Tag: beta

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Mobile Syrup

Android 14 Beta 1 doesn’t play nice with Themed icons

Google dropped the first Android 14 beta for Pixels this week, and people have already stumbled across a significant bug. Those who use the ‘Themed icons’ feature will end up with a constantly-crashing ‘Wallpaper & style’ app.

Themed icons, for those not familiar, is a feature that transforms app icons to match the Material You theme on your device. For example, someone using a wallpaper that shows several leaves might end up with green Material You theme accents – using Themed icons will make all supported icons match the theme using a similar green colour. (Emphasis on supported, since the one or two icons that don’t support theming will stick out like a sore thumb.)

Unfortunately for people rocking Themed icons on their Pixel phone before making the leap to the Android 14 beta, Themed icons cause some issues with the Wallpaper & style menu, causing it to instantly crash whenever you open it. While not that big a deal overall, it’s a somewhat frustrating bug because turning off Themed icons will fix the problem, but you need to access Wallpaper & style to turn off Themed icons, which you can’t do if Themed icons are turned on.

How to fix the issue

Thankfully, there are a couple workarounds available already. Android Police reports it has had success by simply changing the wallpaper, which you can do from another app if you can’t access Wallpaper & style (e.g. picking an image from your gallery to set as the wallpaper).

However, that only really works if you want to keep your icons themed and just want to change their colour. If you want to turn off Themed icons entirely, the fix is a little bit more complex. 9to5Google uncovered a fix, but unfortunately, it’s a bit of a nuclear option.

The fix in question is clearing the Pixel Launcher storage on your device. This will wipe out all your settings, including which apps and widgets you have on your homescreen, suggested apps, swiping to access the Google app and more. It also clears the Themed icon setting, which means Wallpaper & style will stop crashing (unless you turn Themed icons back on).

Clearing your Pixel Launcher storage does work – that’s how I fixed the crashing problem on my Pixel 7 – so if you’re desperate for a fix and don’t mind setting up your homescreen from scratch again, this is the way to go. To do it, head into Settings > Apps > All apps > Pixel Launcher > Storage & cache > Clear storage.

If you don’t want to clear your Pixel Launcher storage, all that remains is waiting for a fix from Google. It’s not clear how long that will take, though, and there might be more pressing issues the company is focusing on for the beta.

As far as bugs go, this one really isn’t that bad, though it is annoying. Bugs are also to be expected in a beta, so as usual, it’s probably not worth messing around with it unless you’re prepared to deal with these types of issues. That said, this is the worst issue I’ve encountered with the Android 14 beta so far on my Pixel 7, aside from some apps and games crashing.

Source: Android Police, 9to5Google

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Google drops first Android 14 beta for Pixels

As scheduled, Google dropped the first Android 14 beta on April 12th.

The first beta arrives after two Developer Previews. Google previously detailed a plan to release Developer Previews through February and March, beta releases in April and May, followed by a period of ‘platform stability’ culminating in the final release sometime after July.

The release of Android 14 Beta 1 also marks the first time that Android 14 will be easily accessible to people through Google’s Android Beta Program website, assuming you have an eligible device (currently, Pixel phones ranging from the 4a 5G to the Pixel 7 Pro).

However, being easily accessible doesn’t mean you should download it — as a beta, Android 14 will definitely have rough edges, bugs and other problems. If you want to try it out, don’t install it on your daily driver or make sure you’re prepared to deal with any potential problems.

What’s new in Android 14 Beta 1?

While I’m still waiting on the beta to download to my Pixel 7, there are already several reports out about new features and additions. Some of what’s new will be familiar to anyone who’s played with (or followed coverage of) the developer previews.

For example, Google has forged ahead with restrictions that will limit the visibility of sensitive data to disability-focused accessibility services. This should help improve user privacy.

Google also did some work to improve the user interface (UI) with a new back arrow that should help improve gesture navigation. Android’s share sheet is also getting a little better with custom actions and shortcuts, though Google still has a long way to go to fix sharing on Android.

There are plenty of small changes too, like an option to force a ‘transparent’ navigation bar on all apps, revamped icons in the Markup tool that show drawing colours, and more.

It remains to be seen what all is new and different, but over the new few weeks, we’ll likely learn more as the Android experts start digging in and unearthing new stuff.

Cia: Android Central, 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Android 13 stable update breaks unified search for beta users

Users making the leap from the Android 13 beta to the recently released stable release may notice that the unified search has reverted to the years-old, basically useless Google search.

While it’s not entirely clear why the update reverted the search capabilities, Google is at least aware of the problem. According to 9to5Google, Google said an “upcoming release” will include a fix. Hopefully, that upcoming release arrives soon, as the improved device search is frankly one of the best parts of Android 13.

For those not familiar with unified search, or search on Pixels in general, well, it’s been a mixed bag for some time. The Pixel launcher has sported a Google search bar along the bottom of the home screen for years, but that bar was just a shortcut to search the web with Google. You could use it to search your phone, but the results were fairly limited.

With Android 12, Google revamped device search capabilities, adding a new search functionality to the app drawer in the Pixel launcher. This new device search was super fast and a great way to find stuff on your phone, including apps (plus shortcuts to things within some apps), contacts, and more. I’d say it felt more like the Spotlight search available on the iPhone. Unfortunately, this revamped search was only available in the app drawer and not from the Google search bar pinned to the bottom of every Pixel’s home screen.

Pixel launcher search

From left to right: Old web search, new unified search (on A13 Beta), device search

Android 13 changed that with a new unified search that offered both the faster device search and web searches right from that Google search bar. Personally, I wish I could turn off the web searches and just get the device search since unified search drops the helpful app shortcuts in favour of web searches. Either way, I loved having a reason to use the search bar on the home screen again.

Unfortunately, after the Android 13 stable update, tapping the Google search bar opens the old web search on my Pixel 6a (you can tell by the lack of Material You styling). However, I can still access the device search from the app drawer. This appears to be the case for any Pixel that made the leap from the beta to stable Android 13 — I have a Pixel 6 exhibiting the same behaviour after the update, while 9to5 says it experienced the issue on its Pixel 4a, 6, 6 Pro, and 6a units.

The search mixup isn’t the only issue plaguing the Android 13 update. Several Pixel users also reported getting an Android 12 update instead of the new Android 13, which has caused some confusion for users.

Source: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Safety tests show Tesla vehicles ‘repeatedly’ fail to detect children

Studies show Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving’ (FSD) Beta technology fails to recognize children, further building on concerns about its safety as the company makes it available to more users.

First, a safety test conducted by the ‘Dawn Project‘ (via The Guardian) found that a Tesla Model 3 with FSD “repeatedly struck [a] child mannequin in a manner that would be fatal to an actual child.” Dawn Project seeks to improve the safety and reliability of software by stopping the use of commercial-grade software in safety-critical systems.

Further, investor Taylor Ogan shared a short video on Twitter showing a comparison between a Tesla and a vehicle equipped with LiDAR tech from Luminar — in the video, the Tesla hits the child mannequin while the LiDAR-equipped car manages to stop. In follow-up tweets, Ogan criticizes Tesla for not adopting LiDAR technology for its autonomous vehicle software.

LiDAR, for those unfamiliar with the term, refers to light detection and ranging or laser imaging, detection, and ranging. The tech allows for determining the range between two things by bouncing a laser off one object and measuring the time it takes for the laser to return.

The Dawn Project test will form part of an advertising campaign intended to encourage U.S. Congress to ban Tesla’s FSD.

Tesla and CEO Elon Musk have so far disputed concerns over the safety of FSD. At the same time, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched investigations and requested information from the company about FSD. It’s worth noting that Tesla has also recently made FSD available in Canada.

A common line of defence appears to be claiming that FSD still requires driver assistance and is not fully autonomous. And while Tesla does state this on its website, the name — Full Self-Driving — suggests otherwise. Moreover, Tesla made the software available to thousands of Tesla owners to use on public roads, many of whom have misused FSD. Tesla has also delayed or pulled FSD updates over bugs and other issues several times and even fired an employee who shared a video of flaws with the FSD system.

There are clear safety concerns at play here, and critics have highlighted these concerns in an attempt to get governments to regulate the use of autonomous driving systems on public roads until the systems are safer and more reliable. Tesla fans have responded by attacking these critics online, with one Twitter user going so far as to request a child volunteer to run in front of their FSD-equipped Tesla to prove it will stop.

“I promise I won’t run them over,” the person wrote. Yea, sure bud.

Source: Dawn Project, Taylor Ogan (Twitter) Via: The Guardian

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Mobile Syrup

Sony testing PS5 1440p support in latest beta software

Sony is finally testing 1440p resolution support for the PlayStation 5 console. PS5 beta testers will get access to the feature in a new beta software update released today. Along with 1440p support, the update includes game lists and new social features.

Sony detailed the PS5 beta update in a blog post (via The Verge) and all the new features, along with several pictures of what they look like. Starting with the 1440p addition, Sony notes that the video output option will let gamers select the resolution when the console is connected to a compatible TV or monitor. Games that support 1440p will run natively at the resolution, while games running at 4K resolution will supersample down to 1440p output, offering improved anti-aliasing.

To switch to 1440p (or check if your screen of choice supports it), PS5 owners can head into the ‘Screen and Video’ section of the PS5 dashboard, select ‘Resolution’ and then pick 1440p from the list.

Unfortunately, the PS5’s 1440p mode won’t support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) as it does at 1080p and 4K resolutions. VRR allows displays to match their refresh rate to the framerate of the output. (For example, if your PS5 game runs at 60fps, your display — if it supports dynamic refresh rates — can use VRR to run at 60Hz.)

VRR is a pretty handy feature, given it can smooth out visual artifacts by allowing your display to dynamically adjust its refresh to match what’s happening on the console, even when the framerate isn’t constant. Not having it on 1440p is a big miss, especially since most 1440p screens are likely computer monitors that support VRR — TVs tend to offer 1080p or 4K resolution options instead and often don’t support VRR.

Other new beta features

Along with the headliner 1440p support, the PS5 beta introduces some other new features. First, there are game lists, which let PS5 owners make up to 15 lists of up to 100 games. These lists can include disc, digital, and streaming games and effectively act as folders for your PS5 game catalogue.

I could see this being a handy feature for adding, say, games you often play so they’re quickly accessible. Alternatively, you could create a list of games you plan to play in the future.

Next up are the new social features. These include the ability to send requests to friends to share their screens and new notifications when you join a party to let you know when you can join a friend’s ongoing game. The update also lets PS5 users send stickers and voice messages in parties, and there’s a new option to compare 3D audio and regular stereo audio before you pick your preference.

Sony will likely roll the update out to all PS5 owners in the coming months after it wraps up testing. You can learn more about the PS5 beta here.

Images credit: Sony

Source: Sony Via: The Verge

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Mobile Syrup

WhatsApp testing ability to hide ‘Last Seen’ status from specific contacts on iOS

WhatsApp is starting to test its new hide ‘Last Seen’ status option. Beta testers are now able to hide their status from specific contacts as a part of the company’s new privacy setting.

Those with access to beta version 22.9.0.70 on iOS will be the first to try out the feature. Reports indicate that the feature is live. Once accessible, users can navigate to the ‘Privacy’ setting. In the ‘Last Seen’ option, users can select between ‘Everyone,’ ‘My Contacts,’ ‘Nobody,’ and the newly implemented ‘My Contacts Except…’

As the report clarifies, users do not have to set the status to ‘Nobody’ if the status is disabled due to certain contacts. Additionally, when you block contacts from seeing your ‘Last Seen’ status on WhatsApp, you won’t be able to see theirs. WhatsApp is reportedly aiming to implement the same option for a user’s “profile picture” and “about” information.

This same feature was introduced on Android a few weeks ago. Beta testers on iOS now have access to the same privacy settings. Though, of course, access to beta version 22.9.0.70 through TestFlight is required.

It’s worth noting that more beta testers will gain access to the feature as time goes on. WhatsApp will likely increase the number of testers throughout the next few days.

The introduction of the ‘Last Seen’ privacy setting is the latest new feature from WhatsApp. Recently, WhatsApp added the ability to react to messages with emojis. Currently, the feature is limited in scope with only a handful of emojis available. However, future updates in the pipeline aim to implement Communities and support 2GB file sharing. However, it’s still unclear when these features will be accessible.

Image credit: WABetaInfo

Source: WABetaInfo

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Mobile Syrup

Spotify testing TikTok-like ‘Discover’ feed in Canada

Spotify officially launched a new TikTok-like music discovery feed in its app.

Dubbed ‘Discover,’ the feed rolled out in a limited beta test to Android and iOS users in Canada and other regions, including Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and the U.K. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, I didn’t have access to the new ‘Discover’ feature on either platform.

Users in the test can access the tool by tapping the new ‘Discover’ icon in the navigation bar (look for a new, fourth icon between the ‘Home’ and ‘Search’ buttons). Discover then shows a customized feed using Spotify’s ‘Canvas’ visual loops and plays a corresponding tune.

Those who like what they hear can follow the artist, add the song to a playlist, or share it on socials. The feed scrolls vertically, like TikTok — users can quickly move on to the next song if they don’t like what they hear.

Interestingly, Spotify will only offer up to 15 new recommendations per day, so those who use the feature won’t find themselves scrolling for long.

You can learn more about the Discover beta on Spotify’s blog here.

Image credit: Spotify

Source: Spotify Via: Engadget

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Mobile Syrup

‘Overwatch 2’ PVP beta starts April 26th, but only for PC

Although some of the luckier among us may already be playing Blizzard’s upcoming Overwatch 2, the rest of us are waiting for the incoming beta to try out the game.

Good news for those waiting: the beta will start on April 26th. The bad news is it’ll be PC-only to start, and you’ll need to own a copy of Overwatch to participate in the Overwatch 2 beta.

The Verge spotted a frequently-asked-questions (FAQ) page about the beta, which is worth checking out if you’re interested. Plus, if you haven’t signed up yet, you should do so here. Highlights include that Blizzard will select testers based on their region and the specs of their PC. Invites will be sent out via email — anyone who doesn’t receive one will want to keep an eye out when Blizzard eventually expands the test group.

Blizzard also detailed the minimum and recommended specs for Overwatch 2 on the FAQ page, which are worth checking out if you have an older machine.

Unfortunately, it’s still unclear when Overwatch 2 will be released. We do know that Blizzard plans to decouple the player vs. player (PVP) and player vs. environment (PVE) experiences to push out competitive elements sooner. However, we could learn more soon as the beta test draws near and with plans to start season five of the Overwatch League in May using an early build of the new game.

The Verge points out that the Overwatch 2 development is largely happening under the shadow of recent scandals, lawsuits, and even the pending acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Source: Blizzard Via: The Verge

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Mobile Syrup

Pixel owners with Android 12 beta not receiving November security patch

This year the Android 12 beta program has been a little different than it has in the past, and that seems to be blocking some Pixel users from downloading the latest November security patch.

Google is allowing beta testers to stay in the program as it redies the Android 12L beta. Usually, after the full build of Android goes live, Google automatically transitions users out of the beta and onto the stable build channel. This year that didn’t happen and now some users are reporting that they’re unable to get the November security patch.

To get around this, you can manually unroll your phone from the beta program without losing your data. You can do this by opening up the Android beta devices site and clicking on ‘Opt out’ to leave the beta. 9to5Google says that users can do this without losing their data until December 1st.

Once you do that, you should be able to go into your phone settings and trigger the November security update. MobileSyrup staff reporter Jon Lamont tested this out on a Pixel 4a 5G and was able to get the security patch within a few minutes of opting that device out of the beta.

Source: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Musk delays Tesla Full Self-Driving beta release over ‘last minute concerns’

Earlier this week, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Twitter that the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta would release to about 1,000 people. Musk has now backtracked, citing “last minute concerns about this build.”

Instead of releasing on Friday as expected, Musk tweeted Saturday morning that the FSD beta would roll out “likely on Sunday or Monday” instead.

Tesla’s FSD software was set to roll out to roughly 1,000 people who met the company’s safety requirements. The company determines drivers’ ‘safety score’ via data collected by sensors built into Tesla vehicles. Initially, the FSD beta would roll out to those with a perfect safety score (100 points out of 100 total), followed by a gradual rollout to those with scores of 99/100 and below.

Tesla launched the safety score system alongside the ability for vehicle owners to request FSD beta access. The idea appears to be that safe drivers — as determined by Tesla — will be able to better handle testing FSD, which requires driver supervision.

It’s worth noting that FSD does not make Tesla vehicles fully autonomous. Musk previously said that the feature-complete version will “likely” be able to drive someone from their home to work without intervention, and will still require supervision.

Musk did not elaborate on what the “concerns” were with the FSD beta build that delayed the rollout. Ultimately, I’m not surprised to see a delay.

Source: Elon Musk (Twitter) Via: The Verge