Discover Google’s Latest Android Features in Pixel Beta
▼ Summary
– Google has released QPR3 Beta 1, the first beta update for its next quarterly Pixel feature drop, which will be officially released early next year.
– The update is available for Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 series onward, including the latest Pixel 9 and 10 models.
– A key new feature allows users to adjust the brightness of the phone’s flashlight using a vertical slider while it is on.
– Users can now fully remove the previously permanent “At A Glance” widget from their home screen to free up space.
– The update improves location privacy by showing a more prominent blue notification dot when an app is actively using your location.
Google has released the first beta for its next Quarterly Platform Release, offering Pixel owners an early look at features slated for a broader rollout in the coming months. This QPR3 Beta 1 update, arriving shortly after the latest major Android version, brings several practical refinements and new capabilities to compatible devices. While the initial changes are relatively modest, they include some long-requested user interface tweaks and privacy enhancements that many will appreciate.
The beta is currently available for a wide range of Pixel models, from the Pixel 6 series all the way through the anticipated Pixel 10 lineup. Supported devices include the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a; the Pixel 7, 7 Pro, and 7a; the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet; the Pixel 8, 8 Pro, and 8a; and the forthcoming Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 families. This ensures a broad segment of recent Pixel users can test the new software.
A standout addition in this beta is a new level of control over the device’s flashlight. Users can now adjust the brightness of the LED flash while it is active, using a simple vertical slider. This functionality, which mirrors a feature long available on iOS, is perfect for situations where a full-power beam is unnecessarily bright, allowing for more subtle illumination.
Another significant change gives users more control over their home screen layout. The At A Glance widget, a staple on Pixel home screens that displays weather, calendar events, and other snippets of information, can now be completely removed. Previously, this widget was a permanent fixture. The ability to delete it frees up valuable screen real estate for those who prefer a cleaner, more minimalist setup or who use alternative widgets for similar information.
Privacy also gets a subtle but meaningful boost. The system now provides a clearer, more prominent indicator when an app is actively using your device’s location. Instead of a small icon tucked into the status bar, a distinctive blue dot appears at the top-right corner of the screen whenever location access is active. This brings location tracking notifications in line with the existing, more noticeable alerts for microphone and camera usage, making it harder to miss when an app is accessing your geographical data.
Installing the beta is a straightforward process for those with eligible phones. The simplest method is to enroll in the official Android Beta Program. You need to visit the program’s website, sign in with the Google account linked to your Pixel, and review the list of your eligible devices. From there, you can opt-in for the specific phone you wish to update. After enrollment, an over-the-air update notification will eventually appear, allowing you to download and install the QPR3 Beta 1 software directly onto your device.
(Source: CNET)
