Earlier this month, Google took us by surprise with an unexpected move, unveiling the fifth Android 14 beta release. This came despite strong indications in the previous month that the fourth beta would serve as the final step before the stable release. And thus, Android 14 Beta 5 made its entrance.
Today, we find ourselves at the launch of Android 14 Beta 5.1. This release is distinguished by a slight version increment, underscoring its focus on resolving bugs—hopefully, the final ones. As we await the official stable release, our optimism is cautious, given the turbulent journey that the Android 14 beta phase has presented thus far.
The official release notes for this iteration detail four specific fixes, with the possibility of undisclosed underlying changes. The addressed issues encompass a bug that hampered SIM card detection when Fixed Dialing Number features were active, disruptions in connectivity for devices on carriers utilizing 5G standalone mode, an issue leading to a blank home screen for certain devices after unlocking, and the temporary suspension of the "feather-styled" live wallpaper to mitigate performance issues.
Google assures users that the temporarily disabled live wallpaper will return once the underlying concerns are thoroughly addressed. Could its comeback be in the cards for Beta 5.2? Only time will tell.
For those with eligible Pixel devices enrolled in the Android Beta program, expect an over-the-air delivery of this update in the near future.
