If you were subscribed to Google’s Android 14 Beta program, then you might be pleased to know that Google recently sent out a new update – Beta 1.1 – that comes with a ton of fixes to bugs and other issues which have been spotted in the OS. Currently, the Beta is available for several Pixel devices, including the Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 5 and 5a, Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. As such, Google’s official page details the changes that were included in Android 14 Beta 1.1. Check them out below:
- Fixed an issue where the system UI crashed when trying to access the Wallpaper & Style screen either through the Settings app, or by long-pressing from the home screen. (Issue #277938424)
- Fixed some issues that prevented fingerprint unlock from being used. (Issue #272403537)
- Fixed an issue where the status bar did not display the mobile network. (Issue #277892134)
- Fixed an issue that prevented a SIM card or eSIM from being detected or activated in some cases. (Issue #278026119)
- Fixed an issue where the lock screen displayed a message with an unresolved string placeholder when Smart Lock was enabled. (Issue #278011057)
If you’re already enrolled in the Beta program with your Google Pixel phone, you can expect to get the update through an OTA download. If you haven’t tried out the Beta yet and own a Pixel device, then there are steps to follow to get a taste of what Android 14 is like.
Users will need to proceed to Google’s Android 14 Beta enrolment page, and sign into their Google account to view which of their devices are eligible for the Beta software. Upon opting in a device, a user will then be prompted to select the beta program they’d like to enroll in, after which they’ll need to accept the Android Beta Program Terms of Service. It should be noted that the Beta version is of course unstable and might come with performance issues and bugs.
Should a user wish to roll back to a stable Android build, they’ll need to wipe their device beforehand, and it is recommended that they back up any important files and data from their device. not doing so prevent users from un-enrolling to a stable public version of Android.
In other Google news, new images and hardware specifications for the upcoming Pixel 7a have been leaked online, which brings a new “Coral” colour variant, and hardware that closely matches the Pixel 7. It’s expected that Google will reveal the Pixel 7a at the I/O Conference on May 10, as it also did with last year’s Pixel 6a and 7 series phones. Pricing might be a little higher this time though, as the phone might now cost $499, which is a big leap considering that past Pixel A phones usually went for 350-400.
Going back to Android 14, it also shouldn’t be too long once we get the final retail-ready version of the software, once it gets past the last remaining Beta phases.
