Latest news with #AndroidBeta
Android Authority
6 days ago
- Android Authority
Galaxy Watch users might want to stay away from testing QPR1 betas
Ryan Haines / Android Authority TL;DR Galaxy Watch owners are reporting problems when using Samsung's wearables with Android 16 QPR1 beta releases. Issues include failure to pair, connections dropping, and Samsung apps repeatedly crashing. For the moment, the only permanent solution seems to be going back to Android 16 stable. Getting early access to in-development software can be a lot of fun. Plenty of us participate in testing programs for some of our favorite apps, both in the interest of helping to make them better and getting to enjoy a sneak preview of new features before everybody else. That extends to software platforms, as well, with Google offering its Android Beta for Pixel program — and as of just a week ago, a new Canary program for even earlier access. But this kind of testing doesn't happen without some level of risk, and that's something that wearable fans might want to keep in mind. Any time you're testing a new version of Android, there's the potential that things are going to break. Sometimes, those failures can reasonably be expected, like issues with Wallet tap-to-pay not operating properly on beta builds. And while we tend to go into trying out software like this reasonably well informed of the potential pitfalls, apparently there's always still going to be room to surprise us. The latest problem we're hearing about concerns Samsung's Galaxy Watch wearables and users running Android 16 QPR betas. Over on Reddit, a thread started earlier this month by user Ecstatic_Estate_6625 has only been growing and growing, with users reporting pairing failures across a number of different Galaxy Watch models (via 9to5Google). Some users seem to get pairing to work, but then run into trouble with their connection dropping, or Samsung software crashing. 9to5Google reports that in its testing the connected phone got into a loop of trying to download Samsung's Watch Manager plugin, failing, and — you guessed it — crashing. While we wish we had a fix to share that could keep you testing QPR1, for the moment the only real solution seems to be going back to stable Android 16. If you're thinking about picking up a new Galaxy Watch 8, maybe put off the Android beta testing until you're able to find a second phone to use for that. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Yahoo
Google releases Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.1 with a fix for your broken back button
Beta testing for Android's biggest redesign in years is humming right along, with Google already having released Android 16 QPR1 betas 1, 1.1, and 2 in June alone. The new version isn't expected to hit the stable channel until September, but Google is already back with yet another update to the firmware that will eventually become the next Pixel Feature Drop. Google announced Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.1 on Reddit today, and the update is already rolling out to enrolled devices. This new build clocks in at about 5MB in size, so there's nothing earth-shattering involved here, but it does bring a few important fixes, as outlined in the release notes. Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.1 (June 2025) This minor update to Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 includes the following fixes: The "Approve" button in the Device Admin settings is transparent and invisible (Issue #419144521) The lockscreen sound toggle shows as off, but sounds still play (Issue #423985494) The Android back button intermittently fails to function (Issue #412691179, Issue #417434626, Issue #420283260) Fix for a launcher crash when swiping up from the bottom All eligible devices enrolled in the Android Beta for Pixel program will be offered an over-the-air (OTA) update to QPR Beta 2.1. The biggest fix here resolves an issue where the back button and swipe gesture were refusing to register, forcing affected users to restart their phones to get things working again. This has also been a problem for users on the Android 16 stable release as well, though people running that version will have to wait a bit longer for the fix since today's update is only being made available to devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program. Google had previously acknowledged the back button bug and promised that a fix was on the way. For anyone on the stable channel, we're expecting that update to come alongside the July security patches within the next couple of weeks. We're already seeing the update on multiple Pixel devices. It has a build number of BP31.250523.010, and as mentioned earlier, it's a smaller download at roughly 5MB. For once, it doesn't take very long to optimize after downloading, so you should be able to get it fully installed in under 30 minutes. The update is being made available to all of Google's phones, tablets, and foldables dating back to the Pixel 6, provided they're enrolled in the beta program. To see if it's available on your device, head to Settings → System → Software updates → System update → Check for updates.
Android Authority
10-07-2025
- Android Authority
Google launches Android Canary program for Pixel users who want to live on the bleeding edge
Owning a Pixel smartphone or tablet has always meant getting early access to what Google's working on next for Android, and for a certain class of users, that can be a major part of the appeal of this hardware. Those who are interested have long been able to register to participate in the company's Android Beta for Pixel program, letting them get access to in-development builds of major new release like Android 16 months and months before they're ready to hit stable. If you love that kind of early preview, today Google's announcing something even better. Instead of just having that Beta, Google now introduces a new Canary access program. The idea here is that participants will be able to preview Google's latest work on new Android releases basically all year long, rather than just in the half-year or so cycle of Developer Previews and Betas we have now. Canary is not going to replace the Beta program, and Google intends to run both alongside each other. If you know anything about development, though (maybe you play with Chrome's own Canary channel), you're aware that features at this early stage of implementation can be incredibly broken, and Google wants everyone going into this eyes-open: You should expect bugs and breaking changes. These bleeding-edge builds will not be the best choice for someone to use as their primary or only device. If that hasn't discouraged you (or maybe you've just got a second Pixel you're happy to sacrifice for the cause), you can get started by using Google's Android Flash Tool to install a Canary build for your Pixel device — just like Google's other current releases, everything from the Pixel 6 series and newer is supported. But once you're flashed, future updates will arrive via a painless OTA update.
CNET
26-06-2025
- CNET
The Latest Android 16 QPR1 Beta is Out Now. Here's How To Get It on Your Pixel
The latest Android 16 QPR1 Beta is available for Pixel owners who've signed up to receive the latest releases from Google. Since it's just a .1 update, it doesn't bring any new phone features to the table, but a handful of bug fixes, as well as the June Security patch -- something the QPR1 2.0 update from earlier this month was missing. Although Android 16 is now officially available, it lacks the visual overhaul, Material 3 Expressive, that Google showed off during the Android Show this past May. Luckily, Google transitioned its Android Beta Program to Quarterly Platform Releases, and a large chunk of Material 3 Expressive found its way to Pixel devices that installed the first QPR1 update. Below, we'll show you what's new in the latest QPR1 release and how to enroll your supported Pixel device in the Beta program to get these updates moving forward. For more, don't miss when we expect the Pixel 10 to launch. What's new in the latest QPR1 Beta? The sparse release notes for QPR 2.1 reiterate that there isn't much to gawk at in this release. The QPR 2 beta added in support for enhanced windowing on connected devices, bringing a desktop-like experience. It's nowhere near as slick as what Apple is doing on the iPad with iPadOS 26, but it is nonetheless a welcomed addition when you need more space to work with and have a display you can connect your phone to. Here's what's new in the Android 16 QPR1 2.1: Fix for the "Approve" button in the Device Admin settings being transparent and invisible. Fix for the lockscreen sound toggle showing as off, but sounds still playing. Fix for the Android back button intermittently failing to function. Fix for a launcher crash when swiping up from the bottom. In addition, and as mentioned before, this release also comes with the latest June security patch. Android 16 QPR1 has some Material 3 Expressive baked in Here's a look at the overhauled Settings menu, quick settings menu and multitasking menu tweaks. Blake Stimac/CNET The latest QPR1 builds include several pieces of the Material 3 Expressive design overhaul. It's a fresh take on the OS while still looking like a natural progression of what was there before. It's easier to find important actions within the OS, and the new design will eventually make its way to apps when developers adopt the new design language. Google has already shown off a few of the apps it plans to update with Material 3 Expressive, including Gmail, Fitbit and Google Photos. While the public release will include more of Material 3 Expressive, the biggest visual changes are present here. The launcher, notifications, quick settings and lock screen all "pop" like never before. What Pixel devices can install the Android 16 QPR1 2.1? In order to install the Android 16 QPR1, you'll need a compatible Pixel. Here's the full list of supported devices. Pixel 6, 6a, and 6 Pro Pixel 7, 7a, and 7 Pro Pixel Fold Pixel Tablet Pixel 8, 8a, and 8 Pro Pixel 9, 9a, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold How to install the Android 16 QPR1 2.1 You can enroll any of your compatible Pixel devices to receive beta updates with a few clicks. Google/CNET Installing the Android 16 QPR1 2.1 build is easy. If you're running the last Android 16 QPR1 release, you don't need to do anything. You should be able to check for a system update and the QPR1 2.1 beta should begin to download. If you're new to installing Android 16 on your device, here's how to get things moving: Go to the Android Beta site and log in to your Google account. Click or tap on "View your eligible devices" or just scroll down to the section. You should see the devices associated with the Google account you've logged in with. Under the device on which you'd like to install the Android 16 update, click or tap the "+ Opt in" button. Agree to the terms of the beta program and click or tap "Confirm and enroll." Once your device is enrolled, you can check to see if the update is waiting for you. It typically doesn't take long. On your Pixel, go to your Settings menu. Tap System. Tap Software updates. Tap System update. From there, the Android 16 QPR1 2.1 build should start downloading to your device. If it continues to say "Your Pixel is up to date," give it a few more minutes or try restarting your phone, then try again. Alternatively, you can flash the update to your Pixel. Want more on Pixel? Don't miss what we know about Google's new AI Assistant, Pixel Sense.
