The Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1 replace from Alphabet Inc.‘s GOOG GOOGL Google has launched a sequence of user-oriented modifications regardless of its major focus being on bug fixes.

What Occurred: 9to5Google reported on Friday that the brand new Android replace, whereas primarily geared toward rectifying software program bugs, has introduced a number of user-oriented adjustments. One of many key adjustments contains the introduction of a Excessive-High quality Mode for webcams, doubtlessly resulting in greater energy consumption and gadget heating.

Android 14 makes utilizing your telephone’s superior digicam as a webcam straightforward, however there’s a catch. The built-in webcam function delivers noticeably decrease video high quality than Apple’s Continuity Digital camera and even third-party webcam apps on the identical Android gadget. This implies that Google has prioritized battery life over picture high quality with the Android function, which is a draw back for customers who want high-quality video for even quick calls.

Right here’s what’s new –

• A brand new “Excessive High quality Mode” for Android webcams (from Android 15 DP2) was noticed, doubtlessly bettering picture high quality however impacting battery life.
• The replace improves widget solutions, which are actually accompanied by app icons.
• Modifies Gboard’s vibration settings.

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The supply additional revealed that this replace could be rapidly put in on numerous Pixel units, together with Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Professional, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Professional, Pixel 7a, Pixel Pill, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, and Pixel 8 Professional. Nevertheless, Google continues briefly disabling downloads for OTA photographs in Beta 2.1 as a result of an ongoing sideload situation from Beta 2.

Customers are inspired to examine for updates recurrently and share their experiences on 9to5Google’s submit. An in depth evaluation of the brand new options and modifications in Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1 is anticipated quickly.

Why It Issues: The launch of this replace comes at a vital time for Android. Studies in February confirmed a decline in Android’s US market share as Apple Inc. AAPL continued to dominate with a 64% share, largely pushed by its iPhone 15 launch.

Moreover, one in eight Android customers reportedly switched to iPhones in 2023. This pattern was attributed to customers’ desire for older iPhone fashions over the newest Android units, emphasizing worth over cutting-edge know-how. Introducing user-friendly options within the new Android replace might be seen as a strategic transfer to counter this pattern and regain misplaced market share.

Picture credit – Shutterstock

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