Last week, individuals who own Google Pixel phones and participate in the Android Beta program received an update for Beta 2 of Android 13 QPR3. It seems that Google was in a hurry to address a specific issue, as they have now released an updated version, Android 13 QPR3 Beta 2.1, just a little over a week later. This latest version features the March 2023 security patch, indicating that Google is committed to ensuring the safety and security of their users.
The latest update from Google, Android 13 QPR3 Beta 2.1, has been released and according to their official notes, the only stated change is “Modem updates.” This update is considered minor and weighs in at 13.84MB for Pixel 6 Pro users who receive it via over-the-air (OTA) delivery. It’s worth speculating whether this update addresses the Exynos modem vulnerabilities, although those issues were previously found only on Pixel 6 devices and newer. Despite the lack of detailed information, it’s clear that Google is committed to improving the user experience by providing regular updates and addressing any potential security concerns.
It’s worth noting that the recently released Android 13 QPR3 Beta 2.1 update has not yet been integrated with the April 2023 security patch. This means that it is currently on par with the stable channel, and not yet ahead in terms of security features. However, it’s important to remember that this update is primarily focused on addressing modem-related issues, and it’s possible that further security updates will be rolled out in subsequent releases. Google’s commitment to providing regular updates and prioritizing user security is reassuring, and users can expect ongoing improvements and enhancements to their devices over time.
Here are the known issues with Android 13 QPR3 Beta 2, presented in bullet points:
- Opening the camera by pressing the power button twice may result in a black screen
- Switching a work profile on or off may cause the device to reboot
- Changing the screen orientation while the list of recent apps is open can cause it to become unresponsive
These issues are being actively addressed by Google, and users can expect them to be resolved in future updates. In the meantime, it’s recommended that users adjust their device settings and avoid actions that may trigger these problems.
Install Android 13 QPR3 Beta 2.1
Owners of the following Google Pixel devices can expect to receive the Android 13 QPR3 Beta 2.1 update:
- Pixel 4a
- Pixel 4a 5G
- Pixel 5
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
This update is currently rolling out to devices and should be available for download over-the-air shortly.
For those who prefer a more traditional approach, factory images and OTA files for the Android 13 QPR3 Beta 2.1 update are available via the links provided below. However, it’s important to note that enrolling in the Android Beta Program is the easiest way to receive the update over-the-air. This eliminates the need for command prompts and adb commands, making the process more straightforward and user-friendly. Users who have enrolled in the Android Beta Program should expect to receive the update automatically in the near future.
It’s important to remember that updating to the latest version of Android ensures that devices are running efficiently and securely, and provides access to the latest features and enhancements. Whether users choose to update via the Android Beta Program or manually via the factory image or OTA files, staying up-to-date with the latest software is always recommended.
Links to factory images and OTA files:
- Pixel 7 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 7: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 6a: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 6 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 6: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 5a: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 5: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 4a (5G): Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 4a: Factory Image — OTA
Source: Google