News
Google releases Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2.2 with 34 bug fixes
Google has pushed the Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2.2 update for Pixel phone, which is a bug-fixing update and does not bring any new features. The latest QPR1 Beta update is available on all devices including Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel Fold. Users can identify the latest update through version U1B2.230922.013.
Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2.2 update addresses a list of 34 bug fixes, including issues with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, Face Unlock reliability, System UI, null pointer, Settings app, and more. The update also includes fixing the pink text issue on the Pixel 8 Pro AOD.
Overall, this update is a significant one as it addresses many of the bugs that users have been facing with their Pixel phones. If you own a Pixel device, you can install the update to enjoy enhanced functions.
WHAT’S NEW
This minor update to Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2 includes the following fixes:
- Fixed an issue that sometimes prevented devices from receiving calls.
- Fixed an issue where tapping or long-pressing a Quick Settings tile sometimes failed to launch the corresponding app or settings menu.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the Settings app to crash when checking for system software updates.
- Fixed an issue that prevented Device Mirroring from working correctly with Pixel Fold devices.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes prevented the system settings for large screen user per-app overrides from loading.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the Camera HAL to apply the wrong tuning profile when an app requested a certain camera mode.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the system UI or device to crash if accessibility magnification mode was toggled rapidly.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the package installer to crash due to a null pointer exception.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the system launcher to crash due to a null pointer exception.
- Fixed an issue that interfered with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity until the device was rebooted.
- Fixed issues with Face Unlock reliability.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the device unlock animation to stutter.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the screen to flicker when transitioning from always-on display mode to the lock screen.
- Fixed an issue that caused the animation to display incorrectly when a user gestured to open the notification shade.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the system UI to crash or consume more memory than necessary.
- Fixed an issue that caused the picture-in-picture window to stop displaying with rounded corners after locking and unlocking the device.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused device-to-device transfer data to be saved to an incorrect account.
- Fixed an issue that caused some UI elements to render incorrectly when the device font scale was increased.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the work profile badge for an app icon to be displayed in the wrong place while viewing the list of recent apps.
- Fixed an issue that caused some text to display in the wrong colors when always-on display features were enabled.
- Fixed issues that sometimes caused a device to crash and reboot.
- Fixed an issue where additional power was still being consumed by mobile network connectivity even after a device connected to Wi-Fi.
- Fixed an issue where audio failed to play back or was interrupted if Adaptive Sound was enabled.
- Fixed issues with audio playback when using spatial audio.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused Wi-Fi service to be interrupted and fail to connect until the device was restarted.
- Fixed an issue where the battery level in the status bar sometimes displayed temporarily as 0%.
- Fixed an issue for Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet devices where the “All Apps” button on the taskbar was slow to appear immediately after launching an app.
- Fixed an issue for Pixel Fold devices where the lock screen was sometimes still displayed if the device was unlocked and unfolded at the same time.
- Fixed an issue for Pixel Tablet devices where a primary user’s live wallpaper selection would sometimes be overridden after a secondary user selected a different live wallpaper.
- Fixed an issue for Pixel Tablet devices that caused an unsmooth animation when tapping to return to an app from the list of recent apps.
- Fixed an issue for Pixel Tablet devices that caused audio to pop when adjusting the volume if a wired headset was connected.
- Fixed an issue for Pixel Tablet where a user was returned to the Home screen instead of the app that was open when the device was locked if they unlocked the device using their fingerprint while a screen saver was active.
- Fixed an issue that caused memory corruption in rare cases.
- Fixed various issues that were impacting system stability, performance, and connectivity.
News
OpenAI eyes AI integration on Samsung phones like Apple Intelligence
Apple collaborated with OpenAI to power Apple Intelligence features. The ChatGPT maker continues to create obstacles for Google. In a recent move, OpenAI discussed a potential AI partnership with Samsung.
TheInformation (via Reuters) reported that OpenAI has recently discussed powering AI features on Samsung-made devices. It seems the ChatGPT-maker wishes an AI partnership with Samsung to expand its reach in multiple folds.
The company is considering developing a web browser to rival Google’s Chrome. OpenAI recently introduced its search engine called SearchGPT. It is available to limited users alongside internal testers and strategic partners.
Samsung x OpenAI
Samsung and Google’s close partnership doesn’t need any elaboration. The friendship isn’t limited to services, as both firms work across an ecosystem. However, it doesn’t stop Samsung from partnering with OpenAI in favor of better service.
As the AI phone market is growing rapidly, OpenAI may innovate further. Google doesn’t lag, but there’s still room for a potential alliance. Apple Intelligence-like features might be deployed on Galaxy phones after Samsung’s partnership.
OpenAI knows Samsung holds the command of the worldwide smartphone market. Expansion of its services will be quite broader than Apple if its partnership with Samsung pens down. For now, take this information as a grain of salt!
Apple x OpenAI
Apple leads the worldwide premium smartphone market. Google and Samsung introduced their AI phones in October 2023 and January 2024, respectively. It forced Apple to immediately enter the segment to normalize the innovation gap.
Google’s availing Gemini Nano AI model, but Apple joined hands with OpenAI. To create a difference, OpenAI powering some of the coolest AI features on recent iPhones. The move is to attract other vendors to adopt source AI from OpenAI.
Well, Apple still reportedly considering bringing Gemini AI on iPhones. The company believes that iPhone users should have different AI providers available. Hence, a multi-collaborative approach is also in the pipeline, at least from Apple’s end.
News
Your Galaxy is safer than you think, Samsung reveals how
Samsung revealed its Project Infinity, which aims to make your Galaxy devices safer against cyber threats. Android is vulnerable due to its open-source nature, making regular security updates necessary for your Galaxy phone’s security.
Project Infinity of Samsung is a classified operation, working on safeguarding Galaxy devices and users around the clock for safer operations. Samsung Newsroom has recently published a blog post, revealing insights from specialist meetings.
Cyber Threat Intelligence
Samsung’s Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) taskforce is a reconnaissance unit within Project Infinity along with the Red (RED), Blue (BLUE), and Purple (PURPLE) Teams, which go beyond lab conditions to identify real-world dangers.
- RED and BLUE perform proactive attack and defense functions, seeking out vulnerabilities and taking measures against them.
- PURPLE is a special operations unit that acts as both a sword and shield for specific critical areas.
It’s worth noting that Samsung has deployed RED, BLUE, and PURPLE teams in various countries including Vietnam, Poland, Ukraine and Brazil. CTI is dedicated to identifying potential threats and stopping hackers from taking control of your device.
“Once we spot these kinds of threats, we collaborate with developers and operators to lock everything down for preventing attacks,” said Ranger, a CTI member.
Samsung Security Updates
Earlier this year, Samsung announced it to support flagship Galaxy devices for seven years. The new policy applies to all flagship Galaxy devices launched after the Galaxy S24 series. It’s the longest software support offered by any mobile brand.
These updates mean customers can safely use their phones for longer. As cyber threats become more common than you think, security updates are much more crucial to safeguard your Galaxy from any potential threat of vulnerability.
News
Samsung Gaming Hub adds the biggest Xbox Game Pass titles
Owners of select Samsung Smart TVs, monitors, The Premiere 7 & 9 projectors, or The Freestyle 2nd Gen can stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Flight Simulator 2024 and hundreds of other games with Gaming Hub Xbox Game Pass.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Flight Simulator 2024 are two of the most popular games of 2024. Thanks to Samsung Gaming Hub, you don’t need to download any of the Xbox Game Pass titles, no meaning no storage required – just jump in and play.
The company has also built an engaging gameplay experience designed by fans, for fans through The Six, challenging players’ knowledge and providing another way to interact with the world of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
Notably, Samsung’s Gaming Hub is available on a variety of Samsung screens. It includes the AI-powered 2024 TV lineup, monitors, projectors, The Premiere, and The Freestyle 2nd Gen projector, offering instant access to console-free gaming.
Anyone with a Samsung Smart TV will be able to use their remote to jump in and play. This way, Gaming Hub provides a co-branded experience, giving Call of Duty fans another way to engage with the franchise they love.
For starters: The Six offers daily trivia where players can answer a series of six questions in competition with other players around the world. Correct answers with the fastest response time will achieve higher scores.