Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3: All New Pixel Features Revealed
▼ Summary
– Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 was released for Pixel devices to fix bugs and includes a new security patch, with the stable update scheduled for December.
– The Android Easter egg now supports Live Updates, showing a status chip in the status bar during the spaceship game’s autopilot mode.
– Lock screen widgets have lost some customization options, such as the automatic display settings, and now feature a Beta label and warning.
– A new accessibility setting allows users to reduce background blur in interfaces like Quick Settings and the lock screen for better visibility.
– The Photo Picker has been updated with a date scrubber for scrolling by month and voice search support for gallery searches.
The upcoming December launch of Android 16 QPR2 promises a significant update for Pixel devices, introducing features like auto-themed app icons, a more comprehensive dark theme, and greater icon shape customization. To ensure a smooth rollout, Google has released Beta 3, focusing on bug fixes and stability improvements ahead of the final version.
Available now for Pixel 6 through Pixel 10 series, this latest beta phase concentrates on refining the system rather than adding numerous new capabilities. It includes the most recent security patch and addresses various performance issues identified in earlier builds. For users contemplating installation, this overview details the specific changes observed so you can decide whether to test the beta or wait for the stable December release.
A subtle but interesting change involves the Android Easter egg. Launching the spaceship mini-game and activating autopilot now displays a status bar chip tracking the ship’s journey to its next destination, thanks to newly integrated Live Updates support.
Lock screen widgets are undergoing adjustments. The “when to automatically show” setting, which controlled widget visibility during charging or when the phone was upright, has been removed in this beta. Additionally, the configuration for lock screen widgets has shifted from a simple toggle to a dedicated submenu with an illustration. A prominent “Beta” label and a warning that added widgets are publicly viewable highlight the feature’s experimental nature.
A new accessibility option under Settings > Accessibility > Color & motion lets you “reduce blur effects,” making backgrounds and panels easier to see. When enabled, this setting removes the background blur found in the Quick Settings panel, notification shade, lock screen, app drawer, and recent apps menu, areas affected by the Material 3 Expressive redesign.
The lock screen now features a playful animation: tapping the clock causes it to briefly fidget. Curiously, all other lock screen clock customization options within the Wallpaper & style app have been removed, which might be an unintended bug.
The system Photo Picker has been enhanced with a date scrubber for jumping to specific months in your media gallery and voice search support for hands-free browsing.
Several smaller refinements are also present. The media player correctly reappears on the lock screen, resolving a bug from the prior beta. App context menus on the home screen now display + buttons next to each shortcut. If enabled, the Live Caption toggle is properly visible within the volume slider. Lastly, sliders in the vibration & haptics settings menu include visual indicators for each level.
We will continue to update this article with any new findings about Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 as more information becomes available.
(Source: Android Authority)
