ChatGPT has taken the world by storm, simply by being at the forefront when it comes to conversational AI language models. Of course, a lot of work is behind that, and that effort puts ChatGPT at the top in terms of quality models available for use on the web. With that, OpenAI planned to bring its services to iOS, though Android users were still left waiting for an official app.
With registration opening up just days ago, ChatGPT now has an official Android app available for installation on the Play Store. The company teased an Android app when its iOS variant hit the App Store, though no one was sure how far off the Android version may be. Before today, a ChatGPT placeholder in the Play Store simply read “coming soon.”
There are a ton of ChatGPT lookalikes on Android’s Play Store, but this one by OpenAI is the real deal. The app is available for free and comes with the same features you’d see on the iOS version. OpenAI notes that either user is going to have the same experience.
Once downloaded, you’ll be greeted with a sign-in screen painted in vibrant colours. Beyond that, users are shown a disclaimer noting that ChatGPT has flaws and can be inaccurate, which is a good reminder. The UI is incredibly simple and offers up the same web-based experience, with a chat window that lets you make conversation or ask questions.
According to the team, ChatGPT on Android will be available in the US, India, Bangladesh, and Brazil. OpenAI plans to expand further over the next week, which means that the company is moving pretty fast to make the official app available.
ChatGPT, in effect, is a basic rendering of what AI looks like for users. Built around a real language model, OpenAI has been responsible for one of the most advanced AI chatbots to exist, allowing users to ask questions and converse with humanlike processing. So advanced even Microsoft uses it to base its Bing Chat, though AI models still have a long way to go in terms of being a replacement for factual sources.
Of course, it’s been absent from mobile devices in a native form for a long time, with several third-party developers trying their hand and most usage coming from web browsers. Now, OpenAI has announced that its ChatGPT model is now available on the App Store for iOS, with a small asterisk hanging out for Android users.
P.S. Android users, you’re next! ChatGPT will be coming to your devices soon.
There’s no telling what very soon means for OpenAI, though we can’t expect it to be too far off.
When the app comes to Android, we’re expecting the same structuring found in the iOS app currently available. Paid users will have access to a more powerful and advanced version of the language model – GPT-4 – and faster response times. Beyond that, free users will be able to access Whisper, the company’s voice recognition software, and sync across multiple devices. Essentially, the app is everything you could do before but is now available in a native app.
This all comes as Google aims to increase its AI footprint with its new Labs, like Duet AI and generative AI in Google Search. These functions aren’t exactly a chatbot, though AI in Search should theoretically make for a good source of info, so long as the language model can differentiate fact from fiction.
Samsung is set to host its next Unpacked launch event for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 later this week, and there’s actually a ton to look forward to. Here’s everything you can expect at the event.
Samsung Unpacked 2023: What’s coming?
Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5
The biggest launch at Samsung’s event this week will be new foldables: Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5. Both devices are expected to be somewhat iterative in their improvements, with most of the upgrades coming to the Galaxy Z Flip 5.
Samsung is set to improve on the Flip 5 primarily with a new cover display that’s drastically bigger than the Flip 3 and Flip 4. The display is expected to open support for a full keyboard and more useful widgets, but it’s unclear if full apps will be supported.
Both devices will also bring upgrades such as Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a new hinge that allows the foldables to close fully instead of leaving a gap, and some new colors and cases.
Galaxy Tab S9 series
Samsung’s flagship tablets are also getting a refresh at Unpacked this year, with Tab S9, S9+, and S9 Ultra on the docket.
The main upgrade is Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, but there are other little tidbits beyond that, such as eSIM support, AMOLED on the smallest model, and more. It’s a welcome arrival, as it’s been a little over a year since Samsung last launched high-end Android tablets.
The standard Watch 6 is only seeing a couple of notable changes: a W930 chipset that should be a little faster and thinner bezels that make room for a bigger display. The RAM is also jumping from 1.5 GB to 2 GB.
Meanwhile, Galaxy Watch 6 Classic will revive the physical rotating bezel in addition to the standard model’s upgrades.
It’s possible these watches will also debut Wear OS 4, which was announced at Google I/O and brings several benefits, with the ability to connect to a new phone without a reset being one of the biggest perks.
The maybes
Outside of the core lineup, there are a few more things we might also see, but there’s not much known.
Galaxy SmartTag 2
One of the most likely unveilings might be the Galaxy SmartTag 2. Samsung hasn’t launched a new version of its tracker since the debut of Galaxy S21 over two years ago. There have been reports and regulatory evidence of this new model, but we haven’t seen any images leak, so there’s no guarantee.
Samsung’s XR headset
Samsung has been rumored to launch its own mixed-reality headset based on a new version of Android that was expected to arrive at this event. But rumor has it Samsung has delayed that device by a few months in the wake of Apple Vision Pro’s debut.
A small teaser is what we’d expect at the absolute most.
Galaxy Tab S9 FE & Galaxy S23 FE
Samsung’s “Fan Edition” lineups may return soon, as there’s strong evidence pointing towards upcoming releases for Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy S23 FE. While there’s a chance they could arrive at this event, it’s not very likely.
It’s been a bit since Samsung released a new set of earbuds, and there’s certainly a chance we could see a launch this week. But there’s only been one report on that matter and no leaks whatsoever. So we don’t expect to hear anything – no pun intended – on that front.
Reserve for a $50USD discount and Trade in at Samsung Australia for a $100AUD discount
Up until the day before Unpacked, Samsung is offering open reservations for the Fold, Flip, and Tab S9 series. All of those devices will be eligible for a $50 credit on pre-order, which can be used as a discount on the device or for accessories. In any case, it’s worth signing up if you think you might put in a pre-order.
In a teaser, Samsung confirmed that its next Galaxy Unpacked event will take place on July 26 – just a few days from now.
The event, held in Seoul, South Korea, will start at 7 a.m. ET and livestreamed via YouTube and Samsung’s social channels.
The event, at least according to rumors, will be headlined by serving as the launch date of Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5. Beyond that, a new Galaxy Tab S9 series is expected, as is the Galaxy Watch 6 series. There’s also a chance of new earbuds, a new SmartTag tracker, and potentially more.
Samsung has reservations now for its new devices.
Those who sign up at Samsung.com or through the Shop Samsung app will be eligible for a $50 credit with the purchase of their device. Samsung has offered this reservation credit for quite a while, but this year it can be applied towards the actual cost of the device rather than just towards accessories (which you can still use it towards). You’ll get the credit when pre-ordering Galaxy Z Fold 5, Flip 5, or the new tablets.
There’s no commitment for this either – just drop in your email. Samsung has, in the past, also offered enhanced trade-ins with these reservations, but that doesn’t seem to be the case this time around.
If history serves as an example, Samsung will start shipping devices to customers within a week or two of the event, likely by the second week of August at the latest.
Full Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5 specs surface in super-cryptic leak
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Fold 5 are set to be the next foldable phones to come out of Samsung’s production line this year. With the release still to come, the Flip 5 and Fold 5 specs are already public thanks to a fun leak.
Through a convoluted process – obtaining a link through binary code posted on Twitter via SnoopyTech – every technical detail of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 specs are now public. That includes display type, size, and SoC choice for each foldable.
First off, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 will unsurprisingly house two displays, one internal and another external. This go-around, Samsung is packing a much larger display on the outside of the Flip 5. That display hits 3.4-inches across at a resolution of 748 x 720. Internally, the Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel will come in at 6.7-inches and looks to be capable of hitting up to 120Hz, which flexible screen will be 2640 x 1080.
Internally, the Flip 5 is packed with 8 GB of RAM paired with either 256GB or 512GB and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The clamshell foldable is also equipped with a 3,700mAh battery, which should last a decent amount of time. On the back, a 12MP primary and 12MP ultra-wide are set into the external display.
The device is set to come in four colors: Lavender, Mint, Cream, and Graphite.
As for the Z Fold 5 specs, things get a little more intense. Both display sizes hit the same size as the previous generation and are backed by a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel. The external display hits 6.2-inches at 2176 x 1812 while the internal screen comes in at 7.6-inches. Both are capable of 120Hz while the external display’s variable refresh rate hits a minimum of 48 frames per second.
Inside, the Fold 5 houses 12 GB of RAM with either 256GB or 512GB and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The battery inside is a 4,400mAh unit, which isn’t a physical improvement over the Fold 4. The Fold 5 will come with a 50MP main sensor and 12MP ultra-wide. The telephoto lens paired with the other two is also 12MP.
Something to note within the released specs is that the Z Fold 5 seems to come in at 13.4mm tall when folded. That’s about 0.8mm thinner than the Z Fold 4. The foldable is also reportedly 10 grams lighter in this generation.
The Fold 5 will come in Phantom Black, Cream, and Icy Blue.
Interestingly enough, neither device seems to come with a dust resistance rating packed in the IPX8 rating listed. It was rumored both devices might get certified, though an “X” still stands in the current dust resistance classification.
Both devices will run Android 13 (One UI 5.1.1) out of the box, which houses some seriously impressive features. Samsung is set to reveal the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 in July. Previous reports indicate a release date of August 11.
Galaxy Z Flip 5 outer display reportedly gets Google Maps, Messages, and YouTube apps
The upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 5 is set to bring the overdue upgrade of a big outer display and, apparently, Samsung is working with Google to bring select apps to that display including Maps and more.
As has been revealed by past leaks, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is likely to deliver a 3.4-inch cover display that takes up almost the entire top half of the device. It’s a drastic improvement from the tiny 1.9-inch panel on Galaxy Z Flip 4, and even bigger than the Oppo Find N2 Flip’s panel.
What users can do on that outer display, though, has been largely unknown outside of a previous report that mentioned new widgets and features.
Now, a report from SamMobile details that the Galaxy Z Flip 5’s outer display will be getting some “optimized” apps from Google. This apparently includes:
Google Maps
Google Messages
YouTube
These “optimized” apps will also apparently be backed up by Samsung’s apps, which the report says to “expect” to be ready for the cover display.
But still, it’s unclear if Samsung’s phone will be able to match that of the new Motorola Razr+. That device has an even-bigger 3.6-inch display which, as we previously detailed, can run virtually an Android app.
Samsung is set to unveil Galaxy Z Flip 5 in July, the company has confirmed.
Galaxy Unpacked is mere days away, but we know what to expect from Samsung – another round of foldables that offer generational improvements. But is that enough for you to pull the trigger on a new Galaxy Z Fold 5 or Flip 5?
What do the Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 bring to the table?
Depending on what device you own right now, you’re looking at some improvements, just like you would with any device year over year. While the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 haven’t technically been announced, we have enough reliable information from both leaks and the company itself to get a general idea of what the new foldables improve on.
Galaxy Z Flip 5 improvements
The first thing that comes to mind is the Z Flip 5‘s completely revamped external display. It is the foremost change and center of attention in terms of Galaxy foldables prior to launch. That display is said to come in at 3.4 inches across with a resolution of 748 x 720. By comparison, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 utilizes a 1.9-inch display with a resolution of 260 x 512. That’s a 55% increase in size, and the leaked images show just how much of a difference that makes.
As for the internal panel, that AMOLED 2X display is set at 6.7 inches and can hit up to 120 frames per second. That resolution clocks in at 2640 x 1080 – no surmisable difference on paper.
With the same 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB / 512 GB loadout, the only other stark difference is the superior Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which should bring a slight performance increase over the previous generation.
Galaxy Z Fold 5 improvements
The step up from Fold 4 to Fold 5 is a little less pronounced. Each generation’s core display specs look to be, on paper, identical to each other. That includes size, resolution, and refresh rate.
Internally, the battery and memory options are the same, including 12 GB of RAM with 256 GB / 512 GB of internal storage. The only major difference here is the CPU. Just like the Flip 5, the Fold 5 will run a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for that increase in processing power and connectivity.
Physically, the Z Fold 5 sits at 0.8 mm thinner than the Z Fold 4. That matches up with what Samsung stated before the launch.
Getting ‘slimmer and lighter’
A major change affecting both the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 is the way Samsung designed the connection between the two sides of the device. In the center, it’s expected that Samsung is incorporating a new hinge system that does away with the “hinge gap” we’re used to in the Fold/ Flip 4 and prior devices. The tiny space that’s visible when the devices are closed may not exist on the Fold 5 and Flip 5, though that’s uncertain for now.
Samsung also hints at the foldables achieving a new minimum weight. It’s been reported that the Z Fold 5 will weigh a few grams more than the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The S23 Ultra isn’t exactly light as a feather, though it’s on the expected end for a solid device. For a foldable that houses two displays and a long center mechanism for smooth operation, that’s an encouraging benchmark.
Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 might take on a heavier price tag
Another area of consideration for those looking to upgrade hardware is the price at which those new foldables will be sold. Both the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Fold 4 had the same launch price – $1,799. While it’s no rainy-day money, it’s mostly understandable for relatively nascent technology, which has always followed a certain pattern. That trend generally says new tech is much more expensive, with subsequent generations getting more reasonably priced as time goes on.
That trend might have broken in 2023, as many other things have.
It’s looking like the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 will see a price increase of approximately €100 each – at least in France. That said, the report is limited to European pricing, leaving US pricing currently unknown.
Google and OnePlus want your attention
The last couple of years have seen Samsung crowned as the most successful foldable manufacturer, but Google and OnePlus are vying for that title with new and upcoming devices that offer up some competition.
The Pixel Fold has gone through its announcement and release, meaning the device has stirred up some publicity – good and bad. Overall, the Pixel Fold is a solid phone with some serious potential, especially considering this is Google’s first attempt at a product the general market knows very little about. The glaring error on Google’s part is the pricing, unfortunately. At $1,799, it’s hard to justify the Pixel Fold when the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is sitting around the corner at (probably) the same price.
The OnePlus Open, on the other hand, is set to debut sometime in August. The 8-inch foldable is expected to pack a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, following in Samsung’s footsteps. While there’s no word on pricing, we’re more than confident that it will not be cheap, but it may not be as expensive as Google and Samsung feel is right.
Are you upgrading?
Let’s say you own a Galaxy Z Fold or Flip of any generation – are you trading it in or selling it to grab a Z Fold 5 or Flip 5?
It’s worth noting that those who do upgrade are more than likely to trade in, whether that’s through a carrier or directly from Samsung. At launch, Samsung has historically been more generous with trade-in values, offering more than any other buyer simply because it can recycle or resell older devices with relative ease. However, that trend has changed recently as well. The company is still running a $50 gift credit and up to $340 enhanced trade-in credit for anyone who reserves before the announcement.
We’re hoping that trading in a Galaxy Z Fold 4 for a Fold 5 means heavy savings. If trade-in values are as attractive as we’ve seen in the past, those who pre-order are likely to see a final price tag of a few hundred rather than close to $2,000. Unfortunately, there’s no telling where Samsung will set trade-in values, though it’s still a no-brainer for some looking to upgrade.
The improvements are there, but that still means an expensive device. On top of that, Google and OnePlus are becoming viable contenders. Depending on which form of Android you prefer, a foldable with OxygenOS or stock Android might sound even more appealing than Samsung’s extremely popular OneUI.
In any case, let us know your thoughts. We’re genuinely curious about how users are feeling about Samsung’s foldable prior to the official announcement. Things could change, and the Z Fold 5 or Flip 5 might be housing a bombshell improvement we know nothing about. If that isn’t the case, are you upgrading?
Android 14’s latest beta paves the way for a full launch sometime next month, but it’s still hinting at more features to come. One of those upcoming changes might be a warning when you try to sideload Google apps on Android 14.
Android Police reports that Android 14 adds the ability for app stores on your device to claim “update ownership” over select apps. This essentially just adds another step to sideloading, as a warning message will appear that states where updates normally come from, and reiterates the risk of sideloading. You can simply ignore the warning and continue on.
Apparently, Google apps are where we’ll see this first. A brief demo seen below shows Android 14’s new sideloading warning which says that updates are “normally” from the Play Store. In this case, Google Play Services was having an update installed via APK Mirror’s Installer app.
This app normally receives updates from Google Play Store. By updating from a different source, you may receive future updates from any source on your phone. App functionality may change.
This isn’t the only example of Google cracking down somewhat on apps in Android 14. Earlier this year, our Kyle Bradshaw and Dylan Roussel reported that Android 14 would also block the installation of “outdated” Android apps, whether they come from sideloading or an app store.
Android 14 set to block certain outdated apps from being installed
To help reduce the potential for malware, Android 14 will begin fully blocking the installation of apps that target outdated versions of Android.
For years now, the guidelines for the Google Play Store have ensured that Android developers keep their apps updated to use the latest features and safety measures of the Android platform. Just this month, the guidelines were updated, requiring newly listed Play Store apps to target Android 12 at a minimum.
Up to this point, these minimum API level requirements have only applied to apps that are intended for the Google Play Store. Should a developer wish to create an app for an older version, they can do so and simply ask their users to sideload the APK file manually. Similarly, if an Android app hasn’t been updated since the guidelines changed, the Play Store will continue serving the app to those who have installed it once before.
According to a newly posted code change, Android 14 is set to make API requirements stricter, entirely blocking the installation of outdated apps. This change would block users from sideloading specific APK files and also block app stores from installing those same apps.
Initially, Android 14 devices will only block apps that target especially old Android versions. Over time though, the plan is to increase the threshold to Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), with Google having a mechanism to “progressively ramp [it] up.” That said, it will likely still be up to each device maker to decide the threshold for outdated apps or whether to enable it at all.
If the minimum installable SDK version enforcement is enabled, block the install of apps using a lower target SDK version than required. This helps improve security and privacy as malware can target older SDK versions to avoid enforcement of new API behavior.
By blocking these outdated apps, Google intends to curb the spread of malware apps on Android. The developer responsible for the change notes that some malware apps have intentionally targeted older versions of Android to bypass certain protections only enforced on newer apps.
That said, if for whatever reason you want or need to install an outdated application, it will still be possible through a command shell, by using a new flag. Given the extra steps required, it’s less likely that someone would do this by mistake and inadvertently install malware.
How to install the Android 14 Beta on Google Pixel
After a few early developer previews, the Android 14 Beta program has officially arrived. Here’s how to get Android 14 on your Google Pixel smartphone.
What Pixel devices can install the Android 14 Beta?
Android 14 will drop another set of Pixel smartphones out of active support, but several will still be eligible. The following Pixel devices will be eligible for the Android 14 Beta program.
Pixel 4a 5G
Pixel 5
Pixel 5a
Pixel 6
Pixel 6 Pro
Pixel 6a
Pixel 7
Pixel 7 Pro
Pixel 7a
Pixel Fold
Pixel Tablet
While Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet joined the party late, they’re all eligible to test out Android 14 at this point.
What’s the latest Android 14 Beta build?
As of July 11, 2023, Google has just opened the fourth beta release of Android 14, one of the last big releases before the final release.
Google has scheduled a total of five beta releases through May, June, and July, with the final release likely to arrive in August.
Beta 1 (April): Initial beta-quality release, over-the-air update to early adopters who enroll in Android Beta.
Beta 2 (May): Incremental Beta-quality release.
Beta 3 (June): First Platform Stability milestone, including final APIs and behaviors. Play publishing also opens.
Beta 4 (July): Near-final builds for final testing.
Beta 5 (July): Near-final builds for final testing.
Final release: Android 14 release to AOSP and ecosystem.
This adds one additional beta compared to Android 13’s release schedule, which only had four beta releases.
Notably, some users have noticed that the first two beta releases of Android 14 have been a bit more erratic compared to previous years. We’d certainly advise caution if you plan to try the beta on a daily device. As usual, proceed at your own risk.
How to get Android 14 with the Android Beta Program
The easiest way to get Android 14 on your Google Pixel device today is through the Android Beta Program.
This automated program allows you to “opt-in” to Android beta updates and install them as you would a normal system update. There’s no computer or fancy tools required, and you can roll back to Android 13 any time you’d like by simply opting out.
How to sideload Android 14 Beta on Google Pixel
By far, the fastest way to get a new version of Android on your Pixel is to sideload it. It’s a relatively easy process, but you’ll need to get set up to do it. Here’s how.
Download the needed files.
Boot into Recovery mode.
Navigate to ADB sideload.
Connect the handset to a computer with ADB tools installed.
Enter the sideload command.
Reboot your phone.
1. Download Android 14 Beta files
To get started, you’ll first need to download the files needed to actually put the Android 14 Beta on your Pixel. There are two ways to do so. First, you can install a Factory Image, which wipes your phone and starts everything from scratch. Alternatively, and the way we’ll detail here, there’s an OTA file, which installs over your current version of Android without wiping your phone.
You can download the beta OTA file from Google’s Full OTA Image hosting site. That site contains OTA downloads for sideloading different updates, including the Android 14 Beta, on every Pixel and Nexus device, so you’ll need to scroll down to ensure you are downloading the file that associates with your device. OTA downloads are available here.
For the Android 14 Beta, only Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5a, Pixel 5, Pixel 6/Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7/Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet are available.
You won’t be able to install it on the original Pixel/XL, Pixel 2/XL, Pixel 3/XL, Pixel 3a/XL, Pixel 4/XL, or Pixel 4a.
Note: This process (using OTA) won’t wipe your device, but it’s good practice to back up any irreplaceable data in case something goes wrong.
2. Boot into Recovery mode
Next, you’ll boot your Pixel into Recovery mode. To do this, fully power down your handset. Then hold down on the Power button and the Volume down button at the same time until you get to the Bootloader page. You will know you’re in the right place when you see an Android figure lying down on the screen.
Using your volume buttons, scroll down to Recovery mode. Select this by clicking the power button. Alternatively, if you’re already connected to a computer with ADB, you can use the reboot recovery command.
Now, you should see a smaller Android lying down with an exclamation mark over it. From here, press the Power button and the Volume up button for about a second to fully enter Recovery mode. Releasing the Volume up button will send you into Recovery.
3. Navigate to ADB sideload
Using the volume buttons, scroll down to Apply update from ADB and select it with the power button. This will launch a mostly blank screen with text near the bottom directing you on how to sideload an OTA, such as this one for the Android 12L Beta.
4. Connect the handset to a computer with ADB tools installed
This step is important as it’s the only way to transfer the downloaded OTA file to your handset. You’ll need to have ADB and Fastboot tools in a handy place. You can download ADB tools from the Android Developers website. You can also use the Universal ADB Drivers from ClockWorkMod, which can make the process a bit easier on Windows devices.
5. Enter the sideload command
As long as everything is in place, you can now sideload the OTA file. On Windows, ensure your Command Prompt is directed to the ADB tools folder and type in adb sideload. If you’re on macOS or Linux, do the same thing in Terminal (use “cd” and “ls” commands to make sure your Terminal is pointed at the right folder – Google it if you need help) but type in ./adb sideload. You’ll then need to insert the file name of the .zip folder you downloaded from Google and hit enter to start the process.
If everything is working properly, you should see some dialog on your computer and handset that shows the process of the sideload and installation process.
6. Reboot your phone
Once the OTA is done installing, you will be taken back to Recovery Mode. The last step to jump into the new update is to select the Reboot now option with your power button.
Android 14 Beta tweaks and widens the share sheet
In recent weeks, the Android 14 Beta has steadily tweaked the share sheet to look cleaner and show more options.
Despite being a central component of Android, the share sheet has long been one of the weaker points of Google’s mobile operating system. The share sheet has gone through numerous iterations over the years, each one aiming to make it faster or better in some way, though sharing on Android still remains surprisingly slow.
Over the course of the Android 14 Beta, Google has made some changes to the share sheet. One more noticeable change, arriving with Beta 3, is that the share sheet is now five icons wide (up from four) on typical phones. This makes more options visible on screen at a time and is a shift toward more density rather than the extra blank space that some Material You designs have opted to take. As always, you can scroll the sheet to view the full list of available share targets.
Meanwhile, another tweak arrived with this week’s Android 14 Beta 4 release. The sheet now also includes a title that explains what you’d actually be doing. For example, if you choose to share a website from Chrome, you’ll see “Sharing a link” with the actual URL below it.
If you’re sharing any text, a shortcut to copy it to your clipboard will appear on the right-hand side. Similarly, when sharing an image, you’ll be offered an option (pencil icon) to first edit it in Markup.
Android 14 Beta 4 changes ‘Muted’ status icon design
Android 14 Beta 4 is here and small tidbits and changes are surfacing as we dig through the new OS version. One such change is a completely new design for the “Muted” status, leaving behind the familiar bell icon for a more modern look.
Most Android devices have three sound states: sound on, vibrate, and silent. While each person has their preference as to which they leave their phone set to, only one of those displays a status icon in the top bar, next to the WiFi and battery readouts.
In Android 14 Beta 4, a Pixel phone or other device set to silent or “muted” will now display a small yet very familiar speaker icon. This switch replaces the bell icon we’ve seen in past Android builds. The change makes a little bit of sense, as the bell could be seen as confusing to some, though it’s a very small adjustment.
In Android 14 Beta 4, no other sound states offer a status icon. The “muted” state remains the only one to reflect in the status bar, though a status icon for vibrate and sound on would be nice.
Another spot the icon is updated with the speaker silhouette is in the slider that appears when pressing the volume rockers. Instead of a ball icon and another with a slash through it, there is now one speaker icon and another with a slash, representing mute.
This change to the mute icon in Android 14 is anything but huge, but it’s notable nonetheless and offers a little insight into the changes being made between versions. Be sure to stay tuned for more Android 14 news as it’s uncovered.
Don’t get a Pixel 7 – pick the Pixel 7a instead. That more or less summarized our thoughts from our initial encounter with Google‘s latest a-series smartphone, and we’re here now with the full review to establish how correct that early assessment was.
It’s a pretty natural conclusion that anyone can arrive at, really, even by simply looking at the specsheet – and, simultaneously, at the pricelist. The Pixel 7a gets closer to the ‘high-end’ models than any previous offering with an ‘a’ in its name, and comes in at a not-insignificant $100/€100 less (or thereabout, depending on who you ask and at what time) – what’s not to like? But let’s not put the verdict before the review.
The Pixel 7a improves on some key areas that held the 6a back. Perhaps most importantly, you now get a 90Hz display in place of the old model’s dated 60Hz unit. Yes, the bulk of the competition is at 120Hz already, but the jump from 60 to 90 is the most noticeable from a usability perspective, so maybe we can give the 7a a pass.
The camera system gets a boost too. A new 64MP Quad Bayer main unit replaces the basic 12.2MP one of the 6a – those are more pixels than you’d get with a Pixel 7 (50MP), even though it’s a smaller sensor. Similarly, the 13MP ultrawide is also higher-res (if only just) than the one on the 6a and the 7, albeit with a smaller sensor. There’s no AF on this one, but then it’s only the 7 Pro that has an autofocusing ultrawide, so the 7a doesn’t really lose points here against the 7. The selfie camera is another 13MP affair, that one too being nominally superior to its brethren’s setups.
A noteworthy addition to the a-series feature set is wireless charging. You may scoff at the 7.5W throughput, but you’re unlikely to be in a hurry when sleeping. And it’s not like Pixels are known for fast charging to begin with.
You get the same Tensor G2 chipset on the Pixel 7a that the 7 comes with. While it’s somewhat underpowered compared to other high-end SoCs that the 7 is fighting against, it looks a lot better in the 7a’s context.
Battery capacity is essentially the same between the two models, and the 7a may eke out a few extra minutes of battery life thanks to its slightly smaller display and lower max refresh rate – we’ll see in due time if less ends up being more in this respect.
Less is less in the 7a’s IP rating, but the IP67 should be as good as the 7’s IP68 for that one-time accidental bathroom dunk. The lack of a storage option other than 128GB isn’t as easy to dismiss, though – maybe the 256GB version remains the key thing the 7 has going for it in this head-to-head.
Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
Google Pixel 7a unboxing
We’ve come to expect minimal bundles from certain companies, and Google is one of them. It’s no surprise then, that the Pixel 7a ships in a box that’s barely larger than the handset itself. The two-piece white cardboard package has a likeness of the phone on lid, color-matched to the actual unit inside.
The contents include a USB-C cable and USB-C male to USB-A female adapter – standard Google stuff. There’s no charger inside, but on some markets you may get Google’s 30W adapter (in its own separate retail packaging) included in the price – that was the case with our German review unit. We did get ours from a third-party retailer, as opposed to the Google online store, and not all retailers appear to be running the same promo. Chances are you’ll be needing to come up with your own charger, is what we’re saying.
Now, while the charger situation is not exclusive to the Pixel 7a, a lot of competitors in the segment do come with adapters in the box. A bundled protective case is also not unheard of. Perhaps a value-oriented consumer like the ones eyeing a 7a would appreciate getting a bit more for their money.
Competition
The Pixel 7a comes in at $500/€510 and that’s quite a heavily contested market segment. Google doesn’t like to sell its phones in more than a handful of markets though, so if you’re outside the select few countries with Pixel presence, things will be easily settled for you. But if Pixels are on the table, there will be some thinking to do.
For starters, you’ll need to consider the Pixel 7a’s in-house competition – an easy enough task. While it remains on sale, the 6a comes with a dated 60Hz display, previous-gen chipset, inferior camera and no wireless charging – we reckon the extra $100/€100 for the 7a are well worth spending. That said, we’re seeing $350/€350 promotional price tags on the 6a, and that calls for some more serious cost/benefit analysis.
It’s probably easier against the Pixel 7 – basically, if you don’t need more on-board storage than the 128GB 7a gives you, the 7 doesn’t really have much to justify the $100/€100 premium. And, technically, if you do insist on the 256GB of storage, you’d be looking at a $200/€200 extra over the 7a, which seems like a lot of money to pay for a storage upgrade.
The 7 Pro has gotten some heavy discounts, particularly in Europe, but it’s still a good deal more expensive than the 7a, so it doesn’t feel right to consider it an alternative to the 7a.
Google Pixel 6a • Google Pixel 7
Outside of Google‘s own roster, the very recent Motorola Edge 40 sounds like a very enticing alternative to the Pixel 7a. Sort of a ‘stock’ Android experience, but with Motorola’s own proprietary additions, the Edge 40 is similar, yet different enough to attract its own crowd thanks in part to the PC-like ‘Ready For’ functionality. It’s not really worse at anything, while being at least as good and often better than the Pixel in key areas – AF-enabled ultrawide, proper fast charging, way higher refresh rate display, actually good selfies, 256GB of storage. The Edge 40 is also as close as you can get to a capable midranger that’s also compact – something the Pixel ‘a’ can no longer claim.
The Moto does have a higher MSRP at launch, and it could be argued it’s worth the added cost. But we feel like its price is going to come down to Pixel 7a levels soon enough, and, unless you’re dead-set on having Pixel software, the Edge 40 sounds like the overall better package.
There’s no need to wait for a price drop with the Galaxy A54 – that’s already going for $100/€100 below Pixel 7a’s price. The biggest concession with the Galaxy would be performance – its mid-tier Exynos can’t quite match the Pixel’s kinda-flagship Tensor. The Galaxy does score a few small victories, like having expandable storage and longer battery life. We’d pick the Pixel for its cameraphone prowess, and the Galaxy if you’re after more of generally good smartphone.
The Nothing Phone (1) is another alternative that runs cheaper than the Pixel – at about the A54’s level. Alongside the savings, the blinky LED back of the Phone (1) is a major selling point, irrational as it may sound, but Nothing’s first… phone is not without objective merits. While we wouldn’t say it’s dramatically better than the 7a at anything, it’s a little better here and there – refresh rate, battery life, charging speed. The Pixel is again the better cameraphone, generally speaking, is bound to get way better software support, and has superior weather sealing (IP67 vs. IP53).
The appeal of Pixel phones tends to be pretty niche, often not entirely well-founded in reason, and difficult to explain with just numbers and test results. It’s somewhat of a similar story with the Pixel 7a here, as a quick look at the pros and cons lists below will show you.
Google hasn’t been quick to adopt a high refresh rate display on its ‘midrange’ model and even when it finally has, it’s a 90Hz panel in a sea of higher RR competitors. Battery life is unremarkable, charging speed is downright unacceptable, the lack of storage options is limiting, and the Tensor G2 runs hot and throttles. There are also missteps in what should be any Pixel’s forte – camera performance.
Attempting to counter all of the above, we have an Android experience tailored to Google’s own vision with a clutter-free interface, Pixel-only features, and an update policy that’s hard to rival. An otherwise meh flagship chipset does make for a pretty great midrange one, prone to throttling as it may be. And so long as you avoid people shots in most of their incarnations, the Pixel 7a’s camera’s system will deliver image quality that wouldn’t be out of place on an actual flagship.
In summary, with the 7a, Google appears to have simply created a more affordable Pixel 7, making the latest a-series model the go-to option for someone just looking for a Pixel. If the ‘G’ logo on the back is not part of your requirements, perhaps there are better deals out there. Perhaps you’ll be missing out though.
Google introduced support for an app taskbar along the bottom of the screen for big-screen Android devices not long ago, but the feature has already changed with time to only show part of the time. With Android 14, Google seems to be preparing a tweak to the taskbar that lets it appear constantly.
When the taskbar first debuted in Android 12L, it was designed effectively as a larger version of the existing navigation bar. Directly above that area, you’d get a list of apps that you could instantly switch between or open in multitasking. You could then hide the taskbar by long-pressing the navigation bar.
But, with Android 13, Google tweaked this to a “transient” design that hides the taskbar when it’s not actively being used. This is virtually identical to the iPad’s taskbar, which is probably why Google made the change. It works well enough, but it’s not as powerful for quickly switching between apps.
In Android 14, though, this may change. Android Police cites a flag in the latest Android 14 beta labeled “ENABLE_TASKBAR_PINNING.” Further context around the flag reveals that it will allow users to choose between the transient or persistent taskbar. The change can be made by long-pressing an empty space on the taskbar itself, as shown in the video below.
Notably, Samsung currently defaults to the “persistent” taskbar design with no transient option, but it will certainly be nice to have the choice.
Currently, this option isn’t available to end users, but there’s a good chance it may arrive before Android 14’s final release – there are still a couple more betas to go. The next release is expected pretty soon.
Samsung’s first Android 14 beta could launch in late July
Google is pushing along with Android 14 for Pixel phones, with the third beta out. But, soon, Samsung might join in on the fun, with a new report claiming the company’s first Android 14 beta could arrive in late July.
Samsung has been opening public beta programs for new Android versions for the past few years, with customers able to get in on the latest version of One UI a few months ahead of the formal launch. And, each year, it’s been happening earlier and earlier.
According to the folks over at SamMobile, we can expect the first Android 14 beta with One UI 6.0 from Samsung sometime next month. Specifically, the outlet claims, in the third week of July. That’d put the release sometime between July 17 and July 21.
That’s a couple of weeks ahead of last year, with the Android 13/One UI 5.0 beta from Samsung having opened on August 5, with an official announcement a day later. It was also just days ahead of the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 4. And, not so ironically, the same thing is happening this time around. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 are confirmed to be coming at an event during the last week of July, apparently on July 27.
We still don’t know much about Samsung’s take on Android 14, but an app update teased new colors for the company’s version of Material You, and Samsung previously confirmed it was working with Google to improve how One UI handles background apps with this update. The update will likely be made available first to the Galaxy S23 series.
How to install the Android 14 Beta on Google Pixel
After a few early developer previews, the Android 14 Beta program has officially arrived. Here’s how to get Android 14 on your Google Pixel smartphone.
What Pixel devices can install the Android 14 Beta?
Android 14 will drop another set of Pixel smartphones out of active support, but several will still be eligible. The following Pixel smartphones will be eligible for the Android 14 Beta program.
Pixel 4a 5G
Pixel 5
Pixel 5a
Pixel 6
Pixel 6 Pro
Pixel 6a
Pixel 7
Pixel 7 Pro
What’s the latest Android 14 Beta build?
As of June 7, 2023, Google has just opened the third beta release of Android 14. Google has scheduled a total of five beta releases through May, June, and July, with the final release likely to arrive in August.
Beta 1 (April): Initial beta-quality release, over-the-air update to early adopters who enroll in Android Beta.
Beta 2 (May): Incremental Beta-quality release.
Beta 3 (June): First Platform Stability milestone, including final APIs and behaviors. Play publishing also opens.
Beta 4 (July): Near-final builds for final testing.
Beta 5 (July): Near-final builds for final testing.
Final release: Android 14 release to AOSP and ecosystem.
This adds one additional beta compared to Android 13’s release schedule, which only had four beta releases.
Notably, some users have noticed that the first two beta releases of Android 14 have been a bit more erratic compared to previous years. We’d certainly advise caution if you plan to try the beta on a daily device. As usual, proceed at your own risk.
How to get Android 14 with the Android Beta Program
The easiest way to get Android 14 on your Google Pixel device today is through the Android Beta Program.
This automated program allows you to “opt-in” to Android beta updates and install them as you would a normal system update. There’s no computer or fancy tools required, and you can roll back to Android 13 any time you’d like by simply opting out.
Notably, for Beta 3, this is the easiest way to currently get in on the update. Google has not yet released files for sideloading (the process described below), but it has released the beta through the Android Beta Program. If you go into settings and manually check for updates, it should appear quickly.
How to sideload Android 14 Beta on Google Pixel
By far, the fastest way to get a new version of Android on your Pixel is to sideload it. It’s a relatively easy process, but you’ll need to get set up to do it. Here’s how.
Download the needed files.
Boot into Recovery mode.
Navigate to ADB sideload.
Connect the handset to a computer with ADB tools installed.
Enter the sideload command.
Reboot your phone.
1. Download Android 14 Beta files
To get started, you’ll first need to download the files needed to actually put the Android 14 Beta on your Pixel. There are two ways to do so. First, you can install a Factory Image, which wipes your phone and starts everything from scratch. Alternatively, and the way we’ll detail here, there’s an OTA file, which installs over your current version of Android without wiping your phone.
You can download the beta OTA file from Google’s Full OTA Image hosting site. That site contains OTA downloads for sideloading different updates, including the Android 14 Beta, on every Pixel and Nexus device, so you’ll need to scroll down to ensure you are downloading the file that associates with your device. OTA downloads are available here.
For the Android 14 Beta, only Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5a, Pixel 5, and Pixel 6/Pro are available.
You won’t be able to install it on the original Pixel/XL, Pixel 2/XL, Pixel 3/XL, Pixel 3a/XL, Pixel 4/XL, or Pixel 4a.
Note: This process (using OTA) won’t wipe your device, but it’s good practice to back up any irreplaceable data in case something goes wrong.
2. Boot into Recovery mode
Next, you’ll boot your Pixel into Recovery mode. To do this, fully power down your handset. Then hold down on the Power button and the Volume down button at the same time until you get to the Bootloader page. You will know you’re in the right place when you see an Android figure lying down on the screen.
Using your volume buttons, scroll down to Recovery mode. Select this by clicking the power button. Alternatively, if you’re already connected to a computer with ADB, you can use the reboot recovery command.
Now, you should see a smaller Android lying down with an exclamation mark over it. From here, press the Power button and the Volume up button for about a second to fully enter Recovery mode. Releasing the Volume up button will send you into Recovery.
3. Navigate to ADB sideload
Using the volume buttons, scroll down to Apply update from ADB and select it with the power button. This will launch a mostly blank screen with text near the bottom directing you on how to sideload an OTA, such as this one for the Android 12L Beta.
4. Connect the handset to a computer with ADB tools installed
This step is important as it’s the only way to transfer the downloaded OTA file to your handset. You’ll need to have ADB and Fastboot tools in a handy place. You can download ADB tools from the Android Developers website. You can also use the Universal ADB Drivers from ClockWorkMod, which can make the process a bit easier on Windows devices.
5. Enter the sideload command
As long as everything is in place, you can now sideload the OTA file. On Windows, ensure your Command Prompt is directed to the ADB tools folder and type in adb sideload. If you’re on macOS or Linux, do the same thing in Terminal (use “cd” and “ls” commands to make sure your Terminal is pointed at the right folder – Google it if you need help) but type in ./adb sideload. You’ll then need to insert the file name of the .zip folder you downloaded from Google and hit enter to start the process.
If everything is working properly, you should see some dialog on your computer and handset that shows the process of the sideload and installation process.
6. Reboot your phone
Once the OTA is done installing, you will be taken back to Recovery Mode. The last step to jump into the new update is to select the Reboot now option with your power button.
Android 14 preparing better stylus support that might help out the Pixel Tablet
Google’s Pixel Tablet is riding a wave of renewed interest in Android tablets, and, in Android 14, Google appears to be working on better stylus support.
There are a huge number of Android devices out there that support stylus input, but generally this is handled by each device maker. Android itself doesn’t really have particularly robust support. That may be changing in Android 14, though.
When you connect a stylus to your device on Android 14 and go to the "device details" page, you'll be able to see new stylus-specific settings: A shortcut to change the "default notes app" and a toggle to "ignore all stylus button presses." pic.twitter.com/dhg1tllxuR
As Mishaal Rahman highlights and demos in the image below, Google has a few key improvements in store. On the user-facing side, connecting a smart stylus to Android 14 now has new settings, including the ability to set a default app for notes, an option to ignore stylus button presses, and more.
Behind the scenes, Google has further improvements. It appears that Android is working to better support multiple buttons on a stylus, including “Primary,” “Secondary,” “Teriary,” and “Tail.” Interestingly, there’s a specific message about the “tail” button not generally corresponding “to the function of an eraser.” Rather, a message in Android mentions setting a default app for notes, which hints this button might be used for launching your notes app of choice.
Although the API diff isn't up yet, I spotted new key code constants in the KeyEvent documentation: KEYCODE_STYLUS_BUTTON_PRIMARY, KEYCODE_STYLUS_BUTTON_SECONDARY, KEYCODE_STYLUS_BUTTON_TERTIARY, and KEYCODE_STYLUS_BUTTON_TAIL.
These improvements sound welcome for stylus use, and it’s unfortunate they won’t be in place for the Pixel Tablet’s debut. While Google isn’t selling an official stylus, the Pixel Tablet does support USI 2.0 stylus options, so these added controls may end up benefitting the tablet in the long run.
Pixel phones have an unfortunate pattern forming when it comes to updates causing issues with battery life, and it seems the June update is causing another round of issues with battery drain for some users.
A Reddit thread from last week has picked up hundreds of comments from Google Pixel owners, many of whom have noticed that the June 2023 update is causing faster-than-normal battery drain on their devices.
Some of those affected report seeing their battery needing a charge by the afternoon and requiring a charge multiple times per day. Google’s Pixel phones have never had tremendously good battery life, but this is certainly not how things should be going. The phones even seem to be draining much faster when sitting idle. And, on top of that, the issue is also causing phones to run hotter than usual. The problem seems to mostly be affecting Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series devices.
The issue doesn’t appear to be universal, with some even claiming improvements following the update, but it’s certainly not an isolated case either. Some also report signal issues following the update.
The good news here, at least, is that a fix may end up coming sooner than later. Google tends to release new updates on the first Monday of the month, which puts a potential fix just a week from today. That said, with June’s update having been delayed by almost two weeks, it stands to reason July’s might, too.
June Feature Drop + Android 13 QPR3 rolling out: Pixel 7 Pro macro video, Palm Timer, new wallpapers, Home Panel
Starting on the camera front, the Pixel 7 Pro gains Macro Focus Video for “butterflies fluttering or flowers waving in the wind” after previously offering close-up stills (as close as three centimeters away) thanks to auto-focus on the ultrawide lens.
Similarly, Google Camera (on Pixel 6 and newer) will let you start a selfie timer (3 or 10 seconds) by raising your palm to the phone, a feature first introduced on the Pixel Fold. A yellow box will identify your hand before starting the sequence. This is very useful if your phone is propped up on a distant surface, though you can’t be that far away.
As debuted at I/O 2023, Emoji Wallpapers let you mix and match over 4,000 characters. Opening Wallpaper & style will reveal a new Emoji option alongside the other albums.
You can pick up to 14 emoji to display with the normal keyboard picker. The Patterns tab lets you select styles like Mosaic, Lotus, Stacks, Sprinkle, and Prism with a zoom density slider at the bottom. Lastly, you can choose a background and emoji color, while there’s also a “Randomize” option.
Once set, you have the option to make the emoji interactive. This is a live wallpaper, and a tap on your homescreen will cause them to react/jiggle. Emoji Wallpapers are available on the Pixel 4a and newer.
Cinematic Wallpapers (Pixel 6+) let you create a 3D image from any regular photo. Select an image for your wallpaper as you would normally, and in the top-right corner, you’ll be offered a new sparkle button to trigger the cinematic effect.
Google is estimating depth with an on-device convolutional neural network to estimate depth, while the in-painting as the background moves leverages a generative adversarial network (GAN). There’s a parallax effect when you tilt the device.
Home Panel on Pixel phones
First announced on the Pixel Tablet, Home Panel is coming to phones. When you tap the Home icon in the bottom-left corner of your lockscreen or the Quick Settings tile, you’ll see a new view that matches the new Google Home app’s Favorites tab.
Instead of having to customize a different grid of toggles just for this view, Google will carry over the in-app arrangement. Besides devices, this can include automations and actions. You’ll be prompted to unlock when accessing sensitive devices.
More for Pixel
In Recorder, Speaker Labels will be searchable in recordings, while named people will appear in the video clips you can generate (Pixel 6+). The app has also improved the transcription export option with your Speaker Labels appearing in Google Docs with accompanying time stamps.
On the safety front, you can start/stop Emergency Sharing with your voice, as well as tell Google Assistant to start a Safety Check. (“Hey Google, start a safety check for 30 minutes.”) Similarly, Car Crash Detection will share your real-time location and call status with emergency contacts in addition to calling emergency services.
In March 2023, Google made it so that Adaptive Charging no longer requires an alarm to be set. This is finally being announced this month of June 2023:
Adaptive Charging now uses Google AI to help extend the lifespan of your Pixel battery. When you plug in your phone, it can predict a long charging session based on your previous charging habits, and slowly charge to 100% one hour before it’s expected to be unplugged.
The company notes, “Adaptive Charging needs several days to learn your charging habits. The feature may not activate if your charging habits vary widely.”
Adaptive haptics will let the Pixel 6a and 7a “lower its vibration intensity when it detects that it’s on a hard, flat surface like a desk or table.”
There are only a handful of user-facing tweaks in Android 13 QPR3. When you swipe down for Quick Settings, the battery percentage is once again shown in the top-right corner instead of “Until xx:xx.” When setting wallpapers, there’s a revised fullscreen preview UI.
Settings app > Security & privacy > Screen lock page introduces a new “Enhanced PIN privacy” option that disables animations when entering a code on the lockscreen.
How to get Android 13 QPR3
If you’re on the Android Beta Program running QPR3 Beta 3.2, “opt-outof the Beta program in order to receive the public over-the-air (OTA) update.” You will not lose data. Google explains how:
“Important: You must take action and opt out of the program in order to receive the public update. If your device is running a beta QPR3 build, you will not receive a downgrade OTA when you opt out so your device will not get wiped. Once you’ve opted out, you will receive the public June OTA update as it becomes available (may take a week+ as this is a phased rollout).
“If you have a device that is currently enrolled and running Android 14 Beta (not Android 13 QPR3 Beta), opting out would apply a downgrade OTA (and wipe your device) per the usual program process.”
There are 23 security issues resolved in the Android 13 June patch dated 2023-06-01 and 34 for 2023-06-05. Vulnerabilities range from high to critical. The dedicated bulletin for Google devices lists 108 security fixes.
This summer, Google will leverage the over 1 billion Android devices out there to locate tracker tags and headphones. As part of this, Find My Device is getting a new logo.
For the past several years, the icon for the Find My Device app on Android has been a white pin with a phone at the center against a green background. It conveyed the map-based nature of the application. Google in 2022 did tweak it to remove shadows and better match other modern logos.
The obvious visual downside is that the logo will blend into the sea of other blue/red/yellow/green icons on your phones. Staying green, which evoked a sense of security and Android to a degree, would have better distinguished the app, especially since it’s one that you might be looking for in a panic. As of late, Google has shown a willingness to not bring the four-color design to apps like Play Books. That said, Google Authenticator and Arts & Culture clearly went the other direction.
This icon will presumably make an appearance when the Find My Device network launches later this summer. Google will let you view the location of tracker tags, headphones (launching later), and your mobile devices. The app will guide you when something is close with the ability to play a sound.
Google says “location data crowdsourced from the network is end-to-end encrypted, which ensures Google can’t see or use it for any other purposes,” with more details on the built-in privacy safeguards coming before the launch.
Android launching ‘Find My Device network’ for tracker tags, headphones, more
Google has just publicly unveiled its plans for a “Find My Device network” on Android that can seamlessly locate tracker tags (including Tile products), headphones, and phones.
While Google has long offered the “Find My Device” app, it’s currently only able to roughly locate devices via an internet connection or based on where they were last connected with Bluetooth. This can be useful for locating a lost phone, but it doesn’t help much for finding missing earbuds.
Beyond that, there’s a vast market of Bluetooth tracker tags, useful for making everyday objects locatable. Just last week, Google and Apple announced a partnership to make Bluetooth trackers and AirTags safer by alerting you to the presence of an unwanted tracker on your person. This functionality is now set to launch later this summer.
At Google I/O 2023, the company is finally announcing its (long in development) “Find My Device network,” which massively overhauls the way that lost objects can be found. If your phone joins the Find My Device network, it will periodically check for nearby devices to help crowdsource the location of any missing devices.
Importantly, Google emphasizes that “the Find My Device network was built with user privacy as a key priority.” To that end, the data used is end-to-end encrypted, “which ensures Google can’t see or use it for any other purposes.” The company says it will detail more of the network’s security and privacy safeguards ahead of launch this summer.
The Find My Device network is also expanding to two new classes of gadgets: headphones and Bluetooth trackers. Following firmware updates coming soon to headphones from Sony and JBL – as well as “existing Pixel Buds” – your headphones will be locatable via the massive network of over 1 billion Android devices worldwide.
Meanwhile, tracker tags from Tile, Chipolo, and Pebblebee will soon be fully integrated into the Find My Device network, potentially making tracking more robust while also removing the need for a brand-specific app. Notably, Google’s announcement makes no mention of the frequently-rumored Nest locator tag, aka “Grogu.”
Apple and Google team up to bring AirTag-like unwanted tracking alerts to all item trackers on iPhone and Android
Apple has announced a major new partnership with Google today to lead an “industry specification to address unwanted tracking.” Through the partnership, Apple and Google will create a “draft specification” to alert users about possible unwanted tracking by AirTags and other Bluetooth item trackers.
Currently, iOS offers a robust set of features to counter unwanted tracking and stalking with AirTag item trackers. The native iOS features, however, aren’t open to third-party item tracker companies such as Tile. Apple does offer a “Tracker Detect” application to locate nearby AirTags with an Android device, the app doesn’t scan for nearby accessories in the background. Instead, it only scans a user’s surroundings when the user initiates the scan.
The new technology developed by Apple and Google aims to address those limitations.
Apple revealed the news in a press release on Tuesday morning. As part of this partnership, Apple and Google have submitted a “proposed industry specification” to help combat the misuse of item trackers. The specification created by Apple and Google has been submitted as an Internet-Draft via the Internet Engineering Task Force.
The technology created by the two companies will allow Bluetooth location-tracking devices to be compatible with unauthorized tracking detection and alerts across iOS and Android.
In addition to Apple and Google, companies including Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, Eufy, and Pebblebee have expressed interest in supporting this technology. Apple says that it and Google will solicit feedback from other players in the industry as they continue to develop and refine the technology.
Today Apple and Google jointly submitted a proposed industry specification to help combat the misuse of Bluetooth location-tracking devices for unwanted tracking. The first-of-its-kind specification will allow Bluetooth location-tracking devices to be compatible with unauthorized tracking detection and alerts across iOS and Android platforms. Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, eufy Security, and Pebblebee have expressed support for the draft specification, which offers best practices and instructions for manufacturers, should they choose to build these capabilities into their products.
Ron Huang, Apple’s vice president of Sensing and Connectivity, explained:
“Apple launched AirTag to give users the peace of mind knowing where to find their most important items. We built AirTag and the Find My network with a set of proactive features to discourage unwanted tracking — a first in the industry — and we continue to make improvements to help ensure the technology is being used as intended. This new industry specification builds upon the AirTag protections, and through collaboration with Google results in a critical step forward to help combat unwanted tracking across iOS and Android.”
Apple and Google will release a production implementation of the specification for unwanted tracking alerts by the end of 2023. The technology will then be supported in future versions of iOS and Android.
Find My Device rolls out Material You redesign with dark theme [U]
While the Find My Device app on Android gets the occasional update, Google has not revamped its UI in several years. That’s now changing with a big Material You redesign for Find My Device that also includes a dark theme.
Update 2/8: An updated version (2.5.011) of Find My Device is widely rolling out via the Play Store today. The changelog notes:
Refreshed app design
Find My Device can now help you locate devices, even if they’re offline by encrypting and storing your device’s most recent location with Google
Original 1/18: Upon updating to version 2.5.001, you’re finally greeted with a dark theme and modern account picker. This Find My Device redesign does away with the green accent for Dynamic Color throughout the UI.
After signing in, you’re now greeted with a list of devices associated with your account. Google has removed the integrated map view where your devices appear at the top underneath the app bar. The new list approach is much easier to browse with larger icons than before and more friendly thanks to the device name being listed next to each picture.
Once you make a selection, the map takes up more of the screen, while you get the same device information as before, including battery percentage and network. You can then Play sound, Secure device, and Erase device from the bottom of the sheet.
Tap the arrow in the top-left to return to all your devices, while the other corner is home to a modern Google Account switcher. Settings just links to Google Play services.
It’s somewhat surprising that Google didn’t use this redesign as an opportunity to release a new icon that will presumably be four-colored. Logo tweaks were made early last year. Meanwhile, the Find My Device website is unchanged today and still green.
The Find My Device redesign with version 2.5.001 is not yet widely rolled out via Google Play.
Samsung’s first Android 14 beta could launch in late July
Google is pushing along with Android 14 for Pixel phones, with the third beta out. But, soon, Samsung might join in on the fun, with a new report claiming the company’s first Android 14 beta
could arrive in late July.
Samsung has been opening public beta programs for new Android versions for the past few years, with customers able to get in on the latest version of One UI a few months ahead of the formal launch. And, each year, it’s been happening earlier and earlier.
According to the folks over at SamMobile, we can expect the first Android 14 beta with One UI 6.0 from Samsung sometime next month. Specifically, the outlet claims, in the third week of July. That’d put the release sometime between July 17 and July 21.
That’s a couple of weeks ahead of last year, with the Android 13/One UI 5.0 beta from Samsung having opened on August 5, with an official announcement a day later. It was also just days ahead of the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 4. And, not so ironically, the same thing is happening this time around. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 are confirmed to be coming at an event during the last week of July, apparently on July 27.
We still don’t know much about Samsung’s take on Android 14, but an app update teased new colors for the company’s version of Material You, and Samsung previously confirmed it was working with Google to improve how One UI handles background apps with this update. The update will likely be made available first to the Galaxy S23 series.
Galaxy S23 One UI 6 beta coming the 3rd week of July!
Samsung fans have been waiting patiently to get a taste of Android 14. Google released the developer beta of the next major iteration earlier this year. Since Samsung has its own beta program, users have to wait for the One UI 6.0 beta to arrive.
The company’s beta program may be beginning sooner rather than later this year. We hear that the One UI 6.0 beta for the Galaxy S23 series will start rolling out in the 3rd week of July. Other compatible devices will receive the beta soon thereafter.
Time to start counting down the days for the One UI 6.0 beta!
We reported a few days ago that it’s possible that the first One UI 6.0 beta update may be released as soon as the Android 14 betas achieve stability. With Android 14 Beta 3, the software has now reached Platform Stability level, meaning that Samsung can now go ahead and launch its beta program.
Based on what we hear, it’s likely that Samsung will release the first One UI 6.0 beta build for the Galaxy S23 series in the third week of July. The beta will gradually be rolled out for other devices as well. July is shaping up to be a busy month for Samsung as the company will also be unveiling its new foldable phones on July 27.
The One UI 6.0 beta launch in late July means that we’re definitely looking at a One UI 6.0 public release before the end of this year. If last year’s pace is any indication, Samsung may not make us wait more than a couple of months from the time the beta is rolled out to the final public release.
As always, we’ll dive deep into all the new changes as soon as we’re able to test the One UI 6.0 beta. Stay tuned!
Samsung app update teases incoming Android 14 beta and new Material You colors
Android 14 is still in development but chugging along on Pixel phones and select other devices. Behind the scenes, though, Samsung is also working up Android 14, which is expected to be called One UI 6.0, and a recent app update is giving some hints on the company’s progress.
As spotted by Tarun Vats on Twitter, an update to the Samsung Calculator directly offers some hints at Samsung’s work on Android 14.
Breaking News :: OneUI 6 Beta
We can expect OneUI 6 Public beta launch by June end or July starting as we got Major hint from Samsung as they starts upgrading their apps to support Android 14. Also OneUI 6 may bring new color Pallete 🥳🥳#OneUI6#GalaxyS23#GalaxyS23Ultrapic.twitter.com/bGIw8ciO6V
The update’s changelog, seemingly since removed from the Galaxy Store, mentions that the app now supports Android 14’s API level. The timing here suggests that Samsung’s earliest Android 14 releases may not be too far away, but there’s no indication on when at this point. One UI 5’s early betas launched in early August 2022.
The changelog also hints that Samsung’s take on Material You – Color Palette – will get at least one new option in One UI 6. It’s not clear what that option might be, but we previously reported that Android 14 would add a new “Fidelity” style that brings out bold colors. It could be that Samsung is adopting that style too.
Samsung has also confirmed, with Google, that its Android 14 builds will also focus on improving the handling of background apps, a long-standing problem with the company’s software.
Samsung commits to killing background apps less often with Android 14, One UI 6.0
One complaint that Android app developers (and end users) have are the differing “restrictions on foreground services and background work” across devices. Google is addressing background inconsistencies with Android 14 and will be getting buy-in from Samsung.
Right now, some OEMs are very aggressive about killing background apps to save battery life. This can lead to applications breaking and end users blaming developers for a poor experience. Said app devs are already following Android’s guidance, but working around each OEM restriction/inconsistency is not feasible or even possible.
Google’s goal starting with Android 14 is to “make it easier for developers to create apps that work consistently across different Android devices.”
Looking to solve these consistency challenges, we are announcing deeper partnerships with Android hardware manufacturers to help ensure APIs for background work are supported predictably and consistently across the ecosystem.
—GOOGLE
Samsung is described as the “first partner” today, with One UI 6.0 making it so that “foreground services of apps targeting Android 14 will be guaranteed to work as intended so long as they are developed according to Android’s new foreground service API policy.”
To strengthen the Android platform, our collaboration with Google has resulted in a unified policy that we expect will create a more consistent and reliable user experience for Galaxy users.
—SAMSUNG
With Android 14, Google (with DP1) announced a trio of changes:
“The new user-initiated data transfer job type, which makes the experience of managing large user-initiated uploads and downloads smoother by leveraging JobScheduler’s constraints (e.g. network constraints such as unmetered WiFi).”
“New Google Play policies to ensure appropriate use of foreground services and the user-initiated data transfer jobs.”
Developers are encouraged to send feedback (Issue Tracker) on the Android 14 APIs, as well as contribute CTS-D tests to “help catch consistency issues.”
Lastly, If you see behavior differences across Android devices, be sure to file a ticket using goo.gle/devicespecificissue to bring it to our attention.
Pixel phone Here’s everything new in Android 14 Beta 3
Android 14 Beta 3 for Pixel phones is now available after the last update four weeks ago was somewhat quiet.
We’re diving into all of Android 14 Beta 3’s new features and every single change. (The newest updates will be at the top of this list. Be sure to check back often and tell us what you find in the comments below.) Beta 2 screenshots appear on the left and Beta32 at the right.
Expect at least three more releases before the consumer launch later this year to Pixel phones. If you want to quickly install the Android 14 Beta 3 on your compatible Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro be sure to check out our step-by-step guide.
For reference, here’s everything new in Android 14 Developer Preview 1, DP2, Beta 1, and Beta 2.
Tapping the time in Quick Settings opens the Google Clock Alarm tab
New charging indicator
More color in themed icons
Rounded buttons in screenshot preview
‘UpsideDownCake’ to Android 14
Gesture navigation tutorial
‘Touch’ to ‘Tap & click sounds’
More Material You toggles
Customizable lockscreen clocks and shortcuts
Chrome prototyping Android 14 Predictive Back support to show last page
Predictive Back will be one of the most apparent user-facing changes this fall. As work continues, Google at I/O 2023 shared how some developers, including Chrome, might adopt Predictive Back in Android 14.
Predictive Back shows a preview of the homescreen as you swipe away from the edge and the current app shrinks. According to a study Google conducted, back-to-home animations “significantly reduces users accidentally leaving apps and feels more premium.”
You can test it today in Android 13 (Settings app > System > Developer options > Predictive back animations). Google is set to enable it by default with Android 14, but it’s still optional as of Beta 2.
Android 14 adds in-app Predictive Back, where you can get a preview of what screen you’re returning to when navigating within an app. In addition to the cross-activity animation Calendar demo, Google provided “key moment” examples at I/O:
Reddit is experimenting with collapsing a post as you swipe back to the feed.
Chrome is “prototyping previewing the previous web page as [you] swipe back.”
To aid adoption, developers can now “opt in to predictive back system animations per-Activity instead of for the entire app.”
Meanwhile, Material components are also leveraging Predictive Back animations in:
Side Sheets (nav drawer): “Side sheet detaches from the top and bottom edges of the screen to signal it will close.”
Search: Fullscreen search page shrinks and snaps back into pill-shaped bar on previous screen.
Bottom Sheets: Sheet shrinks and drops down.
It’s also soon coming to the bottom navigation bar and nav rail.