Newsletter
Today’s the day Google lays it all on us now that Google I/O 2023 is in full swing, and part of the day’s announcements includes the release of Android 14 beta 2, which is dropping today.
That’s right, if you’re part of the Android beta program, the announcement about the release of Android 14 beta 2 today is meant for you. Of course, you’ll need to be on one of the compatible handsets. Which at this point is all Pixel devices. Although some manufacturers may end up pushing the latest beta software eventually. For now though, the second beta will be limited to just a handful of phones. All from Google. This includes the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 5 and Pixel 5a, and then the Pixel 4a 5G.
This is nothing new of course. The Android beta software is generally rolled out to Google’s Pixel phones first. Then other manufacturers follow behind. But what does the new beta introduce? Is it a huge jump between it and the last beta?
The Android 14 beta 2 release comes just two weeks after beta 1
Users shouldn’t expect a whole lot of different changes here. While there are going to be some, beta 1 and beta 2 are just a little over two weeks apart. Which doesn’t leave a lot of time to pack in tons of new features. In fact Google refers to it as an “incremental Beta-quality release.” So changes are going to reflect that.
As for specifics, the notable changes are sure to be discovered throughout the day and the rest of the week. Though it seems the beta is mostly about fixes. As more and more people start using it, more people will see what’s different. There should be two ways to install the second beta. Google will push out an over-the-air update. But Google should also make the software available to sideload and flash to your device if you wish to do so.
If you use a Pixel device and are part of the beta program, keep an eye out for the OTA to hit the airwaves later today.