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What you need to know
Google is launching the Android 16 Beta 3.1 update, which primarily addresses bugs rather than introducing new features. This minor patch is designed to fix several issues, including a significant glitch with the Settings app that caused it to crash, as well as an inconsistent brightness level on devices.
Released shortly after the platform-stable Android 16 Beta 3 update, the Android 16 Beta 3.1 patch aims to rectify several reported problems. As detailed in the Android Beta Program subreddit, this update is now being deployed to devices enrolled in the program, and it carries the version identifier BP22.250221.013. Notably, it does not add any new functionalities but instead includes four essential fixes, two of which were identified by beta testers and documented on Google’s Issue Tracker.
Among the noteworthy fixes is an issue that led to frequent crashes of the system Settings app under certain conditions, particularly when the device language was set to something other than English. This issue was noted as Issue #403303683.
Another significant fix rectifies a problem whereby the screen brightness on devices running Android 16 Beta 3 was erratically switching between application-specified brightness settings and the system-defined brightness. This was reported under Issue #392522561 and has now been resolved in this update.
Android 16 Beta 3.1 is now live! as shared on r/android_beta
Moreover, Android 16 Beta 3.1 addresses two performance issues that affected beta devices. One issue was linked to excessive battery drain, caused by high CPU usage, while the other occasionally led to memory leaks within the system server, as mentioned by Google.
This update retains all the modifications and new features introduced in the initial Android 16 Beta 3 release, which marked a milestone for platform stability. Key inclusions are the support for Auracast wireless hearing aids and accessibility enhancements aimed at users with low vision.
Devices such as the Google Pixel 6 and newer, registered in the Android Beta Program, will receive Android 16 Beta 3.1 automatically. The rollout occurs over the air, and users can check for the update in Settings > System > Software Update once it becomes available. Those wishing to enroll their Pixel in the Android Beta Program can do so by visiting Google’s official beta website.
Source
www.androidcentral.com