In an unexpected twist, Google unleashed the latest iteration of Android 14 Beta, dubbed 5.1, right when the sun-kissed weekend beckoned. Many had assumed that the previous release would be the culmination of the Beta phase, making way for the ultimate, rock-solid Android 14. However, Google had other plans up its sleeve, catching everyone off guard.
This newfangled Android 14 Beta 5.1 now graces our digital doorstep, bearing tidings of minute modifications, according to the release notes. Google itself downplays the significance of these tweaks. They include rectifying a glitch that caused the system to neglect SIM card detection in the presence of Enabled Fixed Dialing Numbers (FDN). Another bug that led to connectivity disruptions for devices linked to carriers employing 5G standalone (SA) mode has been mended. Additionally, users plagued by a blank home screen after unlocking their devices will now find solace in this update. Finally, a performance impediment has been tackled by a temporary suspension of the feather-styled live wallpaper on Pixel Fold. Rest assured, the live wallpaper version will be resuscitated once the underlying issues are resolved.
The Pixel lineup, including the 4a 5G, 5, 5a, 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Fold, and Tablet, are eligible recipients of this update. To obtain and install it, navigate to Settings > System > System update, and dutifully follow the prescribed instructions. As for my Pixel 6 Pro, the Android 14 Beta 5.1 update weighs a mere 7.69MB, bearing the distinguished version number UPB5.230623.005.
Earlier this year, Google’s Android 14 Developer Preview and Beta program laid out plans for four Beta updates. We now find ourselves in overtime, left to ponder whether the forthcoming update truly marks the final arrival of the stable Android 14. By the way, last year’s Android 13 graced us on August 15th, leaving Google a few days behind schedule for the release of this year’s grandest Android build.
