The betas of Android 15 have already begun, but Android 14 has not yet said the last word. The operating system will receive a final quarterly update in june and QPR (Quarterly Platform Release) betas allow us to test changes earlier, while they are being developed.
After Google kicked off the QPR3 betas in February, the second beta is now available with a good number of fixes and hints of news that could arrive or in the June Feature Drop or already on Android 15.
The changes of Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2
Those who have a Google Pixel 5a or higher, a Pixel Tablet or a Pixel Fold can now update to Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2, the second version in testing of the third, and last, Android 14 quarterly update. In June this update will be sent as a Feature Drop to Pixels (and also to AOSP, although we normally won’t see the changes applied to other brands).
As usual, the new beta takes the opportunity to fix a good amount of bugs of all kinds, which are the changes marked as official by Google. The fixes are as follows:
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused a device to crash or reboot unexpectedly.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused a device to crash or reboot unexpectedly when updating apps after the device was updated.
- Fixed issues that caused a device to display a blank black screen after booting after flashing.
- Fixed an issue that caused a device to crash and display a blank black screen after switching to a secondary user.
- Fixed issues when always-on display mode was enabled that interfered with the “Double tap to wake” gesture and prevented the device from unlocking if the user tried to use their fingerprint to unlock the device.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused battery information to not display correctly in system settings, status bar, and on the lock screen.
- Fixed issues that prevented device-to-device transfers and backup and restore from working.
- Fixed several issues affecting system stability, performance, and camera.
However, inside Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2 includes changes that are new to us that will either be added in the June Feature Drop or will already go to Android 14. An important change is the satellite messaging supportwhich allows a mobile phone to connect directly to a satellite without special hardware.
Satellite messaging requires agreements between providers such as Starlink and operators to present itself as an alternative for emergency situations when we do not have coverage but we do have a clear view of the sky (and favorable weather). On the Android settings screen we must configure our satellite messaging account to activate it.
Satellite messaging (left) and enable camera extensions (right). Screenshots by Android Authority and Mishaal Rahman.
Another change on the way, found by Mishaal Rahmanis a new setting within Security and privacy > More security and privacy with which we can enable or disable software extensions for the cameraas is the case with advanced functions such as Eyes Free videography.
Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2 adds sticky keys, bounce keys and slow keys, which some will remember as it is the same name of the security function present in Windows. With sticky keys, keys such as Control or Alt are held down so that it is easier to press certain keyboard shortcuts. “Bounce keys”, on the other hand, makes the system ignore if we press the same key many times. Slow keys doesn’t seem to be ready yet.
Finally, we have more news about the possible return of the widgets to lock screen of Android. Mishaal Rahman You think the widgets will be relegated to a special screen, so they won’t be directly on the lock screen… but almost.
If you have a Google Pixel 5a or later, a Pixel Fold, or a Pixel Tablet, you can download Android 14 QPR3 Beta 1 from the official beta programin addition to flash image with Android Flash Tool either download it and flash it manually.
Via | Android Authority
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