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| Android 15 |
Android 15 Beta 4 marks a significant update as the final scheduled release for Pixel devices in the beta phase. This release introduces a host of new features, improvements, and fixes that aim to enhance user experience and address issues identified in previous versions. This detailed guide explores every update in Android 15 Beta 4, providing insights into the latest enhancements, bug fixes, and known issues.
Key Features and Enhancements
Android 15 Beta 4 brings several noteworthy updates and improvements to the Pixel devices. Here’s a rundown of what’s new in this release:
Redesigned Screenshot Preview
The screenshot preview feature has received a redesign in Android 15 Beta 4. This new design now respects the dark theme, offering a more cohesive visual experience. Users will notice a more streamlined and integrated appearance when taking and previewing screenshots.
Improved Text Contrast
The "Maximize text contrast" feature has been updated to offer "High contrast text." This enhancement aims to improve readability and accessibility, ensuring that text stands out more prominently against various backgrounds.
Device Diagnostics
A new device diagnostics option has been added. Users can now access diagnostics via
Settings > System > Device diagnosis, allowing for better monitoring and management of device health.Latest Google Play System Update
The Google Play system update has been rolled out, incorporating various security patches and performance improvements to enhance the overall stability and security of the Android operating system.
Display and Touch Settings Renamed
The settings related to display and touch have been renamed, making it easier for users to navigate and customize their device settings according to their preferences.
Bug Fixes and Resolutions
Android 15 Beta 4 addresses several issues reported by developers and users, aiming to improve system stability and performance. Key fixes include:
Battery Issue After Boot
A significant bug that caused devices to display a 0% battery status after booting has been resolved. This fix ensures that users experience a more accurate battery reading upon startup.
Lockscreen Issues
Problems related to the lockscreen, which affected its functionality and appearance, have been addressed. Users should now experience improved performance and usability when interacting with the lockscreen.
Quick Settings Tiles Contrast
An issue that made certain elements in Quick Settings Tiles hard to read due to contrast problems has been fixed. This improvement enhances the visibility and usability of quick settings options.
Boot Issue After OTA Update
A rare issue where some Pixel devices became unbootable after a factory reset following an OTA system update has been resolved. This fix prevents devices from encountering boot issues under these conditions.
Android Virtual Device (AVD) Launch
Problems with launching Android Virtual Devices (AVDs) using an Android 15 system image in embedded mode have been addressed. This fix improves the reliability of AVDs in development environments.
App Notification Settings Restoration
An issue that sometimes prevented app notification settings from being restored during device backup recovery has been fixed. Users can now expect their notification preferences to be correctly restored.
Pixel Fold Face Unlock Enrollment
An issue for Pixel Fold devices, where Face Unlock enrollment could not continue if the device was folded or unfolded during the process, has been resolved. This improvement ensures a smoother enrollment experience.
Various System Issues
Numerous other issues affecting system stability, connectivity, performance, usability, and camera functionality have been addressed. These fixes collectively enhance the overall user experience.
Bluetooth Enhancements
Android 15 Beta 4 also includes several improvements related to Bluetooth functionality:
Digital Car Key App Latency
A bug that prevented the Digital Car Key app from performing low latency scans in the foreground has been fixed. This enhancement improves the responsiveness and efficiency of car key operations.
Custom UUIDs for Head-Tracking
The use of custom UUIDs instead of standard HOGP service UUIDs in the Android head-tracking service has been implemented. This change enhances compatibility and functionality with head-tracking devices.
LE Audio Stack Support
Improvements to the LE Audio stack now allow for better detection of transport support using head-tracking codec capabilities. This change optimizes audio performance and connectivity.
Bluetooth Pairing Success Rates
A fix has been applied to prevent the immediate rejection of Bluetooth pairing requests due to transport mismatches. This enhancement aims to improve the success rates of Bluetooth pairing.
Known Issues
Despite the many improvements, Android 15 Beta 4 still has some known issues that users should be aware of:
Picture-in-Picture Mode Transition
When an app window is transitioning to picture-in-picture (PiP) mode, the PiP window may disappear if the device is rotated before the transition completes. Users might experience this issue during multitasking.
Account Addition Error Page
An error page may appear while adding an account during device setup. This issue could cause interruptions in the account setup process.
Android Studio Issues
Several issues have been identified with Android Studio and related tools, including:
- The Android 15 preview API level (VanillaIceCream) not being displayed in the Preview Configuration window.
- The latest version of the Android SDK Build-Tools that includes the Android 15 preview SDK not being offered during update checks.
- The Android 15 preview SDK version not appearing in the Target SDK Version and Min SDK Version drop-down menus when configuring a new project.
- Various problems with the Android Emulator, such as issues with app redeployment, accessibility shortcuts, notification window flickering, and more.
Apps Crashing or Display Issues
Specific apps, such as Google Docs and Google TV, may encounter issues like the "Android System Intelligence keeps stopping" message or failures in video playback initiation.
Availability and Installation
Android 15 Beta 4 is available for a wide range of Pixel devices, including:
- Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a
- Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a
- Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold
Factory images and OTA updates are now rolling out, allowing users to install the latest beta version. For detailed installation instructions, users can refer to the step-by-step guide provided by Google.
Conclusion
Android 15 Beta 4 delivers a mix of new features, enhancements, and bug fixes, representing a significant step forward in the Android 15 beta journey. With improvements to usability, stability, and functionality, this update prepares the ground for a more refined and stable final release. Users and developers alike can benefit from the latest changes, contributing to a smoother and more efficient Android experience. Keep an eye out for further updates and patches as the Android 15 development continues to evolve.
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