Android 9 Pie was released a few months ago and already available on several devices, while the global update is still rolling out, everyone is already wondering what Google has in stock for the next Android version, of course, Android Q. However, according to the latest reports, the tech Google might let users test Android Q before its release.
At the Android Dev Summit 2018, Google announced that it is looking into a possibility of releasing future versions GSI (Generic System image) before the official release on the AOSP (Android Open Source Project).
This simply means that Google will let Android users test the Android Q before the source code is available to AOSP. However, flashing the newer OS on devices won’t be like simply flashing a beta version of Android OS as we’re used to. Flashing GSI is a little bit more difficult but Google is still looking for ways to make it easy for users to install.
GSI is a key part of project Treble which most new devices now support. It is like a pure, unmodified OS build from AOSP. As part of Project treble Project, all the supported devices have to go through specific tests like CTS-on-GSI (Compatibility Test Suite on Generic System Image) and VTS (Vendor Test Suite) to test the compatibility of the software before it gets out.
And to maintain Treble compatibility, all Treble devices need to boot a GSI on top of the existing vendor implementation. And, Google wants to make that GSI of Android version available for the public.
As of now, Google is merely putting thoughts to the whole “making GSI available early,” which means you will have ample amount of time to learn about the necessary prerequisites for flashing a GSI. For now, you can head to this XDA guide to know more.
