Google does not stop and releases a new update for Android 14. This time it is the Android 14 beta program, the one aimed at its Pixels and which allows you to preview the features which are then released to everyone with the quarterly Feature Drops.
The new update corresponds exactly to the Beta 2 Of Android 14 QPR2or the update that will arrive for everyone in a stable version starting from March 2024. The new features are different, let’s go and see them together:
- One arrives faster sharing of Wi-Fi networks to which you are connected. As you can see from the screenshots below, it will now be possible to share the Wi-Fi password directly from the internet connections tile, accessible from the notification panel.
- They arrive new options inside the menu Developer Options. These correspond to the one to control Widevine settings (currently not active) and the option Memory Tagging Extension.
- With this update we also find some steps backwards. It will no longer be possible in fact, quickly access, through the menu that appears on the home screen after a long press, access 5 newest wallpapers set. Hopefully this will be fixed in an upcoming update.
- Here comes a further touch of Material You. Toggles within System Settings now appear thicker, exactly consistent with the search bar in Chrome and the Google app.
In addition to the new features we have just seen, they have also been introduced several fixes to known issues that occurred with the previous beta.
Let’s go and see them together:
- Fixed an issue where battery usage information reported in system settings was sometimes incorrect.
- Fixed an issue where the fingerprint icon on the lock screen would sometimes appear before others.
- Fixed sporadic crashes of the fingerprint recognition prompt.
- Fixed an issue where the Internet Quick Settings pane would sometimes indicate no Wi-Fi connection even though the connection was established.
The update we just described also comes with the security patches Android updated to December 2023. The new reference build is based on the code AP11.231117.006.
The update is currently being distributed via OTA globally to all those who have joined the QPR beta of Android 14 (we remind you how to enter the Android beta program). Compatible devices are Pixel 5a and all subsequent models. Below you will find the download links to download the OTA files and factory images and proceed with the manual update:
- Pixel 8 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 8: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel Tablet: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel Fold: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 7a: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 7 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 7: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 6a: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 6 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 6: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 5a: Factory Image — OTA
