Top 3 Key Points:

1. Android Auto is malfunctioning on Pixel 9 devices running Android 15 Beta.
2. The issue occurs regardless of a wired or wireless connection.
3. Rolling back to Android 14 resolves the problem, but it requires a factory reset.

Using beta software can often bring unexpected issues, and for some Pixel 9 users, Android Auto has stopped working correctly on the Android 15 Beta. Many users have shared their frustration on Reddit and Google’s Issue Tracker, reporting that Android Auto fails to operate on the new Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL models when running the latest beta version of Android 15.

Users have experienced this issue with both wired and wireless connections, where Android Auto either disconnects or stops working after a few seconds or minutes. Interestingly, this problem doesn’t exist with the stable version of Android 14, which comes pre-installed on the Pixel 9 series. It seems to only affect those who have updated to the Android 15 Beta.

For now, the only solution is to revert to Android 14, though this process involves a factory reset, which can be a hassle. It’s expected that Google will fix the issue by the time Android 15 is officially released for Pixel 9 devices, likely in October. This serves as a reminder that beta software, even close to its final release, can still cause problems, especially on primary devices.

Key Points:

1. Google Wallet adds a bulk card-saving feature for easier card management.
2. Google Home app finally introduces a search bar for easier device navigation.
3. Both updates are in the early stages, with more features likely to come.

Google is steadily enhancing its Wallet app, aiming to store even more of our physical documents digitally. Over the past year, Google Wallet has evolved, allowing users to save more than just payment cards. It now aims to store a variety of physical cards and documents we typically carry daily, like loyalty cards, customer cards, and more.

A new update to Google Wallet is in development, as uncovered in the latest app version’s source code. Soon, users will be able to save multiple cards at once using a convenient bulk mode. This new feature will allow users to take photos of all their cards and then select them at once to save digitally in Google Wallet. This process removes the need to add each card individually, making it more efficient for users who need to store several cards quickly.

Although this feature is still in its early stages, as noted by Android Authority, it could take some time before it’s fully released to all users.

Meanwhile, the Google Home app is also receiving a much-needed improvement. Despite being an essential tool for managing smart home devices, the app has never had a built-in search function. This has been a surprising gap in its functionality, considering that search bars are standard in most other Google apps.

Fortunately, this is about to change. Android Authority recently discovered a test version of a search bar in the “Devices” section of the Google Home app. Once rolled out, this feature will allow users to easily locate and manage their connected devices, streamlining the experience for smart home users.

Both the Google Wallet and Google Home updates are expected to launch soon, possibly as part of a broader set of new features in upcoming updates.

Key Points:

1. Google Messages Update: Testing new RCS status labels for clearer messaging.
2. Android 15 Security: Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is tougher to bypass.
3. Stronger FRP: New restrictions prevent unauthorized access after resets.

Google is making changes to how users see message types in its Messages app and tightening security on Android devices with its latest Android 15 update.

Google Messages Tests RCS Label Change

Google is experimenting with a new way of labeling messages in its Messages app. Right now, when you send a message, it shows either “Text message” or “RCS message.” RCS stands for Rich Communication Services, which allows more advanced features like higher-quality media and encryption.

In this new test, the labels are shorter: “RCS” for RCS chats and “Text” for regular SMS messages. This update makes the labels more concise, but some users have pointed out that the use of parentheses around “(RCS)” or “(Text)” looks unnecessary and could be simplified further. This test is still being rolled out to a limited number of users, with more changes like a colorful send button already appearing for some.

Android 15 Enhances Factory Reset Protection (FRP)

When it comes to security, Android 15 introduces stronger protections against phone thieves. One of the biggest risks after a phone is stolen is that the thief could try to reset the phone to sell it. Android’s Factory Reset Protection (FRP) makes this difficult by requiring the original Google account to unlock the device after a reset.

However, clever hackers have found ways to bypass this protection in the past. With Android 15, Google has added new security measures to make it much harder for thieves to get around FRP. Here’s what’s new:

1. No Bypassing Setup: Thieves can’t skip the setup process to avoid signing in with the original Google account.
2. Lock Screen and Apps Disabled: After a reset, the phone won’t allow setting a new lock screen PIN, adding another Google account, or installing apps until the original account is signed in.
3. Secret Key Verification: Android 15 now stores a special key in a secure part of the phone’s memory. If the phone is reset without permission, the phone will ask for this key when it restarts, which can only be unlocked by signing into the original Google account.

These changes make it almost impossible for thieves to sell or reuse stolen Android phones. Google is also allowing phone manufacturers to add their security layers on top of this, making Android phones even more secure in future updates.

In summary, Google is testing more user-friendly updates to messaging and has made major improvements to phone security in Android 15, making it far harder for thieves to bypass critical protections.

Source/Via