Pixel smartphones get a March 2024 update with Android 14 QPR2

Posted by Tom
Android
Android

Exciting news for Pixel proprietors! Google is rolling out the Android 14 QPR2 replace with the March 2024 security patch, bringing a handful of the latest capabilities and improvements to your device.

Connecting and Controlling with Ease:

  • Expanded Bluetooth tile: No more hunting for paired devices! The Bluetooth Quick Settings tile now lets you see a list of up to three connected devices and quickly switch between them.
  • Updated volume slider: The Pixel’s volume slider gets a makeover, making it easier to control the sound with a clearer visual representation.
  • Record and Cast selectively: Screen recording and casting no longer require capturing the entire screen. You can now choose to record or cast a single app, offering more privacy and control.
  • Share Wi-Fi in a snap: Sharing your Wi-Fi network is now a cakewalk with the new “Share Wi-Fi” shortcut in Quick Settings.

Enhanced Privacy and Information:

  • Quick access to privacy controls: The microphone and camera privacy indicators now have a “Close this app” shortcut, making it easier to manage app permissions directly from Quick Settings.
  • Alarms and DND at a glance: The Pixel’s lock screen clock now clearly displays when you have an alarm set or Do Not Disturb enabled, keeping you informed without unlocking your phone.

Optimizations for Large Screens:

  • Pixel Tablet gets a taskbar boost: The Pixel Tablet’s taskbar now highlights the ability to search for apps while in multitasking mode, improving your workflow.

Additional Tweaks and Improvements:

  • App info gets informative: App names in the Pixel Launcher grid can now display on two lines, providing better readability.
  • Settings get a refresh: The “Settings” app receives a visual update with narrower on/off toggles, aligning with the Material You design language.
  • Software updates made simpler: Finding software updates is now easier with a clearer “Your Pixel is up to date” screen that links directly to the Play Store for managing apps and device updates.

Security Matters:

  • This update also includes important security patches, addressing thirteen vulnerabilities in the March 2024 patch and 54 additional troubles particular to Google devices.

Availability:

  • The update is rolling out across the world beginning these days, but users within the US should wait till March 11. So, hold an eye out for the notification and experience the new capabilities and improvements!

Factory Image & OTA’s:

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