Android Beta Archives

AppWizard

April 18, 2025

Google is preparing to make Android Settings a bit more colorful

Google is set to transform its Settings homepage in the upcoming Android 16 beta, introducing colorful icons encased in circles, replacing the current gray icons. This redesign aims to enhance the expressiveness of the Settings app and is expected to align with a new Material Design theme at the Google I/O developer conference. The colorful icons may not appear in the initial stable release of Android 16 but could be introduced in a future quarterly update or in Android 17 next year. The 'Digital Wellbeing & parental controls' entry will retain its gray icon due to its origin from a separate app. Feedback from users will influence the final design.

AppWizard

April 18, 2025

Android 16 Beta 4 Arrives with AOD Theming, App Drawer Shortcut, and More

Google's Android 16 Beta 4 is being rolled out to Pixel 6 and newer devices, introducing enhancements aimed at improving user experience and security. Key updates include an enhanced Always on Display (AOD) feature with dynamic theming, the Themed icons toggle moving out of beta, a new Apps list shortcut in the Pixel launcher, and new options in the recent menu for Screenshot and Select. The Gesture Navigation page has been updated with a tutorial demo, and the Quick Settings Media Player artwork has been darkened. Some users have reported the removal of the Battery Health feature from the Battery Settings page, although it is still available on certain devices.

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

How to uninstall the Android 16 beta

Android 16 is currently in beta testing, with Beta 3 achieving platform stability but still containing imperfections. Users with Google Pixel 6 or newer can join the Android Beta Program. To uninstall the Android 16 beta, users should back up their device as the process typically erases data. Three methods to uninstall include opting out of the beta program for an OTA update that reverts to the latest stable version, waiting for the stable version of the update being tested, or installing a stable version using the Android Flash Tool or ADB, which erases all data. To opt out, users must log into the Android Beta Program website, select their device, and follow the prompts to leave the beta. After opting out, users can revert to a stable version of Android 15 by installing an OTA update, which may take up to 24 hours to appear and will delete data if not backed up. Reasons to uninstall the beta include the presence of bugs and instability compared to the public version of Android.

AppWizard

March 19, 2025

Google rolls out Android 16 Beta 3.1 patch with crucial bug fixes

Google has released the Android 16 Beta 3.1 update, focusing on bug fixes rather than new features. This update addresses a crash issue in the Settings app, particularly when the device's language is set to anything other than English, and resolves performance-related problems, including excessive battery drain due to high CPU load and memory leaks in the system server. The update retains enhancements from the previous Android 16 Beta 3 release, such as Auracast support for wireless hearing aids and improved accessibility options. The update is available for enrolled devices and can be checked in the Settings under System > Software Update.

AppWizard

March 7, 2025

Android 16 Beta 2.1 gives us a sneak peek at Live Updates

Android 16 Beta 2.1 introduces Live Updates for Google Maps, allowing users to monitor navigation progress via the status bar, notification panel, and lock screen. This feature is not fully operational, as it appears collapsed on the always-on display. The update also addresses bugs, including one that caused Pixel phones to restart unexpectedly. Live Updates provide time-sensitive notifications similar to iPhone's Live Activities, showing information like rideshare status and journey progress. Currently, these updates are visible in select areas, but support for the always-on display is incomplete. The status bar displays a minimalistic notification indicating the time remaining until arrival, while more detailed information is available on the lock screen and notification panel.

AppWizard

March 6, 2025

Google Maps is the first app to support Android 16’s Live Updates feature

Google Maps has integrated the Live Updates feature introduced with Android 16, allowing progress-centric notifications to be displayed in the status bar, notifications panel, lock screen, and always-on display. This feature was included in the Android 16 Beta 2.1 release, which primarily focused on bug fixes. Users have confirmed that Google Maps now shows real-time updates, such as time until the next turn and estimated time of arrival (ETA), in a visually distinct chip. Tapping on the status bar chip provides detailed notifications without pulling down the notifications panel. However, notifications appear collapsed on the always-on display, indicating that this aspect is not fully operational yet. Future Android beta releases are expected to enhance this functionality.

BetaBeacon

December 24, 2024

FAU-G: Domination Android beta: Release date, how to play, and more

To participate in the FAU-G: Domination beta test, register by clicking on the provided link, entering necessary details in the form, and providing device information. Those who register will receive beta access link via email and unique in-game cosmetic items.

AppWizard

December 17, 2024

Android 15 QPR2 Beta 2 is here with our first look at the working Linux Terminal app

Google has released Android 15 QPR2 Beta 2 for testers in the Android Beta Program, which includes bug fixes and new features. The update is available for devices such as Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8, Pixel 9, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet, with a build number of BP11.241121.010. Notable bug fixes include resolving access issues in developer settings, fixing connectivity problems with glucose sensors, addressing call placement delays, enabling charging optimization settings, correcting null pointer issues, improving responsiveness on the Pixel Fold, enhancing audio transitions, and resolving Bluetooth connection failures. The Linux Terminal app is now functional, allowing users to run Linux instances, and features like notification cooldowns have been introduced. Users can provide feedback through the Android Beta Feedback app or the official subreddit.