Android
Check Android 13 QPR3 Beta 1 features here
Recently, Google started to release the Android 13 QPR3 Beta 1 update to Pixel smartphone users. The company will continue to run the Android 13 QPR3 Beta program until the Android 14 Beta begins as part of testing features that would be released with the June 2023 Android Feature Drop.
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Courtesy of Esper.io’s Mishaal Rahman, we have a pretty clear idea of what new features are included in the latest Android 13 QPR3 Beta 1. It’s worth mentioning that the company brought various tweaks with the QPR3 Beta derived from the Android 14 DP2.
Android 13 QPR Beta is a Pixel-exclusive software development plan, which Google initiated to test features prior to its quarterly feature drops. Similarly, Samsung brings new features and enhancements to Galaxy devices, but there’s no pre-defined distribution program.
Here is the Android 13 QPR3 Beta 1 stuff:
- Device Controls can show a custom embedded activity from providers, but only to developers in Android 14 DP2’s release.
- The transient taskbar is now available when gesture navigation is enabled, while the persistent taskbar appears with 3-button navigation.
- Users now have the option to display weather on the lock screen separately from smartspace.
- The font scaling Quick Setting tile is now available when enabled.
- A new “emoji wallpaper” generator is available in Android 14 DP2, but not enabled by default.
- Three new keyguard quick affordances are supported: Mute, notetaking, and video camera.
- Watch Unlock feature can now be accessed through Settings integration.
- A “show only new notifications on lock screen” option is available under Settings Notifications, but only if the lock_screen_show_only_unseen_notifications is set to ‘1’.
- Share menu is more consistent with an unbundled chooser.
After two developer previews, the Mountain View company is expected to release the Android 14 Public Beta 1 for Pixel devices next month. As reported, there will be a single Beta update in QPR3 Beta as Google says the preview will “continue until Android 14 Beta kicks off.”
“If you’re participating in QPR3 beta, you will automatically receive an over-the-air (OTA) update to Android 14 Beta 1 when it becomes available. No separate program opt-in is required. We’ll provide more information as we get closer to the Android 14 beta release.”
Samsung One UI 6.0 is the next major software update I am waiting for and the anticipation of this upcoming Android 14 based upgrade led my Pixel 7 into a state of Coma.
Let me explain.
Earlier this month, Google released Android 14 Develop Preview 2 for Pixel devices and Pixel 7 is in the front seat of eligible devices. As the latest dev beta brings a handful of features
What happened:
I’ve installed DP2 right away and been operating quite well since then. Yesterday, I jumped into the photos app to share a screenshot via Bluetooth.
On the pairing screen, the phone flickered for the entire screen for once, and then it freezes to a frame. The update screen along with the home screen are semi-transparent to each other.
For a few minutes, the device was responding to my touch interactions and the screens were overlapping each other. For example, if you unlock the device, the phone shows only the home screen but you can’t operate it further.
This includes app interactions as well as other essential actions throughout the interface.
In around 10 minutes, my Android 14 loaded Google Pixel 7 smartphone went into a coma, which was taking and responding to touches but it failed to render those changes on screen.
I tried the home screen, touches, and gestures, but none would work, while the phone is keeping me connected via vibration feedback. Moreover, the lock/unlock button is working totally fine, and waking up and locking down the device accurately.
But the device’s software screen is numb, as it crashed all along. Also, the phone is responding to the double tap to wake feature but once again, nothing is working after the device comes to consciousness.
The biggest disappointment comes as the phone is not turning off using the physical key. Also, there’s no solution to the issue found on the internet either. Check the video below.
Pixel 7 went into Coma after Android 14 DP 2, anticipation for One UI 6.0 lead to this @Android @Google #Android14 #OneUI6 pic.twitter.com/tmSkXOkweB
— Sammy Fans (@thesammyfans) March 21, 2023
Samsung One UI software is way too intelligent. Google further solidifies the smartness of One UI by copying its volume control panel for the upcoming Android 14 operating system. This move comes after stealing a number of One UI features for the next version of Android.
According to the information, Android 14 could let Pixel phone users access new notification and ringtone volume control panel, which is already available in One UI. With the next OS, Pixel users will be able to set different volume levels for ringtone and notifications.
Earlier, Google enabled the separate volume and notification sliders on Pixel phones running Android 14 Developer Preview. But within a short time, the company pulled the new adjustment panel from Android and everything turned back to the previous.
Several users are reporting that the "ring & notification volume" sliders have been suddenly split into "ring volume" and "notification volume" in Android 14 DP2.
This is WITHOUT them flipping any flags, which was previously required to enable separate ring/notification volume. pic.twitter.com/eTTsnZI61K
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) March 17, 2023
Esper’s Mishaal Rahman quotes that the company has been working on separating the notification and ringtone volume since the Android 13 QPR2 beta. While the ringtone and notification sliders are not linked, both are muted if you put your phone on vibrate.
Since the feature seems to be under development, Pixel smartphones are eagerly waiting for this basic One UI feature on Google’s Android OS. It’s likely that the Stable version or future Public Beta builds may eventually add separate volume control sliders.
One UI Vs Android 13
It’s worth mentioning that the One UI already allows Galaxy users to turn notifications sound to silent, keeping the ringtone sound loud, or vice versa. And as far as the report is concerned, Pixel users might enjoy another One UI feature on the next version of Android later this year.
Apart from the volume panel, Android 14 reportedly brings screen flash notifications, and Auto confirm unlock features, inspired by One UI software. It isn’t true that the One UI is perfect, but Google’s features collection for Android 14 is highly inspired by Samsung’s Android skin.
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Google’s Project Zero team has recently discovered severe 0-day vulnerabilities in Samsung Exynos modems. Due to affected modems, a number of Samsung devices are in danger as one of the flaws can let hackers get access to your device with just a phone number.
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In order to meet your expectations and continue to keep Galaxy devices secure, Samsung releases security updates through various channels. The company confirmed that regular firmware updates include patches for Android OS-related security issues released by Google, as well as, patches for SVEs.
However, Samsung semiconductor reportedly responded that “at the end of last year, we received a security issue notification for Google project zero, and Samsung has provided all customers with a patch version for this vulnerability, and the related issues have now been resolved.”
Samsung Semiconductor (January 2023) data reveals that Exynos Modem 5123, Exynos Modem 5300, Exynos 980, Exynos 1080, and Exynos Auto T5123 are affected chipsets. According, Google gathered which devices are possibly in danger due to these vulnerabilities.
Google compiled a list of likely affected products:
Samsung Galaxy:
- S22 series
- M33
- M13
- M12
- A71
- A53
- A33
- A21
- A13
- A12
- A04 series
- Watch 4 series
- Watch 5 series
Google (fixed with March patch)
- Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
Vivo:
- S16
- S15
- S6
- X70
- X60
- X30 series
Wearable:
- Any wearables that use the Exynos W920 chipset
Vehicle:
- Any vehicles that use the Exynos Auto T5123 chipset