At the January 2024 Unveiling event, we will be showcasing the much-anticipated Android 14 version, but we will also be taking a deep dive into the most recent developments in mobile technology. This invite-only gathering is going to go all in on the new features, improvements, and optimizations that the newest version of Android has to offer. Hear from professionals in the field as they break down this revolutionary upgrade, describing its features and explaining how it might change the game for mobile developers, users, and the industry as a whole.
January Updates: Enhancements and Features of Google Play Services
The integration of official entity callsigns on Google Play is a notable enhancement to Google’s services and apps layer. Applications from government agencies across a dozen countries will be highlighted in this innovative feature. Users will be able to more easily recognize and trust apps linked with official bodies, and this action provides an extra degree of transparency on top of that.
Widespread Impact
A more inclusive user experience is Google’s goal; thus, the company is working to make new features available to older versions of Android. Google updates supported system modules, Google Play Services, and the Google Play app rather than limiting updates to over-the-air (OTA) packages. This method allows users to take advantage of the most recent updates, even with devices that are a decade old, up to Android 5.0.
January Play System update for Pixel Phones
Updates to the Play System, which Google releases for the top Android phones almost monthly, make minor but useful modifications to the operating system without necessitating a complete firmware upgrade. Google released the January 2024 Play System update at the beginning of the year, but they quickly pulled the plug on distribution since the build was preventing Pixel customers from accessing their phone’s storage. A poor remedy was supplied to impacted consumers after the corporation hastily recognized the problem. A new Play System update for January 2024 has begun trickling out, two weeks after the release was first halted and one week into February.
According to Android Authority, some Redditors who own Pixel phones have reported getting the January 2024 Play System update. The update’s size ranges from 70 to 88 MB, depending on the Pixel. My Pixel 8 Pro also showed up for the update to be downloaded after a manual check. Just days before the February 2024 security patch becomes available for eligible Pixel phones, this update arrives.
According to Google’s announcement, the following modifications were made in the January 2024 Play System update:
Pixel owners get access to the most current version of Google’s monthly update. Get the January 2024 Play System built on your phone as soon as possible if you haven’t already.
Unfortunately, some Pixel users were unable to access their phone’s storage due to a bug in the DCLA Mainline Module in the first January 2024 release. Even worse, a similar incident that affected some Pixel 6 and 7 owners and caused their internal storage data to become inaccessible due to an Android 14 multi-user flaw occurred just a few months before this.
Back then, impacted consumers had no choice but to wipe their phones clean and start again. Lucky for us, Google had a better—though still annoying—solution to the disaster that the January 2024 Play System upgrade produced. It required us to perform a few ADB instructions.
Regardless, all of these software rollout issues have tarnished Google. Our phone editor, Will Sattelberg, finds it very difficult to suggest Pixel phones due to the company’s inconsistent performance with recent Pixel upgrades.
Head over to Settings > Security & Privacy > System & Updates > Google Play System update to get the latest version of the Play System. But if you’re worried that this update could lock you out of your Pixel phone’s storage or cause other problems, you might want to wait before installing it. Before you update, give it a few days to see whether additional users have reported no problems with the build.
Key Updates
Updates that have been sent out to Pixel phones and tablets as of mid-January include the following notable improvements to Google Play 39.3, Google Play Services 24.01, and Adaptive Connectivity Services p.2024.01:
- Badges from the government: presenting official entity callsigns on Google Play, starting with 12 nations and expanding to more.
- Enhancements to stability, bug fixes, and performance optimizations in Adaptive Connectivity Services provide a faultless user experience.
- Google and third-party app developers now have more choices to improve the functionality of Android applications by supporting location- and context-related operations.
- Updates to System Management Services that strengthen Android devices generally by enhancing security, performance, and battery life.
- Adaptive Sound Modifications: Pixel Fold-specific tweaks improve the device’s audio experience.
- Additional customizing options for live caption subtitles include new choices for size and style.
- Better alerts from Google Play Protect would keep consumers apprised of and at ease about their devices’ security.
Diverse Updates
The January releases had an impact on a wide range of features and components of the Android ecosystem. Google Play has introduced several new features that are compatible with Android versions 5.0 and higher. Starting with Android 10, system updates to Google Play are tailored to the modules that are accessible on particular devices. Google Play services, which are compatible with Android 5.0, and later, make sure that these upgrades are widely implemented.
Conclusion
The January 2024 Unveiling event will explore the Android 14 update, focusing on its innovative features, enhancements, and optimizations. Google’s services and applications layer introduces official entity callsigns on Google Play, aiming to spotlight applications from government entities across a dozen countries. The update also extends the reach of new features to older Android versions, ensuring a more inclusive user experience.
Google’s Play System update for Pixel phones has been delayed due to a storage bug, but the update has been released again. Key updates include government badges, adaptive connectivity services, developer options, system management services, adaptive sound tweaks, live caption settings, and Google Play Protect notifications. The updates cover various aspects of the Android ecosystem, impacting devices running Android 5.0 and above.
FAQS
When will Android 15 come?
However, the functionality is likely to be included in the future version of Android. At May’s Google I/O 2024, we’ll find much more when the company unveils Android 15. Keep watching!
Will the Pixel 6 Pro get Android 14?
The only devices that are compatible with the Android 14 QPR3 Beta are the Pixel 5a, Pixel 6/Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7/Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. If you were on the regular beta, you can upgrade directly to QPR3.