Google packed big with its announcement yesterday, adding to it alongside the Pixel devices. With the arrival of Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1, a bunch of new features are coming to your Android device. The new test version is immediately available for Pixel models.
Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1
A new test version has been released for Android 16. The latest update to Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 introduces a host of new features and improvements in the latest Android version. The update is rolling out from now to participants of the Android 16 beta programme, if you own a Google Pixel 6 or newer.
Google has been working on refinements for the settings screen, making it just a little bigger. In the new version, you can further expand the dark theme, for example for apps that don't officially support the dark theme. You can also split the screen into two at other sizes, such as with the 90/10 split. The so-called 'User Widget' is now in Material 3 Expressive design. There is a Light Mode in the Screensaver settings and there are more parental control options in the settings. With the new second-quarter release, there are options for HDR brightness and when holding down an app icon on the home screen, the 'delete' option has been added. On Pixel devices, you had to drag up an app if you no longer wanted it.
New in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 are icon options. The new 'Minimal Icons' option lets you make app icons even more minimalistic. It is a variant of Theme icons. It will also be possible to change the shape of icons. The lock screen is also improved, with lockscreen widgets, where you can thus use your widgets as well. You can also more easily adjust the brightness of the torch.
Google's changelog reports the following further improvements:
UI, System Experience, and Accessibility
- Expanded Dark Theme
- Auto-Themed App Icons
- Interactive Chooser Sessions
- Smoother Android Migrations
- PDF Document Annotation and Editing
- Display Topology API
- Device-aware ViewConfiguration
- Granular Haptic Feedback Control
- Quick Settings Tile Categories
Media & Audio
- IAMF Decoding Support
- Personal Audio Sharing in Output Switcher
- New AAudio APIs
- HDR/SDR Brightness Slider
- Connectivity
- Companion Device Management Enhancements
- MediaRouter Network Privacy Improvements
Privacy & Security
- Secure Lock Device
- Phone Theft Protection Toggle
Developer Productivity
- Widget Engagement Metrics
- Early Warnings for 16KB Page Size Compatibility
- Enhanced Profiling
- More Robust Multi-Display Testing
As mentioned, the update will be available for the Pixel 6 and newer. This means the update is rolling out to the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Pixel 9a.
