Android P Hands-On: Swipe Right

The next version of Android is here, and if you use a phone that doesn’t have the Apple logo on the back, this software brings big changes to the way you use it. Namely, a gesture-based interface that recalls the very best of webOS (and, yes, is clearly meant to battle the iPhone X), as well as a bunch of expected improvements from power management all the way up to the volume slider. From Google I/O in Mountain View, California, I’m MrMobile – let’s go hands-on with the Android P Beta!

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[LINKS]

How To Get The Android P Beta On Your Pixel Right Now [Android Central]:

MIchael Josh on Twitter:

SuperSaf on Twitter:

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MrMobile's Android P Hands-On was produced following two hours with the Android P Developer Preview 2 / Beta release on a Pixel 2 review device at Google I/O 2018. Conclusions based on non-final software and subject to change.

[MUSIC]

“Home Organ” by Zach Nicita, available at Premium Beat:

“Escapade” by Vincent Tone, available at Premium Beat:

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[DISCLOSURE]

[siddhantraje]

*Seen many videos for Android P but honestly no one explained with ease & better like you. Thanks !!!*

[SuperSaf]

Saw some of the hard work that went into making this video behind the scenes, great result my friend 👊🏾

[bbwlc]

I don't mind the gesture based control...however...that back button seems unsightly without a third button on the other side to balance it out. One draggable pill button that sits in the middle...to handle all your gesture based swipes/drag gestures. Do that and I'm a Pixel 3 owner by the end of the year.
Feedback for Google: ditch the back button and make it a drag/swipe the middle button left for back and drag/swipe the middle button right for recent apps...and keep the drag/swipe middle button up for app drawer. Also...it is time for big opaque/black bars along the bottom of screen where the buttons/gesture areas sit...to die. overlay them on top of any app/screen. That is one thing iOS does nicely. The entire UI is seamless.

[jdneilso]

It's funny, you mentioned the volume action would be easier, for righties. All the more reason why I miss the LG G2's implementation of the power and volume buttons. Everything on the back so it doesn't matter if you are a righty or lefty.

[rohithramesh]

Using white accents everywhere and trying to boost battery on the OLED of pixel 2.
Counter-intuitive.
Google must include a dark theme like OnePlus.
All apps must support night mode .it's blinding when reading is slightly dim lighting conditions.

[Dr.Ismael]

Gesture controls are awesome, I've already tried them through the one plus 5t( the new update has one plus's own take on gesture controls but I can't help but think it's too close to apple's) and I think android p's implementation of it is one of the best, now they could tweak some things like maybe remove the back button and make a gesture for it and a few other things, but that's just me.

[jugo]

The scrollbar and the back button don't look good together. Hopefully the final version will have better designs.

[averagepianomusic]

Its nice to see that the gestures are unique in their own way. This would probably end the on-screen buttons.

[averagepianomusic]

I had to say to my teacher that I had to go to the bathroom just to watch this video.

[garreswe]

Awesome, finally some real improvements from an Android update! I've been so underwhelmed with the latest updates which have brought mostly under-the-hood changes. The swipe gestures are highly appreciated :)

[lanternofthegreen]

So it takes some good bits of iOS. I'm OK with that. As an Android fan, I must admit there are some things iOS does better. So it's nice to see some of those features implemented in Android.

...
Especially the volume control. It changes with every update, and it still confuses older users. I'm tired of "un"muting my aunt's phone. It seems like this one is going to fix it.

[SLX]

Just installed Android P on my Pixel 2XL. I absolutely love it. So smooth. The gestures on the home button make so much sense.

[damien]

LOVING Android P on my Essential PH-1. The Beta alone is worth the sale price of the Essential.

[der_Schreiner]

With the latest update from my OnePlus 5t I received gesture control and although it could be nicer visually, I can't imagine going back.
It's actually better, than the upcoming Android p gestures.
And more importantly:
It doesn't take up any space at all.
Enabeling gestures gave me at least 1 cm more permanent screen estate.
Genius!
Changed a big screen to a huge one without enlarging the phone.
Love it.

[Aghinari]

This makes me miss MeeGo and Jola. Happy to see mor gestures though

[mikeabrames]

Mr Fisher ...I am very excited about this Android P update. Unfortunately I am using a note 8 and won't be able to try the beta version but it gives me something to look forward to. Webos and blackberry os10 are by far my favorite os' s from back in the day. Webos and palm had me hooked from the get go and nothing else has come close! Can't wait. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

[voteDC]

Hopefully you can turn off the haptic feedback. It is one of those things I hate and always turn it off on everything I can.

While I could probably get used to gestures as the main way of interacting with my phone, I'm not really sure I'd want to. Swiping up and to the side for seeing your running apps for example seems more fiddly than just tapping a button to do the job. Just seems like doing more to achieve the same task.

[novamondal]

I have this on my pixel, and the swipe up on home button feels so natural for me that I honestly can’t live without it

[sphong]

I used to love Go Launcher when they had the customisable gestures. It worked well and I didn't need a password or pattern (this is before fp readers or face scanners) as I had it so only I could know the gestures for each app on the phone. If Android P delivers then I'm definitely gonna like this one.

[JalajBhandula]

Android P is way better than Android O 😄