Android
Android 14 Beta 2 announced with plenty of bug fixes
Google starts rolling out the Android 14 Beta 2 update for testers using Pixel smartphones. As Samsung’s One UI 6 will be based on Android 14, the development progress and stability enhancements are necessary for a seamless and worry-free One UI Beta Program.
According to the information, Google’s Android 14 Beta 2 update adds support for built-in and custom predictive back animations. With the first Beta, the company introduced a new Back Arrow, which now gained support for predictive back animations.
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Adding to this, the latest Beta firmware brings secure full-screen Intent notifications and makes data safety information more visible. Besides, there are a lot of issues been fixed that were reported by the developers’ community and end-users.
Stable Android 14 Release
Google has announced that the stable release of Android 14 is expected in August 2023. The first developer preview of Android 14 was released in February 2023, and subsequent beta releases have been released every few weeks. The final beta release is expected in July 2023, and the stable release will follow shortly after.
Android 14’s a big update for Samsung
Android 14 will bring a number of new features and improvements, including a new design language, privacy features, and performance improvements. Samsung has been working closely with Google to develop Android 14, and it is expected that the update will be well-integrated with its own software features.
What’s new in Android 14 Beta 2
Android 14 Beta 2 includes some new features and changes to try out:
- Add support for built-in and custom predictive back animations
- Secure full-screen Intent notifications
- Data safety information is more visible
Top resolved issues
The following issues have been resolved in Android 14 Beta 2:
Developer-reported issues
- Fixed a platform stability issue that could cause the UI to lag or freeze, apps to crash, or the device to crash.
- Fixed an issue with the fingerprint sensor that prevented new fingerprints from being added for Fingerprint Unlock in some cases.
- Fixed issues with UPI and biometrics that could cause some apps to not work properly.
- Fixed an issue where a device couldn’t be unlocked using a fingerprint after tapping a notification or choosing a notification action on the lock screen.
- Fixed an issue on some devices that caused sound to play through the speakers instead of headphones that were connected.
- Fixed an issue that caused icons on the home screen to appear almost invisible.
- Fixed issues with gesture navigation that occurred when using a custom launcher:
- The Home screen content wouldn’t display and the animation would fail to render when swiping up to go Home.
- The list of recently used apps couldn’t be accessed using the normal gesture.
- Fixed issues that prevented users from interacting with notifications in the notification shade.
- Fixed an issue that could cause a device to crash after finishing audio or video calls.
Other resolved issues
- Fixed an issue where, after entering and exiting picture-in-picture mode, the screen flickered when any apps were launched.
- Fixed an issue where user restrictions set by DPC admins were not being enforced in Settings.
- Fixed an issue where, after taking pictures with the Google Camera app, opening the latest picture from the thumbnail in the app briefly displayed a green-colored shade over the image.
- Fixed an issue that could cause the battery percentage to be displayed as 0% after a device reboot regardless of the actual charge level of the device.
- Fixed an issue that could cause a device to crash, and then when the device rebooted any wallpapers that were selected before the reboot were reset.
- Fixed issues that prevented the Better Bug app from uploading bug reports.
- Fixed issues that caused the back-to-home gesture to stop working.
- Fixed an issue that could cause the system Settings app to crash repeatedly.
- Fixed an issue that prevented users from searching within the system Settings app.
- Fixed issues that sometimes caused null pointer exceptions for input method editors (IMEs).
- Fixed an issue that sometimes increased system-wide memory usage unnecessarily.
- Fixed system issues that could sometimes cause deadlocks.
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Google has introduced Android 15, the rollout has already started for eligible smartphones. I am going to update you with the latest information about the Android 15 update rollout, be it beta or stable. Read below.
Stable Updates:
Google has released the stable version of Android 15 for its Pixel devices starting from Pixel 6 and up to the latest Pixel 9 series.
Beta Updates:
- Vivo became the first major brand to roll out the Android 15 update for its flagships, like the Vivo X Fold3 Pro with Funtouch OS 15, which is based on Android 15. This is a limited version of Android 15; it was either a beta or a selective rollout, not a widespread stable update.
- Motorola has released an Android 15 Beta update for the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion users in India.
- ROG Phone 8 has also received the Android 15 beta update. An Android 15 Preview Program was announced for the ROG Phone 8, allowing selected users to test out the new mobile OS.
- Nothing had officially announced the Open Beta for Nothing OS 3.0, which is based on Android 15, specifically for the Nothing Phone (2a) starting on October 8, 2024. It aims to release the stable version in December 2024.
Other Manufacturers:
There’s no confirmed stable or beta release information for other manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, or Nothing. About Samsung, the company has confirmed that it delayed the One UI 7.0 beta program by the end of 2024 without any specific timeline.
Just to confirm, the Android 15 rollout can be staggered, regional, and often starts with the manufacturer’s latest or flagship devices before moving to older or mid-range models.
As promised, Google delivered Stable Android 15 with brand-new features. The company included the latest security improvements for your smartphone. The new OS will pave the way for several custom skins for millions of Androids worldwide.
Google specifically notes Stable Android 15 introduces features and improvements for large-screen devices. These updates will help users of foldables and tablets to get more done, while functions like camera, messaging, and passkeys are also included.
Highlighting additions at a glance:
- Talk to Gemini hands-free on your Pixel Buds
- Use Gemini with Pixel Screenshots
- Isolate sounds with Audio Magic Eraser to elevate your videos
- Get amazing underwater images
- Capture beautiful images with improvements to Astrophotography in Night Sight mode
- Measure temperatures in a more detailed way
- Beat seasonal allergies with Pixel Weather App
- Discover more helpful widgets for Pixel
- Improvements for Call Screen in the UK and Japan
- Enjoy more protection for your phone
- Keep your information private
Here’s a look at what’s new:
Pixel Camera app’s Low Light Boost and in-app controls now work better in low-light conditions. In apps that use Passkeys for authentication, you can log in with a single tap. Satellite communication support is also added to work without mobile and WiFi.
Android’s Theft Detection Lock utilizes AI to help keep your data safe. If your phone senses someone has snatched it and is trying to run, bike, or drive away, the smart feature will automatically lock your device.
- Available for most Android 10+ devices.
For additional security, Android 15 brings authentication requirements for settings targeted by thieves, like removing your SIM or turning off Find My Device, and will lock down your device if we sense multiple failed attempts for apps and settings.
Inspired by Samsung’s Secure Folder, Android 15 added Private Space. The feature acts like a digital safe on Google’s Pixel phones. You can create a separate private space to organize sensitive apps, like your social, dating, or banking apps.
- To access private space, there’s an additional layer of authentication to keep apps secure and away from prying eyes.
Features for foldables and tablets.
Android 15 adds new productivity features for foldables and tablets. Now, users can easily pin and unpin the taskbar on the screen, allowing customization of layout and keeping favorite apps, like Google Photos or Gmail, within reach for quicker access.
You can open Google Drive and Gmail at the same time to easily drag and drop files. Besides, the App pairing provides a quick shortcut to make multitasking easier. With just a tap, you can quickly retrieve app pairs in split-screen for faster access.
There was a time when Samsung used to release monthly security patches even before Google, those were the good old days. Fast forward to today, Motorola has outpaced Samsung by launching the beta version of Android 15 first.
As per the latest information, Motorola started rolling out the Android 15 beta for its Motorola Edge 50 Fusion model before Samsung officially released its version of the Android 15 beta for its devices.
The Android 15 update for Motorola Edge 50 is not yet a stable release for all users. Instead, it’s being rolled out as a beta update. Any user who has opted for Motorola’s beta testing programs is receiving this update. This beta program allows Motorola to test new features, stability, and performance on a smaller scale before a wider rollout.
After the beta testing phase, Motorola will likely start rolling out the stable version of Android 15 to more devices, including the Moto Edge series, the Moto Razr foldable, and other eligible devices. The Android 15 beta program can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the issues discovered and the complexity of the update.
Meanwhile, Samsung, typically known for its timely updates, has not yet made the Android 15 beta available for its range of devices as of now, although expectations are that Samsung will soon follow with its One UI 7.0 beta program, given its history of participating in Android beta releases.
In the recent update, we could also see a stable Android 15 rollout for the Google Pixel smartphones. Stay tuned for the Android 15 rollout.