Google has released the roadmap for the development, beta testing, platform stability, and the final release of Android 14, which reveals meet the launch of Huawei HarmonyOS 4 later in the second half of 2023.

The first developer preview is already out for the Pixel devices. However, Google could open early access to other smartphone makers such as OnePlus by April when the open beta campaign kicks off.

As mentioned by the Android company, Android 14 is projected to reach platform stability by the end of July. But there’s still a possibility of these milestone timelines to delay, similar to last year.

For your information, the Android 14 developer preview will be a very useful and early gift to the developer community. It will pave a way for the app devs to know more about the upcoming APIs and app features ahead of the final launch.

Looking into the developer preview features, Android 14 promises to improve productivity, enhances performance, improvements to security, and privacy, and bring new customizations.

Yes, there are new tweaks and changes made over Android 12, while there are more that will be visible as the development progress further. Throughout this phase, these developers (and later users) will help to fix bugs and make improvements to the Android 14 source code.

HarmonyOS 4:

Aside from the Android 14 developer beta, Huawei is preparing for the HarmonyOS 3.1 rollout but the company is working on HarmonyOS 4 as a major release for the next generation of Huawei devices. For now, there’s no official launch date available but we are likely to hear more on this at the Huawei Developer Conference (HDC) 2023 event.

HarmonyOS 4 promises big upgrades over HarmonyOS 3 and a major restructure in the user interface (UI). Nonetheless, we’ll keep you posted.

(source – Android)

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Introduced with Android 12, the Material You powered dyanamic theme brings brand new settings to tweak the user interface. Instead of being just a feature, the dynamic theme became a part of Android’s soul. With Android 13, Google further polished the dynamic theme so it could be adapted to all Android devices.

Dynamic Theme (Simple version): Once you apply a new wallpaper, the phone generates a range of colors based on that wallpaper. The set of colors is called a color palette and it is then applied throughout the user interface.

Following the decline of Huawei, Samsung is enjoying unlimited Android prowess. It’s projected as a major Android promoter and a babyface. And why not? After all, the South Korean phone maker keeps on posting new mobile shipment records.

However, the handling of the dynamic theme in One UI 5 (which is based on Android 13) shows that Samsung wasn’t serious about being an Android babyface in 2022.

You may want to know, how I reached this conclusion and why Samsung is a failure when it comes to precise work. Let’s find out together.

Appearance:

The user interface is all about appearance, and so does the dynamic theme. Using the dynamic theme on Samsung One UI 5 is different from stock Android 13.

Note: I’ve used the same pixel wallpaper on both Samsung and Pixel devices. So, we can keep the comparison on the same level.

Home Screen:

Below is the home screen, which looks as usual on both One UI 5 and stock Android 13.

Quick Settings:

Both of the quick settings are using Material You in elements, such as quick access icons and sliders. However, the background on stock Android 13 is solid and remains black. On the other hand,  Samsung uses a translucent background in the quick settings, which has not changed even with the Android 13. It is Samsung’s way of implementing features. While in some scenarios, this way obstructs the viewing experience.

For example, the translucent background is now reflecting the colors of the app opened in the background. It also compromises the look and feel of the quick settings icons and the whole quick settings UI. But it becomes subtle when used on top of the Settings menu.

Below you can check the example of the quick settings opened over the following screens.

(Left – on top of home screen wallpaper, on top of Play Store, on top of Settings menu).

Settings:

The setting is an important part of UI, which we access at least once a day. The layout, font, and elements are different in these two softwares. But Samsung used a slight proportion of the color palette in the Settings’ background and remain neutral for applying to the rest of the user interface.

Themed Icons:

I love themed icons because it brings a new look to the app icons. However, Samsung’s way of doing things is a little more disappointing than what it actually looks.

Below you can check Samsung One UI icons painted with color pallets alongside stock android icons. The use and management of contrast in the background and tint on the shape (size too) are super lazy on One UI app icons.

On the flip side, stock Android gets these things done in the best way possible.

There’s further inspection on this available, apply Dark Mode and see the change.

Verdict:

We don’t need to explain the results. But It is certainly not nice to implement the dynamic theme for the Android babyface Samsung in 2022.

What could’ve happened?

If possible, Samsung should’ve to blend more into the material rather than bleed into the material. Improve icons, and check visibility levels of the UI elements and the current issues may resolve to an extent.

The post Despite being an Android babyface, Samsung failed to understand dynamic theme in 2022 appeared first on Huawei Central.

According to the information, Honor MagicOS 7 is released for closed beta testers and selected participants will move to public beta in the next phase. After completing the beta test, Honor will send stable MagicOS 7.

Let’s look into the models and their corresponding Honor MagicOS 7/Android 13 beta versions:

Honor Magic V:

The phone is receiving MagicOS 7.0.0.101 upgrading from Magic UI 6.0.0.185.

Honor Magic 3 Series:

Honor Magic 3, Magic 3 Pro, and Magic 3 Supreme Edition are receiving MagicOS 7.0.0.107 upgrading from Magic UI 6.0.0.139.

Honor Magic 4 Series:

Honor Magic 4, Magic 4 Pro, and Magic 4 Supreme Edition getting MagicOS 7 version 7.0.0.108 version upgrading from Magic UI 6.0.0.178.

Honor V40:

Honor V40 series is also eligible to download MagicOS 7 closed beta with version 7.0.0.121 users will have to download Magic UI 4.0.0.201 and 205 to participate in the beta activity.

MagicOS 7:

Honor MagicOS 7.0 is a people-centered intelligent interconnection ecosystem, it continues to improve AI Services. The software is also released with a personalized OS, protects privacy and security proactively, and updated the accessibility operation.

Beta:

It’s noted that the active rollout is spreading as Log and Nolog software packages.

Global:

Currently, Honor is conducting these beta activities in China and it may soon open for global users of these devices.

Notes:

• All of the eligible Honor smartphone owners must have to download the required firmware version before upgrading to MagicOS 7 closed beta.
• During the closed beta testing, users are recommended to join the software user experience improvement program. You can report or suggest features to support closed beta testing environments.
• This software update won’t erase your data but it’s recommended for you to make a backup of important files.
• Users are suggested to update system apps to meet the compatibility.

(source – Honor 1, 2, 3, Reddit)

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As per the inputs, the US tech giant is celebrating the holiday season. And to bring exclusive benefits to its users, the company has extended Android’s feature section with various goodies-like elements.

To begin with, Google has added a new reading mode to the Android features list. It counts as an accessibility feature and helps in reading and extracting text from web pages and other eligible applications.

Moreover, it provides customizing options for display, fonts, speed, and more. As a result, you can adjust the brightness, and font size, or can use the text-to-speech option (with speed control) to access the web pages more efficiently.

Being an accessibility feature, the reading mode is very useful for those with vision impairments, or low eyesight problems. You can check and install the latest reading mode app from HERE.

Google Photos – Pic Editor

Yes, the US manufacturer has added a new collage editor to the Photos application. Consequently, you can create ultimate collages and give a new look to your memories. Just pick a handful of images, select the design or templates, and arrange the snaps accordingly by the simple drag-and-drop method.

A cluster of new emojis!

To enhance the chat experience, Google has tossed several new emojis in the Gboard. Since it’s the holiday season, you will find some relatable emojis such as holiday flair, wolf stickers, snowflakes, and more.

YouTube Search Widget and Google TV features

Now you will find a new search widget on YouTube’s home screen. Ultimately, this will help you to have a quick search of your libraries, shorts, and other subscription content without puzzling between several tabs or sections.

Meanwhile, the company has made the functions of Google TV more convenient. Now you can directly cast the phone objects, and services on your Google TV as well as browse other apps with just one tap. To access the app, click HERE.

Digital Car Key

Now you can lock or turn on your car by just using your smartphone. The company has installed the digital car key feature in the Google Wallet in such a manner that within a few steps you can access your smart vehicle.

Furthermore, you can share your digital car key with your friend and family. This also allows you to keep an eye on who is accessing your car, using the Google Wallet app.

In addition to these features, Google is also performing some tick-tacks to its Wear OS. The latest information suggests that the company is making the Wear OS widgets and tiles more efficient to use. Alongside this, it is also upgrading some major apps.

So Android users, enjoy this holiday season with new and bashing features on your smart gadgets.

|| Source ||

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To begin with, Google launched the stable Android 13 in August for its Pixel smartphones. Thereafter, the company began to roll out the latest operating system to other OEMs and their gadgets.

While the U.S. tech maker is still testing new features and pushing off the Android 13 QPR1 beta iterations to its flagship Pixel phones, some users are discussing how Android 13 works on the old Pixel series.

A Pixel 5 user come around the Reddit table and described how Android 13 has offered the best experience. So far, the user was having trouble while performing certain actions on the Pixel phone.

However, after upgrading to the latest Android 13, the device system and its performance is quite responsive and convenient. Alongside this, the user states that privacy and UI are the best segments that get better with every new update.

“Android 13 on my Pixel 5 has been absolutely the best experience I’ve had on a smartphone ever. It is fast, elegant, etc. I like had to fight my phone to get it to do what I want – which is the exact opposite of now that I have Android 13 on my Pixel 5.”

In addition, the user also draws attention to the camera quality. Eventually, the camera quality remains absolute even when not in frequent usage. In short, the users state that Android 13 is much better than previous builds, which often have issues with stability and the lens hood.

Android 13 is a favorite for many users!

In the meantime, many other users also agreed that Android 13 is doing well with their 2 or 3-year-old Pixel smartphones. Notably, the newly-released operating system provides a better experience in many aspects.

For instance, fingerprint sensors, face unlocking, eye-catching UI elements, smart and efficient widgets, Material You, themed icons, and whatnot. On the flip side, there is a huge list of revamped features and functions.

Android 13 QPR1 beta and its issues

Even after many positive points, Android 13 is surrounded by various negative comments. To be specific, the fresh QPR1 beta packs have proved vain and trouble for many Pixel device owners.

Up to this point, we come across a variety of issues that appeared in the Android 13 QPR1 beta iterations. While some users were stuck with the App Switcher bug, other users were busy dealing with the camera and screen defects.

Moreover, the very famed addition – Material You also caught some glitches when a user upgraded the device to the beta 3 rollout. Together, these issues made the users think twice before installing new firmware.

It’s not confirmed how many more beta iterations Google will release for its users. However, the issues with new builds and benefits of the old versions have made it clear that the previous stable Android 13 works well on both old and new Pixel devices.

Which firmware are you using, the stable one or the newly-released beta firmware? Let us know your experience with Android 13, in the comment section.

The post Here’s how good Android 13 works on old Pixel devices appeared first on Huawei Central.

The US tech maker recently shared a post on its official blog site. Accordingly, the company will initiate the Google Privacy Sandbox beta program for Android 13 smartphones in 2023 year.

To be specific, the Privacy Sandbox is an interesting as well as thoughtful step toward improved security. As the name reflects, it is a box full of new and advanced techs to build enhanced digital concepts.

Consequently, developers can build more simplified and coherent internet content. As a result, digital companies will get extra benefits and innovative creations with the Privacy Sandbox usage.

Moreover, it will lessen the cross-site connections and unnecessary app tracking so that users can enjoy online services without the stress of security threats and harmful malware. As a result, it will help both users and developers and will fulfill the security demands.

Google introduced the Privacy Sandbox in February this year. As of now, the company is confirming the beta release of the respective feature for Android 13 devices. The manufacturer will initiate the beta step in 2023.

Privacy Sandbox Beta – Details

In the beta phase, the developers can inspect and test the new privacy solution. Although, before enrolling in the beta iteration, developers need to provide the following details:

• Contact information
• Business information including the organization’s DUNS number
• Developer’s SDK(s) and URL(s) that need access to call the Privacy Sandbox on Android APIs
• Other inputs necessary for API or server configuration

You can learn more about the enrollment procedure HERE.

On the other hand, if you are an interested Android 13 device user and would like to participate in this beta activity, then you have to fill out a form HERE.

Before filling out the form, read the instructions carefully. Make sure that you have an Android 13 eligible device before proceeding with the beta activity.

[Source]

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Shortcut features perform some specific actions in the devices. These features reside either in the supported launcher or the virtual assistant. Besides, it helps users quickly initiate common actions on their phones.

As per the details, the Pixel 7 Pro user enrolled in the latest beta rollout. After the Android 13 beta installation, the user didn’t find the drop-down shortcut features (used to identify a song playing) on his smartphone.

The user further mentions that this feature was one of the most effective and thoughtful shortcuts on his device. On the other hand, the respective element was much quicker than commanding the Google Assistant for a similar task.

Interestingly, the user has compared the beta results between his Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro devices. He said that though the feature is missing from the Pixel 7 Pro smartphone, it was available when updated Pixel 6 Pro to the latest beta iteration.

An issue with the call display

In continuation, the user also mentioned that there is some issue with the call display as well. So far, the ongoing calls used to appear in a pill-like shape at the top-left corner (beside the clock icon). However, after the upgrade, the pill shape has converted into a bubble.

Again, things were good with the Pixel 6 Pro smartphone. Yet the beta has resulted in some terrible changes on the Pixel 7 Pro handset.

On the flip side, another user reported the quick setting tile issue. Accordingly, the issue has bumped into the Wi-Fi toggle, and turning it on and off has become such an irritating task.

Suggested Solution:

Many users appeared with some solutions for the respective shortcut issue. An individual asked to check the respective shortcut feature in the Settings menu:

• Go to the Settings app
• Tap on the Search bar
• Search “Now Playing”

Although, this didn’t help the user much. According to the inputs, he didn’t find anything relevant that can add the drop-down shortcut button back on the notification shade.

Why only Pixel 7 devices?

As mentioned, the issues are only appearing when upgrading the Pixel 7 Pro device to the latest firmware. Meanwhile, things are quite good with the Pixel 6 Pro gadget. This is more surprising in comparison to the issues arising in the phone.

Even in recent times, we came across several issues that are particularly affecting the Pixel 7 series in some or the other way. For instance, the Vo5G issue has disappeared unknowingly from many Pixel 7 devices.

So what does that mean? Is the Pixel 7 series not compatible with the Android 13 system? Well, we need a more clear view of these statements.

As per the tweaks, Android 13 QPR1 Beta 3.1 could be the last beta rollout. Thereafter, the company will push off the stable build. Perhaps, we could find one more beta iteration by the end of this month with some new and major fixes.

Since the latest beta holds several issues, one more improvement rollout is required so that users could get rid of the bugs and defects that are taking place at the moment.

The post Android 13 Beta 3 eliminating some shortcut features on Pixel devices appeared first on Huawei Central.

Recently, a Pixel 6 Pro user discovered that the newest Android 13 Beta update is consistently making some issues with the wallpaper system. The user reports that after installing the beta iteration, the wallpaper colors and styles keep changing.

Notably, Android 13 has already skipped the “lock in” wallpapers ability for some reason. And as of now, the latest Android 13 beta continues to change wallpaper colors and styles every time the phone sleeps.

The user further explains that before Android 13, he was able to set the wallpaper colors accordingly. These colors stand out on the phone till the user itself makes an effort to change them. However, the Android 13 beta has welcomed the respective wallpaper issue on his handset.

Aside from the major issue, the user has also dragged our attention to Android 12. Even so, Android 12 was the first operating system to introduce Material You, the issue never appeared with its beta or the stable version.

It’s not the wallpaper, but the colors and styles

To be specific, the user mentions that it’s not the wallpaper, but the icons and screen texts on the home screen that are changing frequently. Consequently, it has become a matter of annoyance more than worry.

On the flip side, it become a topic of confusion. Many users believe that this could be the benefit of Material You which has been revamped with Android 13. Although, the affected person denies the statements.

To clear the confusion, the user further explains that with Android 13, the color changes and sets to the first color scheme accordingly. This usually happens after restarting the device. But, here the issue is occurring throughout the day.

Besides, the wallpaper and lock screen image remains the same. Yet, the color resets to the first color scheme.

Same issue for the last three months!

It’s worth mentioning that three months ago, a user described a similar issue with Android 13 Beta 1. Eventually, the wallpaper colors reset and often shift between light and dark modes. It seems like, the issue didn’t get repaired since then.

Probably, the bug could be in the Material You system. After Android 12, the wallpaper and other color-changing scenarios have been locked in the Material You feature. While the addition has been quite attractive in the initial days, looks like it has become a huge headache for users at present. However, as the user has denied the Material You concept, we cannot trigger this feature.

Many issues with Android 13 Beta!

Up to this point, we come across several Android  13 beta issues that have surrounded Pixel device owners. The recent one was the app switcher bug that resulted in the abnormal working or freezing of the apps.

While users continue to face some or the other issue with the latest beta rollout, Google hasn’t taken any step in this aspect. Perhaps, the company would be working on eliminating these issues from the stable version.

Android 13 beta has shown various bugs before the stable upgrade. Even after several fixes and improvements in the changelog, the firmware continues to create problems for users. We hope that we will get a bug-free and more reliant system in the upcoming stable build.

The post Latest Android 13 Beta is creating Wallpaper issues appeared first on Huawei Central.

Generally, Android phones contain a variety of partitions to manage files and other data. For instance, boot partition, system partition, recovery partition, cache partition, and so on. Every partition plays an important role in organizing and handling these details.

To be specific, these partitions hold temporary data which often counts as optional. However, many times these partition stores some crucial and confidential data points that third-party access can alter easily.

Moreover, the system does not store your partition’s data and does not encrypt it either. Consequently, a simple factory reset or one boot to your device can easily erase all the partition’s data.

Hence, it is important to protect these segments from external edits and unnecessary deletions at times of access. For doing so, Google is imposing some major software elements to Android 14 that can make partition verifications. And so has to be with the devices.

Today, the well-known observer Mishaal Rahman shared a tweet on this matter. According to him, Android 14 devices should be capable of partition verification ability.

Further, these devices must shield the partitions from external edits. So that they may not get modified whenever they are accessed. On the other hand, the handsets should be capable of saving them even if the booting function takes place.

“Devices launching with Android 14+ will be required to verify that protected partitions have not been modified every time they are read from, rather than once per boot.”

Manufacturers have to make changes!

Google is preparing the next Android version with new and innovative pinches. As a result, the tech makers have to alter their devices to a huge extent to match the Android 14 compatibility.

Previously, we reported that Android 14 will force the devices to support the AV1 video coding format. Now, the upcoming Android version is asking for advanced security measures to protect the user’s data and privacy in a better way.

It seems like Android 14 will brings many high-level changes for users. This is just the beginning and we would like to see what changes will the upcoming operating system offer to its users.

[Source]

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What is an app switcher? An app switcher is a common Android feature that displays windows for all recently used apps. You can easily switch, open or close an application running in the background by using an app switcher.

The input reveals that a Pixel 7 user tried to access the app switcher after installing the latest Android 13 QPR1 Beta 3.1 update. However, the respective action resulted in glitches and freezing of applications.

Accordingly, the user observed the app switcher issue while using the Infinity app (an app that offers a smooth Reddit browsing experience). When he tried to switch between Infinity and the Chrome browser, the app didn’t respond.

Even when he tried to switch to a previous app, the respective issue directed the user to a different app. In other words, this defect does not allow you to select or perform any action with the apps in the app switcher.

App Switcher Bug in detail

The user described that he begins by searching a Reddit topic in the Chrome app. Thereafter, he opened it in the Infinity app. After some scrolling, he went to the app switcher while remaining in the Infinity app and tried to jump on the Chrome application.

However, the Chrome app didn’t respond to touch gestures. Again, the user tried to come back to the Infinity app. But this action led him back to the Chrome page.

Though it’s not happening on every Pixel device. But we have gathered many instances where Android 13 QPR1 Beta 3.1 has generated the app switcher bug and made it irritating and unuseful. Several users came across the app switcher bug where either the apps stop responding or get freeze.

App Switcher Issue only with 3.1 Beta!

Yes, it’s worth mentioning that the app switcher issue was not present in the previous Android beta builds. On the other hand, while exploring the past firmware, we didn’t find any such defect. It looks like the new beta has given rise to some new headaches for users.

Another significant point is, many Pixel 7 owners confirm that they aren’t facing any such issue with the new beta iteration. Probably, the issue could be specific to the Infinity application. Yet, we cannot ignore the fact that it is a beta rollout and hence, a few bugs are obvious to find with the update.

Android 13 QPR1 Beta 3.1 – Fixes

Google has started rolling out the Android 13 QPR1 Beta 3.1 for its Pixel devices to enhance the user experience. The update holds various fixes and improvements that can slow down the previous issues in the phone system.

You can check these fixes below.

• Fixed a platform issue that caused apps to crash when they were using a MediaSession to handle input from hardware media playback buttons.
• Fixed issues where a device’s GPU drivers sometimes caused the system UI to freeze during normal device use
• Fixed an issue where Pixel phones sometimes displayed an incorrect “Missed call” notification instead of “Call answered on another device” when the call was answered remotely by Pixel Watch (in untethered mode).
• Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the Google Camera app to crash
• Fixed an issue that prevented Google Assistant from being activated by hotword on some devices
• Fixed an issue that prevented motion-based gestures, such as “Lift to check phone” or “Flip to Shhh” from working on some devices
• Fixed an issue that sometimes caused artifacts to display when recording or viewing video on some devices
• Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the Google Camera app to launch slowly
• Fixed an issue for Pixel 6a devices that sometimes caused the CarrierSettings to crash when inserting a SIM card
• Fixed the issue that prevented the “Go to browser” option in the notification shade from working while using an instant app.

The latest Android 13 beta carries a T1B3.221003.008 build. In addition to a huge bundle of fixes, the update also welcomes the November 2022 security patch. While the update looks quite efficient, the app switcher glitch has created questions about it.

As mentioned, not every Pixel phone is facing such an issue. Thus, you can try using this update. For doing so, visit the Settings menu > System > System Updates. Before proceeding, ensure that your device is already running on a beta version.

In case you encounter any issues, you can tap HERE to learn about the feedback details.

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