For Google Pixel users, the bane of slow and tedious updates might soon become a thing of the past. Google has finally addressed a longstanding issue with its Pixel phones, aiming to enhance the user experience during the update process. With the recent Android 14 QPR2 Beta 1 update, it appears that the tech giant has significantly accelerated the update installation time, offering a smoother and more efficient experience. Let’s delve into the details of this update transformation and its implications.
Understanding Seamless Updates:
Introduced with Android 7.0 Nougat in 2016, seamless updates brought a new approach to installing updates in the background while users continued to use their devices. The system utilizes an A/B disk partition strategy, allowing users to seamlessly switch to the updated version during a quick reboot. This not only minimizes disruptions but also ensures that the device remains operational even if an update encounters issues.
The Challenge of Lingering Update Times:
Despite the benefits of seamless updates, Pixel users have long grappled with the frustratingly slow installation times. Minor updates, in particular, often extended to an hour or more, causing inconvenience. However, reports on Reddit and independent verification by Digital Trends indicate that the Android 14 QPR2 Beta 1 update has significantly improved the update time, taking less than 10 minutes to complete.
Unveiling Behind-the-Scenes Improvements:
While Google has not officially announced these improvements, code sleuth Mishaal Rahman identified changes in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) last year targeting enhancements to the A/B installation process. One crucial improvement lies in the implementation of two threads instead of relying on a single processor thread for the update process. This optimization, merged into the AOSP resource in December, has now found its way into Pixel phones with the recent update.
Compression for Efficiency:
A key element in making the A/B update installation more space-efficient and expediting merge times is compression. Google’s use of two threads instead of one in the update process contributes to this efficiency boost. While the company hasn’t officially detailed these changes, it seems that the Pixel phones are benefiting from a behind-the-scenes technical enhancement.
Looking Ahead:
As Google continues to refine its seamless update system, Pixel users can anticipate a more streamlined and quicker update experience. While official statements from Google are awaited, the recent improvements suggest a commitment to resolving long-standing user grievances regarding update times on Pixel phones.
