Beta software packages are not meant for official use. They are intended solely for testing purposes. It is very necessary for developers to release beta software versions because it helps them to identify all problems with the software and fix them before the final version is out. Therefore, it is never advisable to install a beta firmware on your main phone. You could end up damaging the phone totally. You can also face software issues that can be hard to fix. At least, until the final version is released. A similar issue has to do with Google’s Android 14 beta 2.1 update. Users who installed this particular version are facing issues with Google camera app.
Initial Android 14 Beta Versions Were Filled with Bugs 
The initial public beta release of Android 14 from Google was deemed somewhat unfinished. This was due to the presence of many frustrating bugs and non-functional features. Shortly after, a point release was issued to address some of these issues. Beta 2 followed, resolving even more problems. Recently, Android 14 Beta 2.1 was released, which is considered the most refined version so far. However, it still encounters occasional glitches. The most recent issue to arise affects the functionality of the Google Camera app, causing difficulties for users.
Despite Google’s efforts to address issues, it appears that for each problem they resolve, another one emerges. Android 14 Beta 2.1 was anticipated to provide a fully functional operating system. Unfortunately, users have encountered a new problem. Specifically, the camera app freezes and subsequently crashes. This happens when attempting to switch to an ultrawide lens on Pixel phone. This issue prevents users from utilizing the desired camera feature effectively.
Gizchina News of the week
During testing, it was observed that even after successfully switching to the ultrawide lens, returning to the primary lens caused the camera app to crash. In the event of a crash during video mode, a toast message might appear. Thes message indicates that a portion of the last recording might not have been saved. Furthermore, after upgrading to the Android 14 beta, users were prompted to install a 300+MB update for the Camera app. The worst part, this update did not resolve the problem. It appears that this issue specifically affects Pixel 6 and 7 series devices running Android 14 Beta 2.1.
How To Resolve the Camera Issue in Android 14. Beta 2.1 
Fortunately, there are workarounds available for this issue. One workaround involves opening the camera app and switching to portrait mode. Then returning to the standard mode. After performing this action, the camera app should no longer crash. Regardless of how many times you switch between the primary and ultrawide lenses. Another workaround involves quickly capturing a photo using the primary lens as soon as the camera app opens. This method also appears to prevent crashes when switching between lenses. These workarounds can help users avoid the camera app crashes and continue using the desired camera functionality.
It is worth noting that the camera app does not crash when recording a video with the ultrawide lens. And subsequently switching to the primary lens. However, you can decide to avoid these workarounds altogether. This is because the latest release now allows you to exit the beta entirely. You can revert back to the stable Android 13 version.
