Google just launched Android 14 for Pixel devices this week alongside the launch of the update in AOSP, and that’s opening the floodgates for more OEMs to release their implementations. Xiaomi is among the first, with the company starting its rollout of Android 14 this week with select devices.
As spotted by XiaomiUI, the first Android 14 updates from Xiaomi are starting to show up on select global devices. Specifically, Xiaomi 13, 13 Pro, and Xiaomi 12T users are seeing the update go live.
The update, of course, comes with Xiaomi’s usual MIUI skin, and arrives following a limited beta rollout recently. But, while this is sort of a “stable” update, Xiaomi notes that it isn’t quite a final one. XiaomiUI says that the company is notifying users that the update is still undergoing development and testing to further refine the final product, so users might notice some bugs or other quirks. Xiaomi expert @kacskrz and Mishaal Rahman describe the update as a “Beta Stable” or release candidate.
Notably, our Max Weinbach hasn’t yet seen the update land on his global Xiaomi 13 series devices, but the update is said to be rolling out already.
After being next in line for quite some time, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 are both eligible for the One UI 6 beta.
One UI 6 beta has been available for well over a month. Galaxy lineups like the S23 series and even some A series devices have already been included in that beta, which brings a refinement of the previous version with general improvements made in Android 14.
For some time after the initial release, it was thought that the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 would see One UI 6 beta sooner than others, but that hasn’t been the case. At least, until today.
One UI 6 for the Fold 5 has officially rolled out first (via SamMobile). The beta for the Flip 5 was later spotted on Reddit. The beta rollout looks to be coming to the Fold 5 in the US and India, whereas it isn’t entirely clear where the Flip 5 is seeing the new beta version. We were able to pull the beta card up in the Members app on the Fold 5.
Both devices will see One UI 6 beta version 1, which comes with the version number F946BXXU1ZWJ2 for the Fold 5 and F73U1EU1ZWJ2 for the Flip 5. Each also includes the October security patch.
Samsung hasn’t detailed a timeframe for other phones in its foldable lineup. Considering it took this long to bring the One UI 6 beta to the Fold 5 and Flip 5, it could be a little longer. Even still, One UI 6’s stable release isn’t far away.
Following this morning’s announcement, Android 14 is now rolling out to the following Pixel devices: 4a 5G, 5, 5a, 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Tablet, and Fold.
There are 26 security issues resolved in the Android 14 October patch dated 2023-10-01, 26 for 2023-10-05, and one for 2023-10-06. Vulnerabilities range from high to critical. The dedicated bulletin for Google devices has 28 additional security fixes.
Google’s first preview of Android 14 QPR1 is now available and we are diving into the Beta 1 release to find what new features have been introduced.
Over the coming hours, we’ll dive into all of Android 14 QPR1 Beta 1’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.) Android 14 Beta 5.3 screenshots appear on the left and QPR1 Beta 1 at the right.
Google should release two more betas before the Pixel launch in December. If you want to quickly install the Android 14 QPR1 Beta 1 on your compatible Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel Fold.
Audio Device Type in Bluetooth settings
Toast message on Screen saver
On Android 13, the “Fingerprint not recognized” message appears on the lockscreen. It shows up as a message bubble in 14 QPR1.
<string name=”repair_mode_summary”>Secure environment for device repair</string>
More distinctive Quick Settings background
New particle effect when changing wallpapers
Pixel Launcher Search preferences
Tweaked settings toggles
New “Suggestions before searching” preference
Shortcut to settings at the bottom of Pixel Launcher search
Settings > About phone > Battery information
New Metro clock
Large screen user per-app overrides
Settings > Apps > Aspect ratio
Options include: App default, Full screen, Half screen, 16:9
“Device original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) apply overrides to selected apps on specific large screen devices. Android 14 QPR1 introduces user overrides, which enable users to apply overrides to apps through device settings.”
The Galaxy S23 is getting its fifth One UI 6 beta update, which could only mean One UI 6 based on Android 14 is getting closer to public release.
After a rocky start, the Galaxy S23 and a few other devices have been included in the One UI 6 beta program. So far, it’s gone through five different versions of the OS, each addressing bugs and issues common to beta versions and including new features.
Now, Samsung is releasing version 5 of the One UI 6 beta, and the Galaxy S23 is the first to see it (via SamMobile). This variant ends ZWIK and is being pushed to the Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra – Samsung’s flagship devices.
This version of One UI 6 seems to have one purpose – fix issues introduced in previous versions. While other versions included new features, One UI 6 beta 5 only mentions hotfixes.
Bugs that have been fixed
Fixed the problem of not being able to record during a call
Fixed no touch at the bottom of the screen or ghost touch issue
Fixed the issues of stuck after entering camera, forced termination, and not being able to take pictures
Fixed the problem of not being able to use Motion Photo
Fixed infinite rebooting problem when entering Maintenance Mode
Many other improvements
Some of these fixes address experience-ending issues, like not being able to register touch input at the bottom of the screen. Another urgent fix takes on the infinite boot loop some have experienced in Maintenance Mode. The changelog seems to infer that this version brings a much more stable version of One UI 6, as the “Many other improvements” entry suggests.
This version of the One UI 6 beta was first spotted in the UK but is likely going to expand to other regions in a very short amount of time. You can keep an eye out in the Samsung Members app. A One UI 6 beta card should appear at the top if your device is eligible.
Galaxy A53 sees first One UI 6 update
As the Galaxy S23 lineup is seeing its fifth iteration of One UI 6, the Galaxy A53 is finally getting its first. We’ve seen One UI 6 make its way to the Galaxy A54 and A34, but doubling down on budget device betas with a previous generation is a great move from Samsung.
This year the company started prioritizing not only its flagship lineup but budget models as well, which make up a huge portion of the market. By requesting feedback from beta versions on these devices, it’s likely Samsung is able to round out the experience a little better for all users.
The Galaxy A53 should see the new update in the Samsung Members app under the version number A536EXXU7ZWIA.
Apple has identified an iOS 17 bug which may affect the iPhone 15 upgrade experience today. During iPhone setup, the Transfer from another iPhone option may fail and leave your new iPhone in a state where it is stuck booting on the Apple logo black screen. Here’s what to do if that happens to you.
The bug affects iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro as these phones ship with iOS 17 preinstalled. However, it may also affect anyone switching phones that are running iOS 17 and use the transfer data option.
If you encounter the bug, during the transfer of apps and data, the new iPhone will get stuck in a boot loop on the Apple logo screen.
To resolve the issue, Apple says that you need to put the device into DFU mode and restore it using a computer.
To do this, connect your iPhone to a PC or Mac using a cable. Press the volume up, press the volume down, and then press and hold the side button. Keep holding the side button while iPhone reboots until it displays an icon on the screen that represents a computer and cable. It will look similar to this:
After you get the iPhone into DFU state, it will then show on your computer through the Finder, or through iTunes if you are connecting to a Windows PC (or older version of macOS). In Finder/iTunes, you will be able to Restore or Update; press the Restore button to reset the phone.
After the phone has been restored, you can start the setup process again. There may be an additional software update available.
Finally, you can try again. If you are upgrading to an iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro, you can set up using transfer data or iCloud backup. The aforementioned software update will have fixed the iOS 17 bug, so you can safely transfer data again and finish new iPhone setup.
However, if you are upgrading to an iPhone model earlier than the 15 series, a fix for the transfer data glitch is not yet available.
So, Apple recommends that you update using iCloud Backup instead. Make sure your previous iPhone has a recent iCloud backup complete (you can force this by going to Settings -> [your name] -> iCloud -> iCloud Backup -> Back Up Now). Then, on your new iPhone, start iPhone set up and choose the ‘From iCloud Backup’ option when it asks how you want to transfer your data to your new phone. Your iPhone should then finish setup successfully.
These steps are described in an Apple support document, which first revealed the existence of this iOS 17 glitch.
How to turn on double tap-like gesture control on almost any Apple Watch
One of the main new features of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 is something called “double tap” which lets users control the wearable by pinching their thumb and pointer finger. While the full functionality and new UI of the feature are indeed limited to the newest hardware, anyone with Apple Watch Series 3 and later can turn on double tap-like gestures to get the feature working for many of the same use cases right now, here’s how.
Here’s how Apple describes the new double tap gesture for Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2:
With a new double tap gesture, users can easily control Apple Watch Series 9 using just one hand and without touching the display. Users can tap the index finger and thumb of their watch hand together twice to quickly and conveniently perform many of the most common actions on Apple Watch Series 9.
Apple says the new capability is made possible with the updated Neural Engine in the S9 SiP that’s able to better process data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical heart rate sensor. Apple isn’t launching double tap for the new wearables right away but says the feature is arriving in October with a software update.
While it’s not exactly the same as the official double tap capability, Apple previously launched Accessibility features for Apple Watch Series 3 and later called AssistiveTouch and quick actions. These allow anyone to control their watch with gestures like a pinch, double pinch (same as double tap), clench, and double clench.
How to use double tap on any Apple Watch
Option 1 – quick actions
Open the Watch app on your iPhone
Swipe down and choose Accessibility
Swipe down and tap Quick Actions (under Motor)
Tap On at the top to turn it on
Now, when available, you’ll be prompted to double pinch to perform a quick action
If you miss the prompt, keep your eye out for buttons that have a blue outline – that signifies you can use a double pinch/tap to select it
I’ve found this to work most of the time with an Apple Watch Ultra but sometimes I’ll have to do the double pinch (tap) gesture a second time for it to be recognized.
Quick actions are a neat way to check out what double tap is like. It doesn’t include all of the capabilities. For instance, Apple has shown that the official double tap with Series 9 and Ultra 2 includes the option to move from your watch face to the new widget UI, scroll through widgets and more with your double tap gesture.
However, many features are the same between the quick actions available for almost any Apple Watch and the new double tap that’s limited to the newest watches. Those include the ability to answer and end calls, take pictures with the camera control app, control workouts, and much more.
Here are two examples of quick actions in use:
Option 2 – AssistiveTouch
This is the full-featured gesture control that’s designed for those who have upper limb differences – but it can be used by anyone. It goes beyond both quick actions and the upcoming double tap feature.
This will take more time to learn but includes four gestures to control watchOS – pinch, double pinch, clench, and double clench. It also includes an action menu that can be invoked by a gesture that allows you to control almost any aspect of the wearable.
Open the Watch app on your iPhone
Swipe down and choose Accessibility
Swipe down and tap AssistiveTouch (under Motor)
Tap the toggle at the top to turn it on
Now tap Hand Gestures, and toggle those on at the top
Now you can customize what pinch, double pinch, clench, and double clench do
With AssistiveTouch, the default gesture for “activation” and the action menu is a double clench, you can change that at the bottom of the Hand Gestures menu
Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 battery life: Here’s what you get
Apple has officially unveiled its Series 9 and Ultra 2 wearables with updated Apple Silicon, new capabilities, and more. But how about runtime? Here’s what to expect with Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 battery life.
A big battery life bump arrived for most Apple Watches last year with watchOS 9 getting a Low Power mode for the wearable. That doubled the standard 18-hour battery to 36 hours.
And the original Apple Watch Ultra jumped onto the scene with a 36-hour normal battery life and up to 60 hours of use with Low Power mode and its own special option to use “Fewer GPS and Heart Rate Readings” setting.
Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 battery life
Now Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are here and as it happens, the Series 9 keeps the same 18/36 hour battery life.
While the Ultra 2 has the same 36-hour battery as its predecessor, it’s more efficient with Low Power mode for a 72-hour battery rating (12 hours more than the original Ultra).
Here’s how Apple describes the Ultra 2 battery life:
“Battery life for days. When you’re on the second day of a backpacking trip, the final leg of a triathlon, or diving along a coral reef, the last thing you want to think about is running out of battery. With Apple Watch Ultra 2, you can take on almost anything and have energy to spare.”
Here’s how the all-new Apple Watch Weather app in watchOS 10 looks and works
Arriving with watchOS 10 is a redesigned Weather app that looks great, includes more weather metrics, and makes better use of the Apple Watch display to show more information. Follow along for how the new Apple Watch weather app works in watchOS 10.
Up until now, the native Weather app on Apple Watch has had a somewhat bland UI with limited meteorological data.
That changes as Weather in watchOS 10 brings an all-new design that looks sharp and is more immersive and informative.
Apple says the overhaul makes better use of the Apple Watch display. There are now eight weather data categories you can view on your wrist (instead of three) with the main, hourly, or 10-day forecast UI. And the background of the app reflects the current weather conditions.
While there is a lot to love about the new Weather experience on Apple Watch, Apple does have some trust to rebuild when it comes to the Weather app’s general accuracy and reliability. Hopefully, that’s dialed in soon 😁. Let’s jump in!
How the new Apple Watch Weather app works in watchOS 10
watchOS 10 is available now in beta – but keep in mind if you do install it on your Apple Watch there’s no way to downgrade to watchOS 9.
When you first open the Weather app in watchOS 10, you’ll see the main “Condition” screen
That includes time at the top, location, cloud cover, current temp plus high and low, UV index, wind, and AQI
Swipe or scroll up to see an hourly look at sun/cloud forecast, and keep going to see the 10-day forecast
Tap the center of your screen to move through the different weather metrics
Or tap the cloud icon in the top right to change the weather data you’re viewing, which now includes:
Condition, Temperature, Precipitation, Wind, Ultraviolet Index, Visibility, Humidity, and Air Quality index
Tap the three-line icon in the top left corner to change location or add new ones
Here’s how the new Apple Watch Weather app works and looks in watchOS 10:
Swipe or scroll on the main “Condition” screen to see the hourly forecast for sun/clouds as well as the 10-day forecast.
When you tap the screen, you’ll cycle through the eight different weather metrics. Here’s what it looks like to see all the data with the circular hourly UI:
If there’s a specific weather metric you want to look at, the fastest way to see it is by tapping the cloud (or other) icon in the top right corner:
Here’s a look at the eight different weather metrics with the main view (again, tap the screen to move through the data:
And here are all those metrics with the 10-day forecast view:
Severe weather alerts will show up on the main Apple Watch Weather app screen with the ability to tap to read the full announcement:
With a brand-new design that really makes use of the Apple Watch display, five additional weather metrics, and a much-improved overall UI, I think the new Weather app in watchOS 10 delivers an impressive experience.
As part of the September 2023 Google System Updates, Android is set to gain better support for using a PIN with the FIDO2 security standard, among other improvements.
While most of the flashier changes for our smartphones often arrive as part of annual Android OS updates or quarterly QPRs or Feature Drops, Google is constantly rolling out improvements and new features through the Play Store. These range from “Play System updates” that affect core OS components to updates for apps like Play Services, the Play Store, and more. The company collectively refers to these as the “Google System.”
Each month, Google publishes (and gradually extends) a list of changes included in that month’s updates. We’ll do our best to keep an eye on these changes and explain the most important ones here. So be sure to check back throughout September.
The easiest way to check whether you need to update Google Play Services on your phone is to follow a direct link to the app’s Play Store listing and update from there, if available. To update the Play Store, tap your avatar in the corner, then “Settings.” Under the “About” section, you’ll see an option to “Update Play Store.” Meanwhile, Google Play system updates can be found through the Settings app, under About phone > Android version > Google Play system update.
Updating Google Play Services
In the first wave of updates for September 2023, Google has shared that Android’s support for the FIDO2 security standard is getting updated this month. While FIDO2 (often taking the form of a Titan/Yubikey security key) was originally most commonly used for two-factor authentication alongside a password, the tech industry’s recent push for “passkeys” (passwordless login) has made FIDO2 far more prevalent.
With that increased usage comes a need for increased security, and one such solution is to add a PIN to protect your passkey against theft. In the coming weeks, Android is set to support this “Pin Protocol,” but it’s unclear what precisely this will mean.
One explanation is that Android will natively support entering the necessary PIN for a connected FIDO2 security key. Alternatively, since Android 7+ phones can themselves serve as a FIDO2 key, it’s possible this means you’ll be able to add an extra layer of security by requiring a PIN. We’ll likely learn more once Google Play Services version 23.35 rolls out.
Meanwhile, in the same update, Google Wallet is set to gain some minor improvements, including “new email preference settings.” Google Wallet users in Japan should also soon notice a “better card management” experience.
On the Play Store side of things, Google is introducing “a new settings page” that simplifies “survey choices.”
Google Play Store
[Phone] A new settings page makes it simpler for you to manage your survey choices and preferences.
Security & Privacy
[Phone] Adding Pin Protocol support for Fido2 on Android Platform.
Wallet
[Phone] New email preference settings in Wallet.
[Phone] This feature enables better card management in Japan.
System Management
[Auto, PC, Phone, TV, Wear] Updates to system management services that improve Network Usage and Privacy.
[Phone] Changed terms of service for auto updates in setup screen.
For the third time this cycle, Google is rolling out another bug fixer with Android 14 Beta 5.3 for all Pixel devices. With this patch, it does seem the stable release might be further off.
There are nine fixes with UPB5.230623.009 for Pixel phones, as well as the Pixel Fold and Tablet. It’s notable that Google has moved back to a single build. Looking ahead, this update is still running the August 2023 security patch, with another release bringing September’s seeming likely.
Fixed an issue where apps crashed in some cases after a CallStyle notification was posted.
Fixed various issues that could cause call or carrier service interruptions.
Fixed an issue where the system was using an inefficient path when placing CPU restrictions on apps running in the background.
Fixed issues with SurfaceFlinger that were causing a loss in system performance.
Fixed an issue on Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet devices where the taskbar sometimes turned invisible while interacting with it.
Fixed an issue on Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet devices where the animation on animated wallpapers stuttered when launching apps.
Fixed an issue on Pixel Fold devices where the interface layout was misaligned while customizing the Home screen.
Fixed an issue on Pixel Fold devices where the clock on the lock screen was flickering while animating.
Fixed various issues that were impacting system stability and performance.
If you’re currently enrolled in the Android Beta Program and running the latest Beta 5 builds, you will automatically get offered an over-the-air (OTA) update to Android 14 Beta 5.3.
Android 14 Beta 5.3 with the August 2023 security patch is available for the Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel Fold, as well as the Android Emulator.
Instead of the stable release of Android 14 for Pixel phones, as well as the Fold and Tablet, we got a series of Google app updates and updated branding this morning. While unexpected, this isn’t Google’s latest OS release just yet.
With Beta 5 at the start of last month, Android 14 looked on track for a stable launch as soon as mid-August, which would have mirrored Android 13’s August 15th rollout. At the time, Google said the “official release” was “only weeks away.” Beta 5 was followed by 5.1 and 5.2, with no other release this cycle seeing a second patch. While Beta 5 was the “last scheduled update in our Android 14 beta program,” Google doesn’t consider patches to be scheduled, so there’s nothing unexpected about those bug fixers.
With no launch in August, the next window shifted to September 5th (since the first Monday of the month is a holiday in the US). Considering that window has now also passed, let’s look at the recent history of Android launches:
The latest launch in recent memory is Android 12, which had an AOSP release in early October followed by an October 19 Pixel launch tied to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro announcement. However, in the case of Android 12, the last beta milestone (5) came a month before (in September). Before that, Google has launched in August or September since 2016.
The fact we don’t have a stable yet is complicated by the fact that Android 14 does not seem to be a major release from a visual or new features perceptive. Given the Material You redesign, it made sense why Android 12 took so long.
Android 14’s stage presence during the I/O 2023 keynote in May was unusually limited. We’ve been beta testing lockscreen clock and customization shortcuts for some time now, while generative AI wallpapers hardly seem like a showstopper (and are something I’d expect to debut first on the Pixel 8 anyway before coming to older phones with the December 2023 Feature Drop).
Speaking of Pixel Feature Drops, there clearly wasn’t one today. There also wasn’t one in September of 2021 or 2022, with Google waiting until December both years.
For those waiting, Android 14 Beta 5.2 is quite stable on the Pixel 7 series, Tablet, and Fold. I’ve been using it as my daily driver for several weeks now without issues, thus adding to the intrigue of why it isn’t out yet.
It will be interesting to see whether there will be Android 13 or Android 14 Beta 5.3 with the September security patch at this point. Depending on how many bugs are addressed in the latter, that could signal how far away we are from a stable launch.
Google updates the Android brand with new logo and 3D robot
Following our previous report, Google is officially unveiling a new 3D logo for Android. The broad goal of this updated branding is to “help connect Android to Google,” and it follows the previous modernization in 2019.
Each time we overhaul our branding, we evaluate not only changing needs, but also future goals. We know people today want more choice and autonomy, and we want our brand to be reflective of Android: something that gives people the freedom to create on their terms. As an open platform, it’s important that both our technology and brand are an invitation for people to create, connect and do more with Google on Android devices.
Google says it drew “inspiration from Material design to complement the Google brand palette, as well as be adaptable.”
It starts by moving away from Android’s “longstanding lowercase stylization” to help elevate the logo and add “more weight to its appearance when placed next to Google’s logo” (as seen above in the top-left corner).
While we’ve added more curves and personality unique to Android, the new Android stylization more closely mirrors Google’s logo and creates balance between the two. We hope these small but significant updates to the Android typeface will better communicate the relationship between Android devices and the Google apps and services people already know.
The other big aspect is the Android robot, which, since 2019, has appeared alongside the wordmark. In going 3D, Google gave the bugdroid “more dimension, and a lot more character.” It can be depicted with different materials, colors, and even accessories.
As a visual signifier of our brand, we wanted the bugdroid to appear as dynamic as Android itself.
Google has also updated the full-body appearance to “ensure it can easily transition between digital and real-life environments, making it a versatile and reliable companion across channels, platforms and contexts.” The body is now a domed capsule instead of having a flat bottom and legs protruding from it. With the last branding update, it seemed that Google was moving away from this version.
The updated logo, 3D bugdroid, and brand identity will “appear on Android devices and in more places starting this year.”
Redesigned Assistant At a Glance widget rolling out to all Android phones
Android is rolling out its quarterly drop of new features today, with a redesign of the Assistant At a Glance widget being the highlight.
The current widget available on all Android phones was never updated when the fixed Pixel Launcher version was updated with Android 12. Now, it features a Material You redesign in which the weather is prominently shown in an M3 shape at the right, while text appears at the left. Two lines of text are supported, while a three-dot overflow menu provides additional options, as we previously enabled.
This At a Glance redesign is available for all Android 9+ devices and is rolling out starting today.
In terms of new app features, Google is rolling out the ability to ask questions – by voice or typing – about images with Lookout. Announced back in May, this uses a visual language model to describe images that do not have alt text. Lookout is also adding support for 11 new languages (including Japanese, Korean, and Chinese) for a total of 34.
Google Wallet is also rolling out the previously announced ability to import/upload passes with QR codes or barcodes. This could be used with some library or gym cards, parking passes, and tickets.
You can add what time you slept and how many hours (from Google Fit or Fitbit) to your Google Assistant “Good morning” Routine.
Rounding out the app front are Android Auto apps from Zoom and Webex that will let users join conference calls (by audio) and browse meeting schedules. Google says all “active calls are managed through Android Auto,” with the ability to mute your microphone as needed.
