Forwarded from Mishaal's Android News Feed
Google's new "Pixel Troubleshooting" app, which helps Pixel users diagnose battery or network issues, is available on the Pixel 8 per Andreas Proschofsky for The Standard.
This app will likely come to other Pixel devices in the Android 14 QPR1 release.
This app will likely come to other Pixel devices in the Android 14 QPR1 release.
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Forwarded from Mishaal's Android News Feed
While digging through the Pixel 8's device tree the other day, I discovered some features that were scrapped before launch.
These include 8K video recording, 480fps slo-mo videos, and sadly display output. Full details in this Android Authority article.
I'm hoping at least the display output feature can be re-enabled in the future!
These include 8K video recording, 480fps slo-mo videos, and sadly display output. Full details in this Android Authority article.
I'm hoping at least the display output feature can be re-enabled in the future!
Android Authority
Here are three Pixel 8 features that didn't make the cut
The Pixel 8 series adds a lot of new software features, but not every feature Google planned to add made it in. Here are some examples.
Forwarded from Mishaal's Android News Feed
Smartspacer is a supercharged version of Google's At a Glance widget.
Google's At a Glance widget can already do a lot of things like show you timer and stopwatch info, flashlight reminders, and more, but it has limited support for showing info from other apps. It can show the status from ridesharing apps like Uber, doorbell alerts from Nest, safety check countdowns from Personal Safety, fitness tracking info from Adidas Running and Strava ... but not much else.
Smartspacer, though, has 20 different plugins to pull info from a variety of apps and OS settings, including:
* Aftership
* Amazon
* BBC Weather
* Google Finance
* Google Keep
* Google Maps
* Google Wallet
* Health Connect
* Pokemon Go
* Samsung Health
* Uber
* Yahoo Sports
* YouTube
There are also plugins for showing the battery (of the device, connected devices, and remote devices), notifications, sunrise/sunset info, data usage, and energy monitor.
Oh. And it HAS A PLUGIN FOR TASKER! That means you can basically program Smartspacer to show ANYTHING you want.
Using Smartspacer, you can do things like show your loyalty cards or Keep lists when you're at certain locations. You can also show more advanced flight tracking info, better delivery alerts, and so much more.
Best part: It doesn't require root access and works on both Pixel and non-Pixel devices. On Pixel devices, Smartspacer even keeps all the original At a Glance functionality, so you lose nothing by switching to it.
My friend Kieron Quinn has been working on Smartspacer for nearly a year and a half now and is getting ready to release it. Right now, it's in a preview state and is only available to a handful of testers. If you're interested, then join the Discord group!
(Developers: Kieron says he's making an SDK for launcher integration. Documentation and the SDK for plugin development will also be released soon.)
Google's At a Glance widget can already do a lot of things like show you timer and stopwatch info, flashlight reminders, and more, but it has limited support for showing info from other apps. It can show the status from ridesharing apps like Uber, doorbell alerts from Nest, safety check countdowns from Personal Safety, fitness tracking info from Adidas Running and Strava ... but not much else.
Smartspacer, though, has 20 different plugins to pull info from a variety of apps and OS settings, including:
* Aftership
* Amazon
* BBC Weather
* Google Finance
* Google Keep
* Google Maps
* Google Wallet
* Health Connect
* Pokemon Go
* Samsung Health
* Uber
* Yahoo Sports
* YouTube
There are also plugins for showing the battery (of the device, connected devices, and remote devices), notifications, sunrise/sunset info, data usage, and energy monitor.
Oh. And it HAS A PLUGIN FOR TASKER! That means you can basically program Smartspacer to show ANYTHING you want.
Using Smartspacer, you can do things like show your loyalty cards or Keep lists when you're at certain locations. You can also show more advanced flight tracking info, better delivery alerts, and so much more.
Best part: It doesn't require root access and works on both Pixel and non-Pixel devices. On Pixel devices, Smartspacer even keeps all the original At a Glance functionality, so you lose nothing by switching to it.
My friend Kieron Quinn has been working on Smartspacer for nearly a year and a half now and is getting ready to release it. Right now, it's in a preview state and is only available to a handful of testers. If you're interested, then join the Discord group!
(Developers: Kieron says he's making an SDK for launcher integration. Documentation and the SDK for plugin development will also be released soon.)
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Forwarded from Mishaal's Android News Feed
I WAS RIGHT! THE PIXEL 8 SUPPORTS DISPLAY OUTPUT!
Earlier I shared a method to enable DisplayPort Alt Mode on the Pixel 8. At first I thought it didn't work, but Micha Lechner (@mile_freak07) tried the same method and it worked for him!
Video proof + full details available in this article.
Earlier I shared a method to enable DisplayPort Alt Mode on the Pixel 8. At first I thought it didn't work, but Micha Lechner (@mile_freak07) tried the same method and it worked for him!
Video proof + full details available in this article.
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Google confirms Pixel 8 series will support lossless USB audio in the future
Source
Google first introduced lossless USB audio with Android 14 beta 2. The feature promises audiophile-level experiences over compatible USB wired headsets.
Google has now confirmed that lossless USB audio will come to the Pixel 8 series and phones from other OEMs very soon.
Replying to a question during a Reddit AMA, Google’s VP of Engineering, Dave Burke said that the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are expected to gain a lossless mode with future software implementations.
But before that happens, app developers will need to adopt the new API for lossless audio to take advantage of the feature. Once they do that, audio can be sent directly over USB without mixing, volume adjustment, or processing effects.
Join @Pixel8Channel
Source
Google first introduced lossless USB audio with Android 14 beta 2. The feature promises audiophile-level experiences over compatible USB wired headsets.
Google has now confirmed that lossless USB audio will come to the Pixel 8 series and phones from other OEMs very soon.
Replying to a question during a Reddit AMA, Google’s VP of Engineering, Dave Burke said that the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are expected to gain a lossless mode with future software implementations.
But before that happens, app developers will need to adopt the new API for lossless audio to take advantage of the feature. Once they do that, audio can be sent directly over USB without mixing, volume adjustment, or processing effects.
Join @Pixel8Channel
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Forwarded from Tech & Leaks Zone
Google India announced that Pixel smartphones will now be made in India
"Today we see an even greater opportunity to make Pixel smartphones available to more people in India, and are very excited to announce our plan to manufacture Pixel smartphones in India.
We intend to start with the Pixel 8, and will partner with international and domestic manufacturers to produce Pixel smartphones locally. We expect these devices to start to roll out in 2024, joining India’s Make in India initiative."
Imo, its a good move considering Apple has also started making iPhones in India which has led to decrease in cost of iPhones in the country
Pixel 8 series is quite expensive in India and since Google will ship made in India Pixel 8 starting next year only, a good price cut is expected
Also, since the Pixel 8 series will get 7yrs of support till 2030 officially, it's still a good option to buy a Pixel 8 even in 2024
Follow @TechLeaksZone
"Today we see an even greater opportunity to make Pixel smartphones available to more people in India, and are very excited to announce our plan to manufacture Pixel smartphones in India.
We intend to start with the Pixel 8, and will partner with international and domestic manufacturers to produce Pixel smartphones locally. We expect these devices to start to roll out in 2024, joining India’s Make in India initiative."
Imo, its a good move considering Apple has also started making iPhones in India which has led to decrease in cost of iPhones in the country
Pixel 8 series is quite expensive in India and since Google will ship made in India Pixel 8 starting next year only, a good price cut is expected
Also, since the Pixel 8 series will get 7yrs of support till 2030 officially, it's still a good option to buy a Pixel 8 even in 2024
Follow @TechLeaksZone
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Forwarded from Google Pixel Hub
#Android #A14QPR1
Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2.1 has been released!
Release date: October 19, 2023
Build: U1B2.230922.010
Security patch level: October 2023
Play Services version: 23.32.17
Google has released an update to Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2 for Pixel 5a to Fold devices. Enroll into the beta program to get OTA directly from Google. Here's the list of fixes.
Download for Google Pixel devices:
Factory Image | OTA update
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2.1 has been released!
Release date: October 19, 2023
Build: U1B2.230922.010
Security patch level: October 2023
Play Services version: 23.32.17
Google has released an update to Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2 for Pixel 5a to Fold devices. Enroll into the beta program to get OTA directly from Google. Here's the list of fixes.
Download for Google Pixel devices:
Factory Image | OTA update
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
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Forwarded from Tech & Leaks Zone
Google is shipping Some Pixel 8 smartphones with unlocked bootloaders
Reddit
Some users are reporting that their Pixel 8 smartphones have unlocked bootloaders out of the box. Its NOT a widespread issue though
This is shocking for average users and at the same time hilarious for tech enthusiast. Hear me out
Imagine unboxing your pixel smartphone and Google splash screen is expected at booting time
But the reality happens to be: WARNING ⚠️
“The bootloader is unlocked and software integrity cannot be guaranteed.
Any data stored on the device may be available to attackers. Do not store any sensitive data on the device,”
I think an average consumer after seeing this warning would just freak out thinking that his new smartphone got hacked at boot up only XD
Anyways, Pixels are one of the BEST smartphones for development & its pretty easy to unlock bootloader on them & you can even RELOCK bootloader on custom ROMs
Kernel sources are released properly on time unlike with Xiaomi
Follow @TechLeaksZone
Some users are reporting that their Pixel 8 smartphones have unlocked bootloaders out of the box. Its NOT a widespread issue though
This is shocking for average users and at the same time hilarious for tech enthusiast. Hear me out
Imagine unboxing your pixel smartphone and Google splash screen is expected at booting time
But the reality happens to be: WARNING ⚠️
“The bootloader is unlocked and software integrity cannot be guaranteed.
Any data stored on the device may be available to attackers. Do not store any sensitive data on the device,”
I think an average consumer after seeing this warning would just freak out thinking that his new smartphone got hacked at boot up only XD
Anyways, Pixels are one of the BEST smartphones for development & its pretty easy to unlock bootloader on them & you can even RELOCK bootloader on custom ROMs
Kernel sources are released properly on time unlike with Xiaomi
Follow @TechLeaksZone
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Forwarded from Tech & Leaks Zone
Google Tensor G3 is the first Android smartphone chip to only support 64-bit apps
Starting with iOS 11, Apple removed 32-bit app support to improve the performance, and Google's Tensor G3 chip is the first Android smartphone chip to do the same.
Google claimed that the Pixel 7 was the first 64-bit-only Android phone, but later it was found that 32-bit support can be enabled with root.
Now with Tensor G3, Google has removed all 32-bit hardware support on the chip, which has these advantages:
- 64-bit apps run faster because they have access to more registers and instructions
- saving up to 150MB of RAM that was used by the OS even when 32-bit apps weren't running
- 64-bit apps are more resistant to security vulnerabilities than 32-bit
- 64-bit-only device configurations halve the CTS testing time which can let phone OEMs update devices faster and more easily
Although most apps already support 64-bit, users won't be able to use some old games/apps that only support 32-bit devices.
Follow @TechLeaksZone
Starting with iOS 11, Apple removed 32-bit app support to improve the performance, and Google's Tensor G3 chip is the first Android smartphone chip to do the same.
Google claimed that the Pixel 7 was the first 64-bit-only Android phone, but later it was found that 32-bit support can be enabled with root.
Now with Tensor G3, Google has removed all 32-bit hardware support on the chip, which has these advantages:
- 64-bit apps run faster because they have access to more registers and instructions
- saving up to 150MB of RAM that was used by the OS even when 32-bit apps weren't running
- 64-bit apps are more resistant to security vulnerabilities than 32-bit
- 64-bit-only device configurations halve the CTS testing time which can let phone OEMs update devices faster and more easily
Although most apps already support 64-bit, users won't be able to use some old games/apps that only support 32-bit devices.
Follow @TechLeaksZone
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Forwarded from Tech & Leaks Zone
Face Unlock on the Pixel 8 series meets the highest Android biometric class
Source
Biometric authentication models are classified into 3 tiers: Class 3 (formerly Strong), Class 2 (formerly Weak), or Class 1 (formerly Convenience).
Class 3 & Class 2 biometrics can integrate with Biometric Prompt (i.e authenticate within apps). But Class 2 CANNOT integrate with the keystore.
Check the Biometric Class of your phone's fingerprint or face unlock:
1. ADB method
2. Termux (root required)
Modality of 2 means fingerprint scanner, while modality of 8 means face scanner.
Strength of 15 is Class 3, strength of 255 is Class 2, and strength of 4095 is Class 1. (The biometric strengths are defined here while the modalities are defined here.)
Pixel 8 is the FIRST device to offer Class 3 biometrics just by using RGB front camera, WITHOUT any additional hardware
FunFact: Face unlock on XIAOMI smartphones is NOT even registered with biometric API.
Follow @TechLeaksZone
Source
Biometric authentication models are classified into 3 tiers: Class 3 (formerly Strong), Class 2 (formerly Weak), or Class 1 (formerly Convenience).
Class 3 & Class 2 biometrics can integrate with Biometric Prompt (i.e authenticate within apps). But Class 2 CANNOT integrate with the keystore.
Check the Biometric Class of your phone's fingerprint or face unlock:
1. ADB method
adb shell dumpsys biometric
2. Termux (root required)
su
dumpsys biometricModality of 2 means fingerprint scanner, while modality of 8 means face scanner.
Strength of 15 is Class 3, strength of 255 is Class 2, and strength of 4095 is Class 1. (The biometric strengths are defined here while the modalities are defined here.)
Pixel 8 is the FIRST device to offer Class 3 biometrics just by using RGB front camera, WITHOUT any additional hardware
FunFact: Face unlock on XIAOMI smartphones is NOT even registered with biometric API.
Follow @TechLeaksZone
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Forwarded from Google Pixel Hub
#Android #A14QPR1
Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2.2 has been released!
Release date: November 2, 2023
Build: U1B2.230922.013
Security patch level: October 2023
Play Services version: 23.32.17
Google has released another update to Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2 for Pixel 5a to 8 devices. The update fixes over 34 bugs, which you can read here. Enroll into the beta program to get OTA directly from Google.
This is also the first Android 14 QPR1 beta for Pixel 8 devices.
Download for Google Pixel devices:
Factory Image | OTA update
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2.2 has been released!
Release date: November 2, 2023
Build: U1B2.230922.013
Security patch level: October 2023
Play Services version: 23.32.17
Google has released another update to Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2 for Pixel 5a to 8 devices. The update fixes over 34 bugs, which you can read here. Enroll into the beta program to get OTA directly from Google.
This is also the first Android 14 QPR1 beta for Pixel 8 devices.
Download for Google Pixel devices:
Factory Image | OTA update
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
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Forwarded from Google Pixel Hub
Mishaal's Android News Feed
After updating to Android 14, some users with a Pixel 6 and later who have multiple users or profiles set up have been unable to access any of their media storage on the primary user. Google now says they "have already pushed out a Google Play system update"…
#News
Google's trying out a fix for the storage issue on Android 14
Users with multiple users/profiles having issues accessing their storage can now sign their Pixel 6 and newer devices for a test OTA with a supposed fix for this issue. Google states that the update will arrive within the next 24 hours and can take 1-2 hours to fully install.
To receive the update, fill in the Google Form with the information of your device such as the model, IMEI and serial numbers and carrier.
Sadly, there's no fix for bootlooping devices with the only workaround being a Factory Data Reset.
You can fill the Google Form right here.
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
Google's trying out a fix for the storage issue on Android 14
Users with multiple users/profiles having issues accessing their storage can now sign their Pixel 6 and newer devices for a test OTA with a supposed fix for this issue. Google states that the update will arrive within the next 24 hours and can take 1-2 hours to fully install.
To receive the update, fill in the Google Form with the information of your device such as the model, IMEI and serial numbers and carrier.
Sadly, there's no fix for bootlooping devices with the only workaround being a Factory Data Reset.
You can fill the Google Form right here.
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
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Forwarded from Tech & Leaks Zone
Interesting Hardware details about Google Pixel 8 series
Samsung announced ISOCELL S5KGNK sensor, offering 50MP resolution & 1/1.3-inch sensor size.
Pixel 8 series is the FIRST device to use this sensor.
It features staggered HDR technology, collaborating with 3 distinct ISO modes delivering images with a dynamic range of up to 102dB.
The Smart-ISO Pro, operating on a single-frame basis minimizes motion artifacts, resulting in images with impressive color depth of up to 14-bit.
In low-light, it combines neighboring pixels to form larger 2.4μm pixels.
In bright lighting, the on-chip "remosaic technology" maximizes the benefit of Tetrapixel
It also features Dual Pixel Pro Autofocus and allows for 8K video recording at 30fps
Pixel 8 series is also the FIRST device to use the Samsung E7 AMOLED LTPO display
Regular Pixel 8 uses displays from both BOE & Samsung while the Pixel 8 Pro uses Samsung E7 Display only
FunFact: Pixel 8 Pro delivers more brightness than iPhone 15 Pro models
Follow @TechLeaksZone
Samsung announced ISOCELL S5KGNK sensor, offering 50MP resolution & 1/1.3-inch sensor size.
Pixel 8 series is the FIRST device to use this sensor.
It features staggered HDR technology, collaborating with 3 distinct ISO modes delivering images with a dynamic range of up to 102dB.
The Smart-ISO Pro, operating on a single-frame basis minimizes motion artifacts, resulting in images with impressive color depth of up to 14-bit.
In low-light, it combines neighboring pixels to form larger 2.4μm pixels.
In bright lighting, the on-chip "remosaic technology" maximizes the benefit of Tetrapixel
It also features Dual Pixel Pro Autofocus and allows for 8K video recording at 30fps
Pixel 8 series is also the FIRST device to use the Samsung E7 AMOLED LTPO display
Regular Pixel 8 uses displays from both BOE & Samsung while the Pixel 8 Pro uses Samsung E7 Display only
FunFact: Pixel 8 Pro delivers more brightness than iPhone 15 Pro models
Follow @TechLeaksZone
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Forwarded from Google Pixel Hub
#Updates #Pixel
November 2023 Security Patch has been released!
Release date: November 06, 2023
Build: UP1A.231105.003, UP1A.231105.004 (Pixel 8/8 Pro)
Android Security Bulletin - November 2023 | Pixel Update Bulletin - November 2023
Download for Google Pixel devices:
Factory Image | OTA update
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
November 2023 Security Patch has been released!
Release date: November 06, 2023
Build: UP1A.231105.003, UP1A.231105.004 (Pixel 8/8 Pro)
Android Security Bulletin - November 2023 | Pixel Update Bulletin - November 2023
Download for Google Pixel devices:
Factory Image | OTA update
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
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Pixel 8 series gets RAW support in Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop
Source
Shooting in a RAW file format means that you’re collecting more data in that image, which gives more leeway in fine-tuning an image.
RAW files come in a DNG file format and Adobe has now enabled this support for the Pixel 8 series on its editing apps such as Lightroom and Photoshop
The support is added for the front-facing camera, wide-angle lens, and main sensor on the Pixel 8.
On the Pixel 8 Pro, RAW support is also available for images taken with the telephoto lens
Each lens has a different RAW profile, and by adding each, Adobe ensures that a photo taken on any of the Pixel 8’s cameras edits well.
Follow @Pixel8Channel
Join @Pixel8Group
Source
Shooting in a RAW file format means that you’re collecting more data in that image, which gives more leeway in fine-tuning an image.
RAW files come in a DNG file format and Adobe has now enabled this support for the Pixel 8 series on its editing apps such as Lightroom and Photoshop
The support is added for the front-facing camera, wide-angle lens, and main sensor on the Pixel 8.
On the Pixel 8 Pro, RAW support is also available for images taken with the telephoto lens
Each lens has a different RAW profile, and by adding each, Adobe ensures that a photo taken on any of the Pixel 8’s cameras edits well.
Follow @Pixel8Channel
Join @Pixel8Group
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Forwarded from Mishaal's Android News Feed
Google has published a Play Store listing for the Pixel's new system "AICore" app that I previously discovered in Android 14 Beta 3.
The denoscription for the app says it powers "intelligent features across Android".
"AI-driven features run directly on your device using the latest foundation models."
"To keep those features smart, your device updates the AI models automatically."
"AI Core manages these updates while providing AI functionality to other apps."
If you access AI Core's Play Store listing on a non-Pixel 8 series device, it says the app isn't compatible with your device. Google previously said the Pixel 8 Pro will run the company's generative AI "foundation" models on-device, so this app could be what installs and updates those models. Though interestingly, the AI Core stub is installed on other Pixel builds plus the Play Store listing has the required OS as Android 12+, so who knows!
H/T Nail Sadykov from the Google News Telegram group for spotting the listing!
The denoscription for the app says it powers "intelligent features across Android".
"AI-driven features run directly on your device using the latest foundation models."
"To keep those features smart, your device updates the AI models automatically."
"AI Core manages these updates while providing AI functionality to other apps."
If you access AI Core's Play Store listing on a non-Pixel 8 series device, it says the app isn't compatible with your device. Google previously said the Pixel 8 Pro will run the company's generative AI "foundation" models on-device, so this app could be what installs and updates those models. Though interestingly, the AI Core stub is installed on other Pixel builds plus the Play Store listing has the required OS as Android 12+, so who knows!
H/T Nail Sadykov from the Google News Telegram group for spotting the listing!
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Forwarded from Google Pixel Hub
#Android #A14QPR1
Android 14 QPR2 Beta 1 has been released!
Release date: November 15, 2023
Build: AP11.231020.013.A1, AP11.231020.013 (Pixel 5a), AP11.231020.014 (Pixel 8/8 Pro)
Security patch level: October 2023
Play Services version: 23.32.17
Google has released the first update of Android 14 QPR2 Beta 1 for Pixel 5a to 8 devices. It's final release will be in March 2024. Enroll into the beta program to get OTA directly from Google. Here's the list of fixes.
Download for Google Pixel devices:
Factory Image | OTA update
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
Android 14 QPR2 Beta 1 has been released!
Release date: November 15, 2023
Build: AP11.231020.013.A1, AP11.231020.013 (Pixel 5a), AP11.231020.014 (Pixel 8/8 Pro)
Security patch level: October 2023
Play Services version: 23.32.17
Google has released the first update of Android 14 QPR2 Beta 1 for Pixel 5a to 8 devices. It's final release will be in March 2024. Enroll into the beta program to get OTA directly from Google. Here's the list of fixes.
Download for Google Pixel devices:
Factory Image | OTA update
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
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Forwarded from Google Pixel Hub
#Android #A14QPR2
Android 14 QPR2 Beta 1.1 has been released!
Release date: November 21, 2023
Build: AP11.231020.016.A1, AP11.231020.016 (Pixel 8/8 Pro)
Security patch level: November 2023
Play Services version: 23.36.14
Google has released a small patch to the first update of Android 14 QPR2 Beta 1 for Pixel 5a to 8 devices. It's final release will be in March 2024. Enroll into the beta program to get OTA directly from Google. Here's the list of fixes.
Download for Google Pixel devices:
Factory Image | OTA update
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
Android 14 QPR2 Beta 1.1 has been released!
Release date: November 21, 2023
Build: AP11.231020.016.A1, AP11.231020.016 (Pixel 8/8 Pro)
Security patch level: November 2023
Play Services version: 23.36.14
Google has released a small patch to the first update of Android 14 QPR2 Beta 1 for Pixel 5a to 8 devices. It's final release will be in March 2024. Enroll into the beta program to get OTA directly from Google. Here's the list of fixes.
Download for Google Pixel devices:
Factory Image | OTA update
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
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