep press.” Or, the new feature might require specialized hardware. Either way, we could hear more about this during Google I/O. The annual developer conference will run from May 7th through May 9th. During the conference, Google traditionally reveals new features that will be found on the upcoming Android build.
Just the other day, Google disseminated the second beta preview for Android Q. This included a foldable device emulator to help developers see how their apps will look on one of the new foldable phones that will be released soon. That includes the Samsung Galaxy Fold, due out on April 26th, and the Huawei Mate X. That model will be launched sometime this summer. Another feature called Bubbles allows you to take the functionality of certain apps with you from screen to screen on Android Q.
Google plans on releasing six beta versions of Android Q with the final version scheduled to drop during the third quarter. If you have a Pixel handset, you can quickly sign up to receive the Android Q beta versions OTA. Simply head to the Android Beta for Pixel website and click on the Devices tab. Scroll down to “Your Eligible Devices” and tap the Opt-in button. Expect to wait up to 24 hours before the update arrives. When you’re ready to return to the public version of Android, repeat the process and tap on the Opt-out button. Keep in mind that the beta versions of Android are unstable and many of the features that you might depend on could fail to work. As a result, you might want to think twice before signing up to receive the Android Q beta previews.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the key difference between Android's new 'deep press' and Apple's 3D Touch?
What is the key difference between Android's new 'deep press' and Apple's 3D Touch?
Android's 'deep press' aims to accelerate long press behaviour, revealing the same information but quicker. Unlike 3D Touch, it does not appear Android devices will distinguish between light, medium, and hard presses.
Q.When will Google officially announce more details about Android Q and its new features?
When will Google officially announce more details about Android Q and its new features?
More details about Android Q and its features are expected to be revealed during Google I/O. This annual developer conference will run from May 7th through May 9th.
Q.Can I try out the Android Q beta on my phone, and are there any risks involved?
Can I try out the Android Q beta on my phone, and are there any risks involved?
Yes, if you own a Pixel handset, you can sign up for the Android Q beta. However, beta versions are unstable, and some features you depend on might not work correctly.
Q.Will the 'deep press' feature require any specific new hardware for Android phones?
Will the 'deep press' feature require any specific new hardware for Android phones?
It is unclear if 'deep press' will require specialized hardware, or if Google will use algorithms to detect the required force. The article does not specify which approach will be taken.
Reader pulse
Will "deep press" enhance user experience?
21,362 votes so far
Weekly Briefing
Asia's retail intelligence, in your inbox
Monday, Wednesday and a Friday Weekly Wrap: the retail stories, numbers and moves that mattered across Asia. Nothing else, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
- Top industry moves and market shifts
- Weekly data-driven analysis from across Asia
- Monday, Wednesday and the Friday Weekly Wrap
Read by retail operators, investors and brand teams across Asia.