Yes you can apply for the Q1 now if you have the correct documents. All new Visa's have started.

Not only you must have the correct documents, but you must also meet the criteria set for the new Q visa.  And as I read the new law, my interpretation may be different than how Chinese officials at Embassies apply them.

In my eyes (and I could be totally wrong), the new Q-1 and Q-2 visas are not for foreigners who want to live in China for periods longer that one year with an L visa as was done before.
Q visas will be for persons born in China, who went to live or study abroad, and obtained a foreign passport, or for foreigners who have a permanent resident visa (equivalent to USA Green Card). We will have no other recourse to wait and see how this is applied, and see the results of the first few applicants.
in my opinion, and again I could be totally wrong, the visa that will apply to foreigners wishing to live in China, like those who had the L visa before, will be the "S" category.
Thank God my visa is good until May of next year, plenty time to see how the water flows over the dam, and take appropriate measurements after acquiring further knowledge and seeing the experiences of others.

For anyone interested in new visa information, the best explanation I have found so far can be seen at : 

http://lawandborder.com/ministry-foreign-affairs-notice-spells-chinas-ne...

Sorry guys, but I read this same ad you posted for us to read. Unless my eyes need checked and I need new glasses, I dont see how you come with the conclusion that we would have to get the S visa. Based on my understanding of what I have read from that same article Happy posted, it seems the foreingers married, or related to Chinese citizens could and should get the Q2 visa first, unless they are already here, married, and have residency. If they already have residency, or have had a one year L visa, for purposes of family reunion or visation, it seems based on this article they can change it to the Q2 or Q1 visa. Not 100 percent sure, but that is what these articles seem to be telling me. In most cases it seems even with the Q1 residency visa, they would only be good for one at a time. Anybody else can to add any other thoughts. Welcome!

It's very much a wait and see because the interpretation and the way the new laws are applied vary depending on the person who is working on your application. At the moment I am crossing the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Border every five days at a cost of 168rmb per time until my paper work is completed. The whole process at the Immigration Counter only takes 5 minutes. Feel free to message on how this process works. There is an 30 day option too.

   I am not sure either.     I am just going by what I read on the law blogs, but like Gymjunkee said it usually depends on the place where you go as they have their own interpretations.    Question for Ironman or anybody else out there who has been married to a Chinese person for five years or more and is applying for the permanent resident,  is the permanent resident the same thing as the green card?   If so, its would seem the permanet residency would be almost impossible to get.

My husband (European) will get a Q2 visa later this week. Because his family member who resident in China is Chinese. If his family member who resident in China is a foreigner, then he should apply for S visa. For a special case, if the family member is a foreigner and obtained a permanent residency in China, then the visitor can apply for a Q visa. The stupid thing is with a Q visa, it still not allows to work. Very unreasonable I think.

I have been living here for 7 years. Returned home to the UK last November, to return in December, unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances I had to stay a little longer than planned. In this time my visa was about to expire, and I covered myself by sending to London for a renewal, in return I received a Q2 visa from the consulate. Never seen this one before so was a little surprised, and even more surprised to learn that it does not allow you to work!!!!!. I will be up for renewal again this week can't wait to see what is lurking in the smog.  

Question: has anyone every been asked to pay the visa fee again to convert your Q visa to a residence permit? According to what i've read you pay the visa fee for the Q visa which is converted to a permit without paying the fee again...today the woman (who didn't like me) tried to make us pay 800 yuan when we are converting the entry visa to residence permit within the 30 day limit.