Like we saw with Android P, the beta program that provides early access to Android Q is available for more than just Pixel phones. That's really cool for a couple of reasons: not every developer can afford a Pixel phone or wants a Pixel phone, and some brands (cough Huawei) need special attention when it comes to making apps compatible. Android Q beta is not just for developers. But it's not only developers who are interested in installing the Q beta, and that's important, too. Google uses the beta program for testing and feedback from users as well as providing early access for app development. As a rule, I don't mind seeing barriers in place that make a developer jump through a hoop or two for early access. Software developers are used to monkeying with everything in order to get it to work and when the actual process isn't nearly as easy as it was made to sound, it's situation normal to anyone writing software. Verizon is offering the Pixel 4a for just $10/mo on new Unlimited lines But that's not how the Android Q beta was meant to sound when Google said it was available for 21 different phones during the Google I/O 2019 keynote. Today I'm excited to announce that Q beta 3 is available on 21 devices. That is 12 OEMs plus all Pixels. And that is more than double last year. We hope you head on over to the link to get it on your phone because we would love to have you try it out.

That sounded really awesome to every Android enthusiast that was sitting at home watching or even in attendance. The reality is a lot less awesome because once again, Google has allowed its hardware partners to make the rules instead of exercising any sort of control over Android. Your phone matters

How you can get Android Q on your phone depends on who made it. Sounds a little familiar, doesn't it? Most phones will need to wait until the company that made them decides it is ready and officially updates because most phones are from Samsung, who doesn't participate in the Q Beta program. And before you ask, I'm cool with Samsung opting out. Samsung gets to decide what is best for the Samsung brand and that's what it is doing here. But what about those 21 unicorn devices? It seems that the manufacturer makes a big difference there, too. More: How to get Android Q Beta 3 on your Pixel right now (or downgrade to Pie) Of course, most everyone reading this is familiar with the way you get Android Q beta on a Pixel. You visit the beta website, make sure you are signed in and enroll your phone. That's pretty simple but Google isn't the only company to make it easy. Some, like OnePlus and ASUS, do things the way Android was written to support since the beginning and give you a factory image you install manually. I like this way the best because it forces you to learn how to fix it if and when things go bad.