Google released the first beta version of Android 15, featuring UI changes for a desktop-like experience, lockscreen note-taking support, improved cellular and Wi-Fi security options, new widgets for the Pixel Weather app, default wallet app settings, easier updates to NFC features, lockscreen widgets for tablets, app archiving for storage management, and additional security features. Samsung is expected to release the One UI 7.0 Beta update after Google I/O 2024.
Google's release of Android 15 Beta 1 introduces the option to set a default wallet app, allowing users to choose an app to handle NFC payments. Currently, Google Wallet and the AMEX app are the only ones compatible with this setting, but it is expected that other apps, such as banking or credit card apps, will be able to assume this role in the future. This move sets Android apart from iOS, where Apple is currently facing criticism for not allowing third-party apps to be used as digital wallets.
Google has released the Android 15 Beta 1 for Pixel devices, offering an initial beta-quality release with user-facing changes such as edge-to-edge app display and transparent system bars. The update includes OS-level support for app archiving and unarchiving, a new E2eeContactKeysManager for end-to-end encryption, and TalkBack support for Braille displays. Additionally, Android 15 brings changes to prevent malicious background apps from abusing user interaction. Users can provide feedback through the Android Beta Feedback app and join the Android Beta community on Reddit. The beta is available for various Pixel devices and can be installed via the Android Beta Program or through flashing or sideloading.
Android 14 Beta 1 has some bugs, including missing network icons for 5G or LTE, crashing wallpaper and style menu, laggy performance, battery drain, and fingerprint reader issues. To fix the missing network icon, toggle the "Use SIM" option off and on. To fix the crashing wallpaper and style menu, clear data on the Pixel Launcher app. Other bugs may require an update from Google.
Android 14 Beta 1 update is now available to a small pool of eligible Google Pixel handsets. The update includes a transparent navigation bar, flipped app shortcuts, enhanced PIN privacy, share sheet tuning, markup tool enhancements, system language confirmation, and the April 2023 security patch. Some features added in the developer previews have been changed or reverted to the default setting in Beta 1. The update also includes the June 2023 Google Play system update.
Google has released the first beta of Android 14 for Pixel phones, featuring a Smarter System UI with a more prominent back arrow and dynamic color background, custom actions for system share sheets, and improved direct share target ranking. The update also includes more graphics capabilities with the Path API and per-app language preferences for personalization. Under privacy, the accessibilityDataSensitive attribute allows apps to limit visibility of specified views only to accessibility services that claim to help users with disabilities. The Android Beta Feedback app and community on Reddit are available for feedback and bug reporting. The update is available via the Android Beta Program, flashing, or sideloading.
