Google has rolled out Android 16 Beta 4.1, bringing a series of critical bug fixes and performance improvements to its Pixel lineup. This update, identified as build BP22.250325.012 and featuring the April 2025 security patch, is available for a range of Pixel devices, including:
– Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a
– Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a
– Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a
– Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9a
– Pixel Tablet
– Pixel Fold
Key Fixes and Improvements:
1. Enhanced Haptic Feedback: Addressed an issue affecting haptic performance, ensuring more responsive and consistent tactile feedback across the system.
2. 4K Video Recording Stability: Resolved a problem that impacted 4K video recording at 4x telephoto zoom, providing smoother and more reliable video capture.
3. Weather Map Display: Fixed an issue where the weather map would disappear unexpectedly, ensuring continuous access to weather information.
4. Lock Screen Shortcuts: Corrected a bug causing lock screen shortcuts to trigger with a single tap, restoring the intended functionality.
5. Microphone Indicator: Fixed an issue where the microphone indicator remained on, even when not in use, enhancing user privacy and system accuracy.
6. Audio Playback: Resolved a problem where audio failed to play from the Native Development Kit (NDK), ensuring consistent audio performance for applications.
7. Battery Drain: Addressed a constant battery drain issue, improving device longevity and user experience.
8. Navigation Bar Appearance: Fixed a bug causing a black navigation bar to appear during transitions, ensuring a seamless visual experience.
9. Google App Stability: Resolved a crash issue occurring when loading websites in the Google app, enhancing app reliability.
Update Availability:
The over-the-air (OTA) update is being rolled out to all eligible devices enrolled in the Android Beta for Pixel program. Users can also opt to sideload the update manually if preferred.
Additional Context:
Android 16 Beta 4.1 continues to build upon the features introduced in earlier beta releases. Notable additions in Android 16 include:
– Live Updates: A new class of notifications designed to help users monitor and quickly access important ongoing activities, such as ride shares, food deliveries, or navigation updates.
– Advanced Professional Video (APV) Codec Support: Support for the APV codec, offering near-lossless video quality suitable for professional-level recording and post-production.
– Adaptive Apps: Enhancements to ensure apps function seamlessly across various screen sizes and orientations, particularly benefiting devices with larger displays.
– Predictive Back Gesture: Expansion of the predictive back gesture to 3-button navigation, providing users with a preview of their destination when initiating a back action.
– Vertical Text Rendering: Support for rendering and measuring vertical text, catering to languages that utilize vertical writing systems, such as Japanese.
– Improved Accessibility Features: Introduction of APIs that allow apps to indicate when input in a field is required, enhancing the accessibility experience for users.
These features, combined with the latest bug fixes, demonstrate Google’s commitment to refining the Android experience and addressing user feedback.
