In Short:
- Android 15 Beta 3.1 addresses an annoying lock screen bug and occasional face unlock failures.
- The update also brings various stability and performance improvements for Pixel devices.
- Beta users can expect an over-the-air update in the coming days.
Google has released a minor update to the Android 15 Beta program, focusing on squashing critical bugs and enhancing system stability. This update, christened Android 15 Beta 3.1 (build AP31.240517.031), tackles a particularly irksome issue with the lock screen that prevented users from interacting with certain elements without unlocking their devices. Imagine trying to check a notification or adjust music playback only to be met with a persistent unlock prompt – this is precisely the problem Beta 3.1 rectifies.
Furthermore, the update addresses occasional hiccups with biometric face authentication, ensuring a more reliable and secure unlocking experience. While this issue may not have plagued every user, its resolution demonstrates Google’s commitment to a seamless facial recognition system.
Beyond these specific fixes, Android 15 Beta 3.1 incorporates a collection of optimizations aimed at bolstering overall system stability, performance, and resource efficiency. These enhancements, though less conspicuous to the average user, are instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation of the operating system.
The update graces a wide range of Pixel devices, encompassing the cutting-edge Pixel 8 series, the innovative Pixel Fold, and the highly anticipated Pixel Tablet. Legacy models like the Pixel 6 and 7 series are not left behind either. Here’s a comprehensive list of compatible devices:
- Google Pixel 8a
- Google Pixel 8
- Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Google Pixel 7a
- Google Pixel 7 Pro
- Google Pixel 7
- Google Pixel 6a
- Google Pixel 6 Pro
- Google Pixel 6
- Google Pixel Fold
- Google Pixel Tablet
To snag this update, you’ll need to be enrolled in the Android Beta Program. Existing Beta users can expect to receive an over-the-air (OTA) update automatically within the next few days. Newcomers to the program can easily sign up and patiently await the update’s arrival on their devices.
It’s crucial to remember that with the previous Beta 3 update, Android 15 achieved “Platform Stability.” This signifies that all internal and external APIs, along with app-facing behaviors, are finalized and largely stable. However, given that Android 15 remains under active development, there’s a chance that certain apps might exhibit unexpected behavior. Google anticipates launching a stable version of Android 15 later this year, but an official release date remains under wraps.
