Google Rolls Out Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 – What’s Changing on Pixels?

Google's next Android 16 version, QPR2, has now reached the third beta stage, giving Pixel users a glimpse of what to expect in the stable December release.

The update, which is compatible with Pixel 6 through Pixel 10 devices, is mostly about bug fixes and system improvements. Beta 3 also includes the latest security patch level, so the devices are still safe until the full update is released.

Pixel users who have installed the beta are mentioning small changes in usability which are still distinct. Besides, the Android Easter egg spaceship game is now capable of receiving live updates. Switching apps while he is in autopilot the user will see a status chip in the notifications tracking the spaceship's journey.

The new lock screen widgets that were added in QPR2 are still present but have undergone some changes. The beta 3 release has removed the “when to automatically show” option, which allowed widgets to show up when the phone was charging or lying down before. The “widgets on lock screen” setting is now located in a submenu with pictures and a “Beta” label, marking its trial status. There is also a warning on the page that lock screen widgets are accessible to anyone who has access to the device.

To ease access is one of the main reasons for the new changes. The QPR2 Beta 3 for Android 16 has a newly added toggle under Settings > Accessibility > Color & motion to minimize background blur. This not just reduces the blur effects in the Quick Settings panel and notifications but also in the lock screen, app drawer and recent apps menu, thus, making the elements in the interface easier to read.

A slightly animated update was also given to the lock screen clock. Upon tapping the clock, the user will experience a temporary “fidgeting” effect but the other clock customization options have been disabled for the time being. The Photo Picker has been further developed, with a new date scrubber feature that's easier to use for quicker navigation and a voice search function that lets the users find pictures fast by their voice commands.

The following enhancements are among the new features that came with Beta 3:

- The media player is now visible again on the lock screen.

- The app context menus on the home screen have + buttons next to each shortcut.

- The Live Caption toggle is placed on the volume slider when the corresponding option is turned on.

- The vibration and haptics sliders have level indicators now for more accurate adjustments.

Google is working on Android 16 QPR2 quietly but that means at the same time they are trying to get rid of as many bugs as possible before the December rollout. Users can enroll in the beta version to get these features but some will opt to wait for the stable release.