Android
Google Pixel Android 14 QPR2 update is now widely available in the US
On March 4th, Google started sending the Stable Android 14 QPR2 update to eligible Pixel smartphones. A week later, the update made its way to the United States. Finally, we can confirm that the Google Pixel Android 14 QPR2 update is now widely available in the US.
Earlier, Verizon-branded Pixel handsets started to get the March 2024 Feature Drop with build version AP1A.240305.019.A1. The build number is the same as that distributed to Global models initially and US variants over the past three days.
Apart from addressing about three dozen bugs and glitches, Google’s March 2024 Feature Drop brings an expandable Bluetooth Quick Settings and “Share Wi-Fi” in the Internet QS Tile, while the Microphone and Camera privacy indicators gain a “Close this app” shortcut.
The update also includes a tweaked volume slider, single app screen recording or Casting, and icons for alarm or DND on the Pixel’s Weather lockscreen clock. A new “Previously used with account” section in Settings > Connected devices shows Fast Pair headphones saved to your Google Account.
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Android
Android 15 QPR2 Beta release for Pixel devices: what to expect and how to prepare
Google is gearing up to launch the Android 15 QPR2 (Quarterly Platform Release 2) Beta, following the completion of the Android 15 QPR1 testing phase. With QPR1 Beta 3 recently released, users are now looking forward to several new features and improvements. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and how to prepare for the update.
Key Updates and Enhancements in Android 15 QPR1
The Android 15 QPR1 (AP4A) Beta introduced noticeable updates, including a revamped Settings app and a new “Limit to 80%” charging option, helping extend battery health. Google plans to release the stable version of Android 15 QPR1 in December 2024.
Preparing for the Stable Release of Android 15 QPR1
To receive the final public release, Pixel devices enrolled in the Beta Program need to opt out. Here’s how:
- Opt Out of the Beta Program: This prevents devices from installing subsequent beta updates automatically.
- Ignore the Downgrade OTA Update: After opting out, Google will send an OTA (over-the-air) downgrade message; users should skip this to avoid resetting their device data.
If the Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 update appears, don’t install it before opting out. Opting out without applying the downgrade will ensure your data remains intact.
What’s New in Android 15 QPR2?
The Android 15 QPR2 update is set to build upon QPR1, bringing additional bug fixes, improved stability, and performance tweaks. With this beta cycle, users can expect a more polished Android experience that refines QPR1’s offerings. Google is expected to release the QPR2 Beta 1 version soon, keeping users in the Beta Program updated automatically.
Timeline and Future Android Releases
According to Google’s development timeline, Android 15 QPR2 will likely be the final major update before Android 16’s expected release in Q2 2025. This time, Google plans to run the Android 15 QPR2 Beta cycle alongside Android 16 Developer Previews, allowing for early testing of next-gen features while still refining Android 15.
Staying Updated in the Beta Program
For those in the Android Beta Program, QPR2 Beta updates will roll out automatically, with the option to leave the Beta cycle toward the end of Q1 2025. This timeframe gives Pixel users a chance to test out new features before the full Android 16 launch later in the year.
With Android 15 QPR2 just around the corner, users can expect continued improvements and a smoother experience as they look ahead to Android 16’s arrival.
Android
ChatGPT Search: OpenAI’s new AI-powered search engine to rival Google
OpenAI has officially launched ChatGPT Search, an AI-driven search engine that aims to change how we find information online. Originally teased as “SearchGPT,” this new feature is now live and offers a fresh way to search, blending conversational AI with the latest web data.
A Smarter, More Interactive Search
With ChatGPT Search, users get answers in natural language, making the search experience more intuitive. When you enter a query, ChatGPT responds with detailed answers, including relevant links, images, and references, allowing users to explore further if needed. This approach combines the familiarity of a search engine with the conversational ease of ChatGPT.
What ChatGPT Search Offers
ChatGPT Search provides several capabilities:
- Real-Time Information: It offers timely updates on news, sports scores, stock prices, and weather, directly sourced from reliable platforms like AccuWeather.
- Cited Sources: The search results show a list of citations on the interface’s right side, helping users track information back to credible sources. This transparency is key to making search results more trustworthy.
- Comprehensive Answers with Links: ChatGPT Search doesn’t just give brief answers but provides links to articles and pages where the information originates. This improves credibility and gives users a way to dig deeper if they want.
Availability and Access
Starting today, ChatGPT Search is available to users who previously signed up for the “SearchGPT” waitlist. Additionally, those with Plus and Team subscriptions can access it immediately. In the coming weeks, OpenAI will roll out this feature to Enterprise and Educational users, with plans to make it available to all users over the next few months. The search feature will be integrated across web, mobile, and desktop ChatGPT apps, making it accessible wherever you use ChatGPT.
Special Features for Dynamic Content
Besides general search capabilities, ChatGPT Search provides access to weather forecasts, live sports scores, financial updates, maps, and the latest news. OpenAI has worked closely with news organizations to ensure its AI is informed and accurate, responding to industry feedback. This collaborative approach enhances the tool’s relevance and reliability as a source of current events.
Coming Updates and OpenAI’s Vision
The release of ChatGPT Search follows reports of a major update to OpenAI’s language model expected this December. With this upgrade, OpenAI aims to further enhance ChatGPT’s abilities, keeping it competitive with major search engines like Google.
Android
Google speeds up Android updates, Android 16 arriving earlier
Google is making significant changes to its Android release schedule. The biggest news is the earlier arrival of Android 16, which is now slated for a Q2 2025 release. This means developers will have more time to test and optimize their apps for the latest features.
Key Changes:
- Earlier Major Releases: Android 16 will be released in Q2 2025, instead of the usual Q3 timeframe. This aligns better with device launch schedules, allowing more devices to receive the latest Android version sooner.
- More Frequent SDK Releases: Google will introduce minor SDK releases in Q4 2025, providing additional features, optimizations, and bug fixes without major app-breaking changes.
- Incremental Updates: Q1 and Q3 of 2025 will continue to see incremental updates (QPRs) that improve stability and add new user-facing features.
What This Means for Developers:
- Faster Innovation: Developers can take advantage of new features and APIs more quickly.
- Improved App Quality: More frequent updates allow for faster bug fixes and performance improvements.
- Earlier Testing: Developers will need to start testing their apps against Android 16 earlier to ensure compatibility.
- New Manifest Attribute: A new manifest attribute will allow developers to specify a minor API level as the minimum required SDK release for their app.
Google’s goal is to streamline the Android release process, making it more efficient for both developers and users. By accelerating the release cycle and providing more frequent updates, Google aims to deliver a more polished and feature-rich Android experience.
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