BQ just announced that he has opened the Android 8.0 Oreo beta program for two of its devices. These are the Aquaris X and X Pro, launched at the beginning of their generation and which are set to be updated just before the end of the current support cycle, becoming one of the first mid-range mobile phones of the brand to test Oreo before its stable release.
Sign up for the Oreo beta for the Aquaris X and X Pro
The BQ Aquaris X and Aquaris X Pro They launched with Android Nougat as the default version. They've remained that way ever since, and now a new version is starting to be activated. beta program as an intermediate step towards the arrival of Android Oreo on these devices. This testing phase allows BQ to refine its firmware while more advanced users enjoy the features early. What's new in Android 8.0 and 8.1 Oreo.
To participate, you must go to the official BQ website and its beta program section to choose which of the two phones you have and be able to sign up for the program, as they have announced in Twitter through their official account. On that page you will find the specific forms for the Aquarius X and the Aquaris X Pro, in addition to legal information and terms of use.
The Spanish company itself raises a number of issues to consider: You must share the information in the private forum of the beta, is a unstable version with failures, it is preferable that you sign up only if you are going to take part making mistakes and it is necessary to have the latest stable software version in order to be able to update. Whether you participate in the Aquaris X or Aquaris X Pro update, you should consider all of this before signing up.
Furthermore, BQ emphasizes that communication regarding errors, suggestions, and system behavior must be carried out exclusively in the private forum of the program. It is not permitted to distribute screenshots, detailed technical opinions, or beta files outside of that environment, in order to protect the confidentiality of the development and avoid misunderstandings among non-participating users.
The program's places are not unlimited. In many cases, BQ sets a limit. maximum number of beta testers by model to better manage reports. If the group fills up, a waiting list for future waves of upgrades, so you still have options to enter later if you are not initially accepted.
If you receive the beta but it does not convince you, you can always go back and revert to stable Nougat versionHowever, BQ assures that the official update will arrive soon, so if you have any doubts, it's advisable to wait a little longer to receive a fully stable Android Oreo without the potential initial errors of a beta version.
How the BQ beta program works step by step
Although the program focuses on the Aquaris X and X Pro, the The operation is identical As with other beta testing processes of the Spanish brand, BQ always uses the same dynamic so that the most advanced users can collaborate with its team of engineers in improving the software.
In general, the proceedings It is as follows; consult how to join the program For more details:
- Register with a official account in the BQ community, an essential requirement to access the private forum.
- Access specific thread of the beta program of your model and request registration through the enabled form.
- Waiting to be accepted based on the availability of places and the user profile that the company is looking for (those who provide quality feedback are especially valued).
- Receive the Android Oreo update via OTA, just like any other official BQ software review.
The update is distributed via OTA, so data is not deleted Nor is it necessary to perform a complete reset of the device to install it. Even so, it is highly recommended to perform a Backup before updating in case any serious problems appear during the testing phase.
In the terms of use for this beta phase, BQ explains that any comments or communication regarding this preliminary version of Android 8.0 Oreo It can only be done through their forumThis doesn't mean you're obligated to write constantly, but it's assumed that if you detect errors, You will report them in detail to help the development team.
Another important point is that the beta version is always installed over the stable version you already have on your phone. It's not a clean install, but rather a incremental update It respects your apps, files, and settings. This way, you can continue using your phone every day, although with the added risk of bugs inherent in a beta version.
New features of Android 8.0 and 8.1 Oreo on the BQ Aquaris X and X Pro
The arrival of Android Oreo on the Aquaris X and X Pro is not limited to a simple version number change. BQ is taking advantage of the beta version to bring a set of features to these devices. performance improvements, security optimizations and new features that expand the system's capabilities.
Among the main novelties of Android 8.0 Oreo The following features can be tested on these devices:
- Better battery management thanks to the limitation of background app usage.
- Greater system security with updated patches and new internal protection layers.
- Device startup plus fast and fluid compared to previous versions.
- Functions such as notification channelswhich allow you to control in great detail what it alerts you to and how it does so.
- Improvements in general fluency of the interface and in memory management for multitasking.
In addition, many users of the program have also begun to receive the beta version of Android 8.1 Oreo in the test channel, like the Xiaomi Mi A1 betaThis places the Aquaris X and X Pro among the non-Google-manufactured phones that have access to this advanced version. This iteration adds new APIs for artificial intelligence, improvements in energy-saving mechanisms and small visual changes to the system, paving the way for future versions.
The fact that a mid-range manufacturer has brought Android 8.1 to its devices so quickly reinforces BQ's image as a brand committed to the software supportThis is especially valued by users looking for a durable and up-to-date mobile phone.
Beyond the Aquaris X: other BQ phones on the Oreo roadmap
Although the main focus is on the Aquaris X and X Pro, BQ has also confirmed that other models from their catalog They are part of the Android Oreo update plan. These include the Aquaris U, U Lite, and U Plus, the Aquaris V and V Plus series, as well as the Aquaris U2 and U2 Lite, which in many cases also participate in similar beta programs geared towards Android 8.1.
On these devices, the program works in a very similar way: it is enabled specific links For each model on the BQ beta testers page, it is required to have the latest stable version An account in the official community is required to access the private forum. In some cases, the company indicates that only certain accounts are accepted. free unitsexcluding terminals linked to operators.
The brand's philosophy is clear: even if certain mid-range models don't reach future versions of Android, BQ tries to ensure they at least enjoy the latest major iteration available throughout its life cycle, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most serious manufacturers when it comes to updates.
All this effort has a dual objective. On the one hand, to offer users a safer and smoother user experienceOn the other hand, to gather first-hand information about bugs, incompatibilities and desired improvements, something that only those who test the system on a daily basis and are really involved in the beta program can provide.
With this Android Oreo beta program for the Aquaris X and X Pro, BQ is putting itself on par with brands like Xiaomi or NokiaThey also use open or semi-public testing phases to refine their updates. For more advanced users, it's an opportunity to experience the latest features before anyone else. new Android featuresFor everyone else, it's a sign that the stable version is getting closer.
BQ's move with the Android Oreo beta program The Aquaris X and X Pro confirm that the manufacturer maintains its commitment to polished software, competitive update cycles, and constant dialogue with its community—key factors for these devices to remain a very interesting option within the Android mid-range.
