Android
Samsung should learn how to do Android 15 beta testing from OnePlus
Several Android smartphone makers have already started the Android 15 beta program for their eligible devices. However, Samsung hasn’t yet started the Android 15 beta program for the Galaxy smartphones.
OnePlus, the Chinese smartphone maker, has also confirmed the Android 15-based OxygenOS 15 beta program for its compatible devices. OnePlus usually provides a clear schedule detailing when various devices can expect to receive beta updates. According to the latest information, On October 30, OnePlus will start the Android 15-based OxygenOS 15 beta program for the OnePlus 12 series.
Unlike Samsung, OnePlus has an open beta program for global users, that is not a region-limited or exclusive program. With this open beta program, OnePlus collects feedback throughout the program.
I believe Samsung should also adopt a similar beta testing policy. By expanding the beta program worldwide, Samsung would gather extensive feedback, enabling significant enhancements to the One UI software. The company is getting better at telling people when updates will come, but the company could be even clearer and give updates more often.
However, there are also some difficulties. Samsung has a lot of different phones globally, which makes beta testing complicated. Because of the different types of phones, they need to do a lot of testing, which can take longer to get the new software out.
Samsung focuses extensively on creating a unique user experience with One UI, which might prioritize stability over speed in terms of beta and official release timelines.
Samsung takes it slow to make sure all the different phones work well with the new updates, aiming for a reliable experience. On the other hand, OnePlus moves faster, targeting users who don’t mind dealing with some glitches during beta testing.
October 2024 Feature Drop for the Google Pixel Tablet brings some amazing features including two new clock screen savers. These new clocks available in Pixel Tablet are inspired by Wear OS running the Pixel Watch, and they could be released for more Android devices in the future.
Now, users of Pixel Table have even more choices for customizing their screens with the addition of two new clocks. The names of these screensavers are Everyday and Pilot Bold. However, Pixel Tablets already have Eclipse, Prime, Handcraft, and Retro Flip clock designs.
Notably, these two new clocks have arrived with a server-side update with the latest software version 2024.09.23.684094365.2) on the Pixel Tablet.
Two Wear OS-Inspired Clocks
Everyday
The first Wear OS-inspired clock is Everday. It comes with a large two-line clock that shows the time along with the day, date, and weather information.
There are 3 ways alignment options to display this, one has the weather details next to the time, the second shows it in a two-column format, and the third one with weather details below the time. Users can also choose between light and dark themes to suit their preferences.
Pilot Bold
The second new clock is Pilot Bold, which has a classic analog look. The first layout shows the numbers 3, 6, 9, and 12. The other options position the date and temperature differently around the clock. This adds a stylish and modern touch to the Pixel Tablet.
Android
Google introduces longevity GRF for 7-Year Android update support, starting with Snapdragon 8 Elite
Google has introduced a program known as Longevity GRF (Google Requirements Freeze) aimed at extending the lifespan of Android device software support, just like the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 8.
With the Longevity GRF program, Google is allowing chipset manufacturers like Qualcomm, starting with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, to support its platforms for up to 7 years of Android updates. It means that devices equipped with the supported chipsets could potentially receive Android OS updates for up to 7 years from the initial release.
This program makes it easy for manufacturers to give longer software updates without always changing the vendor software for each new Android version. The decision is to make longer support for smartphones more common across the Android ecosystem, not just for Google’s devices.
It is not that simple, there are some challenges and limitations too. For instance, some new exclusive features might not be available unless the manufacturer software itself is updated. Also, Google’s commitment to Linux kernel support might limit practical functionality towards the end of those 7 years.
As per the information, the GRF program currently allows for the reuse of vendor software across 3 Android version updates. Under the existing GRF terms, if an OEM wants to go beyond the 3 updates to a fourth, fifth, or up to 7th update, they have to pay the chipset vendor for extended support to update the necessary software. Or, they have to update Chip’s software on their own to keep up with Google’s new requirements for each future update.
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If the Longevity GRF program becomes widely adopted, it could set a new standard for software support. The software support longevity could lead Android devices towards robust hardware, encouraging easier upgrades and maintenance.
For your information, the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series will receive seven years of software support, which includes Android OS upgrades, security updates, and regular Feature Drops. Similarly, Samsung Galaxy S24 series and Fold6/Flip6 also support up to 7 years of software support.
Google has pushed the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3 update for Pixel devices. This update. The update fixes several issues that users and developers encountered in the previous version. The release comes approximately six weeks after the previous version.
Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3 update includes the October 2024 security patch. It is available for several Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold, and Android Emulator.
Quarterly Platform Releases (QPRs) provide significant updates compared to monthly security patches as they bring notable user interface changes and new features that do not require waiting for the next major Android version.
This update addresses issues with notifications being cut off, volume buttons not working with some Bluetooth devices, and app icons showing the wrong image. It also resolves crashes when switching users or during system UI use, and addresses problems for foldable devices.
Additionally, Bluetooth features have been improved for better volume control for connected devices. Overall, it improves performance and stability for a better experience.
WHAT’S NEW [CHANGELOG]
Developer- and user-reported issues
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused notifications to be displayed with some content that was cut off.
- Fixed an issue with system memory paging that sometimes caused devices to crash and restart.
- Fixed an issue where the volume buttons didn’t work when connected to certain Bluetooth devices.
- Fixed an issue where some app icons on the home screen were displaying the default system icon instead of the app’s icon.
- Fixed an issue that caused a device to run slowly and sometimes crash when switching back to the primary user from the secondary user.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the system UI to crash.
- Fixed an issue for foldable devices where the screen sometimes went blank when unfolding the device.
Other resolved issues
- Fixed an issue that sometimes prevented users from interacting with heads-up notifications.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the system to crash while taking a bug report.
- Fixed various other issues that were impacting system stability, connectivity, and interactivity.
Bluetooth resolved issues
- Fix a crash in BluetoothDevice.getType() that occurred primarily in the testing environment when Bluetooth resources were reused between virtual device instances.
- Improved LE Audio volume control by enabling independent adjustment of each connected sink’s volume using the UI and limiting volume key adjustments to the primary sink.