Android 15 Beta 2.1 released [Download OTA updates, Factory Images, and GSI]

Google has made the Android 15 developer preview available to the public to trying out the upcoming software they have to offer. Today, a minor update is rolling out for Android 15 with build QPR3 Beta 2.1 featuring a number of fixes.

Android 15 Beta 2.1 fixed issues that sometimes caused a device’s launcher to crash, swiping up from the bottom of the screen didn’t always show the home screen, Pixel Tablet not charging while connected to the dock, layout of notifications not organized, and many more.

The Android 15 minor update to Beat 2 has now been released for all the developers across the globe to try out the latest offering from Google to try out new app compatibility. Android 15 can now be installed on several Pixel smartphones.

According to the timeline put forth by Google, the Android 15 public beta will arrive somewhere around April 2024 and the final release around August 2024.

Meanwhile, check out what’s new and download Android 15 Preview Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 8 and 8 Pro and the Android Emulator.

The latest Android 15 is out as developer preview. That means, it’s not meant as a daily driver, and may also not contain all the upcoming features. Google, however, put forth release notes that bring some useful features.

What’s New in Android 15 DP 2.1

Google has released the third beta version of Android 15 QPR3 (June release) with the following fixes. Thanks to Gooogle News Telegram Channel for the update.

• Fixed an issue that sometimes caused a device’s launcher to crash when trying to view recent apps.
• Fixed an issue that sometimes prevented Pixel Tablet devices from charging while connected to the dock.
• Fixed an issue where swiping up from the bottom of the screen didn’t always return to the home screen.
• Fixed an issue that caused the layout of notifications on the lock screen to display with additional padding.
• Fixed various issues that were causing frequent “Application not responding” errors for both system and user apps.
• Fixed an issue where swiping down from the top of the screen didn’t always show the notification shade.
• Fixed an issue for Pixel Fold devices where sometimes when the device was unfolded, only half of the inner screen displayed content.
• Fixed an issue that sometimes prevented a user’s wallpaper settings from being backed up properly.
• Fixed an issue that sometimes stopped the “Quick Tap to start actions” gesture from working.
• Fixed various other issues that were impacting system stability, performance, connectivity, interactivity, and camera.
• Fixed an issue where the Google Play store app crashed repeatedly when a user tried to open it.
• Fixed an issue where the package manager crashed when installing an APK from unknown sources, even if the “Install unknown apps” was enabled in system settings.
• Fixed an issue that caused the Android System Intelligence app to crash.
• Fixed an issue where work profile apps sometimes crashed if the device’s fingerprint reader was used.
• Fixed an issue where an Android Virtual Device (AVD) using an Android 15 system image displayed as offline if the AVD was launched and then rebooted using adb reboot or other methods.
• Fixed an issue where the Google Play Store sometimes crashed with a null pointer exception when trying to update apps.

Here’s what Android 15 brings to the plate

Android 15 is geared towards enhancing productivity, maximizing app performance, minimize battery impact, maximize smooth app performance, and protect user privacy and security. Here’s a breakdown of the key updates:

Protecting User Privacy and Security

• Privacy Sandbox on Android: Android 15 introduces improvements to Android AD Services, focusing on user privacy and personalized advertising experiences.
• Health Connect: The update integrates Android 14 extensions around Health Connect, offering a secure platform for managing health and fitness data.
• File Integrity: Android 15’s File IntegrityManager includes new APIs leveraging the fs-verity feature for enhanced security against file tampering.

Supporting Creators

• In-app Camera Controls: Android 15 introduces new camera control extensions, including low light enhancements and advanced flash strength adjustments.
• Virtual MIDI 2.0 Devices: Extends UMP support to virtual MIDI apps, allowing composition apps to control synthesizer apps as virtual MIDI 2.0 devices.

Performance and Quality

• Dynamic Performance: Android 15 invests in the Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF), enabling apps to interact more directly with device power and thermal systems.

Developer Productivity

• OpenJDK APIs: Android 15 adds OpenJDK APIs with quality-of-life improvements, ensuring developers have access to the latest programming features.

When will your phone receive Android 15?

Download Android 15

You can get Android 15 on select Pixel devices by downloading the full Factory Images listed below and install them via the new Android Flash Tool portal. Simply sign in with your Google Account associated with your Pixel phone and follow the instructions.

You will need to enable USB Debugging (ADB access) and OEM Unlocking before flashing the Android beta 1.

Flashing Factory Images or flashing OTA files from Android 14 is another way to upgrade.

Important Links

• Android Flash Tool Files (Install)
• Factory Image Files (Downloads)
• Apply OTA images — can be installed without data reset and bootloader unlocking
• Installation Instructions (Install)
• Download Android 14 GSI (Generic System Image)

Source 1, Source 2, Join Telegram Channel.