What you need to know
- Android 14 QPR3 Beta 1 is now available for eligible devices, bringing with it the Circle to Search feature for beta testers.
- Google has admitted that Circle to Search was accidentally rolled out to non-beta users first, and the issue has now been fixed.
- Today’s update brings Google Play Services version 23.50.14 and includes the February security patches, with minimal release notes.
The Android 14 QPR2 beta, which will hit the stable channel next month as the March 2024 Feature Drop, has successfully completed, and a new beta program is now starting.
Android 14 QPR3 Beta 1 (version AP21.240119.009) is coming to eligible devices today, according to Google’s Reddit announcement. While June’s Pixel Feature Drop additions are still on the way, beta testers can now check out the new Circle to Search feature, recently released to Google Pixel 8 users on the stable channel.
Google explained that the AI feature accidentally rolled out to non-beta users first. “Beta users should always get the latest features before or at the same time as the rest of the public,” the company said. “This issue has been fixed in Android 14 QPR3 Beta 1.”
This feature remains exclusive to the Pixel 8 series. Meanwhile, the latest QPR release is spreading its wings to all eligible devices in the beta program. That means if you’re carrying a Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Fold, or Pixel Tablet, you’re in for a treat.
Today’s update includes Google Play Services version 23.50.14, and the fresh firmware brings the February security patches that recently dropped on the stable channel. The release notes are short and sweet, mentioning only one known issue (so far): your Google app’s Assistant At a Glance widget could display weather information for the wrong location.
As usual, this update will reach your eligible device via OTA (over-the-air) in the next few days. If you’re adventurous and can’t wait, join the Android beta program on your Pixel too settingsgo to Systemthen tap System update to install it.
If you’re done with the beta program and want the stable release of Android 14 QPR2, simply go to g.co/androidbeta, turn off your device, and avoid today’s QPR3 Beta 1 update. But if you jump right in, install QPR3 Beta 1, and then stop the program, your the device will be completely wiped, taking all your data with it.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro stands out with its standard Android and AI features, such as Circle to Search. This is one of the reasons why it tops the charts as one of the best phones this year.