A new update for Pixel users has just been released, delivering a considerable number of bug fixes and a few user-facing changes. The update comes nearly a month after the release of Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2 by the way. As such, it is technically a follow-up to address various issues that have been affecting the stability and performance of the operating system over the last few weeks.
Summary of Fixes and Updates
- Fixed launcher crashes when viewing recent apps (Issue #328803294)
- Resolved charging issues on Pixel Tablet devices while connected to the dock (Issue #299800125)
- Addressed navigation and user interface problems, such as swiping up to return to the home screen and lock screen notification padding
- Improved system stability and app performance, reducing “Application not responding” errors
- Fixed issues with the notification shade, Pixel Fold screen content, wallpaper settings backup, and “Quick Tap to start actions” gesture
- Introduced minor user-facing changes, such as app icons accompanying widget suggestions in the app drawer
- Removed the granular ‘Vibration strength’ setting in Gboard
In addition to these bug fixes, Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1 introduces a few minor user-facing changes. Widget suggestions in the app drawer are now accompanied by app icons, providing a more visually intuitive experience. However, it’s worth noting that Gboard is losing the granular ‘Vibration strength’ setting in this QPR3 release.
Testing the Update
Google has provided an easy platform to install the Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1 update on compatible Pixel devices, which are the following:
- Pixel 5a
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8 Pro
If you are enrolled in the Android Beta Program, you can simply receive the update over-the-air. You also have the option to flash the full factory images if you prefer a clean install.
Unsolved Issue
It is important to note that for this particular update, Google has temporarily disabled downloads for OTA images. This is due to an issue that can cause devices to fail to boot properly after sideloading. The problem was first identified in Beta 2 over a month ago and, unfortunately, still persists in Beta 2.1. Google advises users to wait for the OTA update to roll out rather than attempting to sideload the update manually.
Also, other known issues in Beta 2 that are not resolved in the summary list still apply to Beta 2.1.
April Fools?
The release of the Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1 update comes at an interesting time, considering its April 1st official launch date. But it is definitely no April Fool’s Day joke, given that these problems most likely would have been quite annoying for users who had to put up with the sudden changes without notice for several weeks.
Yet, even with the extensive bug fixes and improvements, we can probably safely conclude that Android 14 QPR3 is still a work in progress. At least one major issue remains unresolved, and another related update is expected to roll out sometime in April (likely labeled as QPR3 Beta 3). Users can expect further refinements and bug fixes as Google continues to polish the operating system in preparation for the upcoming Feature Drop in June.
