What you need to know
- Google is rolling out Android 14 QPR2 Beta 2 to eligible testers with a download size of approximately 536MB.
- The beta version aims to correct some incorrect battery information discovered by users, as well as individual biometric malfunctions.
- There are still some lingering issues with the Pixel Fold’s internal display and weather information from the At a Glance widget.
As we move toward the next quarterly feature drop, Google is offering the next beta to registered users. As detailed by Android Developers, Android 14 QPR2 Beta 2 is rolling out now for the Pixel 5a (5G) and up to the Pixel 8 Pro, including the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet.
All devices that are part of the program will start downloading the over-the-air update version AP11.231117.006. Reddit users have reported that the download size is around 536MB on the Pixel Fold and the latest Pixel 8 series.
Google is looking to fix some of the “top issues” in Beta 2, and these fixes are as follows:
- Fixed an issue where battery usage information reported in system settings was sometimes incorrect. (Issue No. 312121998)
- Fixed an issue where the fingerprint icon would sometimes appear on the lock screen before other information loaded in Always On Display mode. (Issue No. 311265905)
- Fixed an issue that would sometimes cause the biometric prompt to crash, causing it to be ignored before the user could interact with it.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the Quick Internet settings box to indicate no Wi-Fi connection, even when the device was connected to a Wi-Fi network.
As usual, Google is alerting users to some potential issues they may encounter with the beta program such as various instabilities. Additionally, you may experience battery issues or performance issues.
Furthermore, the company is aware of some annoying unresolved issues. Some Pixel Fold devices experience the internal display not turning on if the device is open in its closed state. Another issue is that Google Assistant’s “At a Glance” weather widget displays information about the wrong location. Keep these issues in mind when re-entering testing spaces.
Please be aware that it may take up to five days before your registered device picks up the update. However, you can manually check to see if you have it available by heading to your account Settings > System > System updates. If you’re not in the trial and want to be, you can check your device’s eligibility and start enrolling.
Elsewhere, Mishal Rahman spotted a new addition with Beta 2, as Google introduced the ‘Internet’ panel. At the bottom is a ‘Share Wi-Fi’ button, which allows users to easily produce a QR code that others can scan to access their home internet. Alternatively, you can choose the Nearby option to share your network credentials with those via Nearby Sharing.
In the Internet panel, there is now a Wi-Fi Sharing button at the bottom left. Tapping this button opens the current Wi-Fi Sharing page where a QR code appears that others can scan to join your network, or you can tap Nearby to share your Wi-Fi credentials via Nearby Sharing. pic.twitter.com/D7QCn6Bc0GDecember 11, 2023
Additionally, Google appears to have dropped the “Restricted” battery optimization mode in favor of the “Allow background usage” toggle. Opening the submenu reveals two specific modes that users can choose from: optimized and unrestricted for applications to optimize how these applications interact with the battery of our devices.
Furthermore, Beta 2 is finally moving with Google’s latest Material 3 design language switches under Android settings, according to Google News on Telegram. The post adds that the company has been slow to roll out this new design model, but it looks like the latest beta will bring it into full effect as users await its stable release in March 2024.
Android 14 QPR2 Beta 2 comes approximately three weeks after Beta 1.1 was rolled out. This update came just six days after the initial beta release, as it sought to fix several bugs related to the app, as well as some system improvements.
Those who have downloaded Beta 2 point out that it includes a December 2023 Google feature drop for Pixel units. The update includes the on-device Gemini Nano AI model, several AI camera features, and the long-awaited WatchUnlock feature for Pixels and Pixel Watch.
King of Android
The Pixel 8 Pro continues to deliver Google’s clear, cutting-edge appeal, and now it’s packed with AI software. The device offers a 6.7-inch Super Actua display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Internally, Google has packed AI-rich editing tools for recorded videos and captured audio, along with photos, so your memories stay perfect.
The latest Pixel update has brought back some of the beloved features that were dropped in the previous months, giving users a taste of what they’ve been missing out on. With the release of the March 2024 update, Pixel users can now enjoy improved performance, new customization options, and enhanced user experience. This update aims to bring back the features that were missed by users and enhance the overall functionality and usability of the Pixel devices. Let’s take a closer look at some of the exciting new features that have been reintroduced in this update.