Android Q Beta 4 rollout on Pixels arrested due to bootlooping issue

The newest version of Android is still called Q at this point. It is still in beta, although the unusually expanded panel of phones on which it may become available may help accelerate the release of its stable form. However, the latest of these betas (4) has only been seen on Pixel or Essential phones thus far.

Unfortunately, any wider distribution of this preliminary OS may take longer than expected. Some users with Pixel phones have reported that the new beta's installation has resulted in bootloops on these devices. Therefore, Google has suspended Q beta 4's roll-out.

Its new features and settings include a new, more granular set of location permissions. They result in additional options for the user, which allow them to enable location for each individual app (or not). Users can now also opt to restrict a given app's use of location data in the background.

Some users have also noticed that Android Q beta 4 appears to change the identity of Smart Unlock (an option that keeps a phone unlocked under certain condition, such as the presence of a trusted device). It has been observed to call itself "Pixel Presence" on some users' lockscreens.

A new security-related feature called "Face authentication", which appears to allow for payment authorization using facial data, has also been spotted. In addition, there may be a method by which facial data "will be permanently and securely deleted". Therefore, it is to be hoped that Google can resolve Beta 4's new issue quickly.