While we’re expecting the stable Android 14 release, Google surprises everyone with the first QPR beta release. This is a departure from the usual pattern where Google releases QPR betas after the stable Android version. It’s possible that the stable Android 14 isn’t quite ready for rollout yet.
Google is rolling out the Android 14 QPR1 beta with a bunch of new features and changes, read on to learn more about the first beta.
Google plants the new update on eligible Pixel devices with the U1B1.230908.003 build number. The first beta weighs around 450MB of size on Pixel 7 series phones. It comes with the September 2023 monthly security patch. Google has officially shared all details in the Android Beta Program community on Reddit as well as on the Android Developers website.
For eligibility, the Android 14 quarterly platform release beta is available for Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet.
Talking about the changes, then Mishaal Rahman of Android Central, shared a big list of changes available on the first beta of Android 14 QPR.
The list of features includes a new Metro-style clock for the lock screen, Pixel launcher gets a new home screen editing mode, landscape mode optimizations for the lock screen, full-screen support for Instagram on foldables and tablets, and more.
You can follow this thread by Mishaal Rahman to explore the full list of changes.
Google has officially shared a list of fixes on the first beta, here’s the full list.
- Fixed an issue where the system UI sometimes crashed after notifications were posted or interacted with.
- Fixed an issue that caused devices to crash in some cases.
- Fixed an issue that caused the recording view to freeze while recording video.
- Fixed an issue where a device sometimes couldn’t be interacted with after rebooting.
- Fixed an issue where device alarms were sometimes reset after installing a system update.
If you own a compatible Pixel smartphone, then you can join the Android Beta Program and update your phone to the first beta of Android 14 QPR1. Once upgraded to the new beta, you can use the Android Beta Feedback app to submit problems or issues available on the beta.
You can manually sideload the upgrade your phone to the beta, visit this page to download the Factory images and this page to get the OTA files. Make sure to take a backup before sideloading the new software.
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