Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3
Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 is mainly about small refinements, new animations and further modernisation of the interface. So not a huge revolution, but an update that should make Android just a little smoother and more uncluttered.
The latest beta is available for a wide range of Pixel devices, from the Pixel 6 series to the more recent Pixel 10 models. As is often the case with these Quarterly Platform Release (QPR) updates, the main focus is on improving the day-to-day user experience.
One of the most notable changes is in the camera. When you press the power button twice from the lock screen to open the camera, you will now see a new animation. The media player also gets a new look. Instead of separate elements, Android now uses a card-based interface with a carousel design according to Material 3, making it easier to switch between different media apps. At the same time, the audio output button has become more compact, making the whole thing look less busy.
Photo via 9to5Google
Furthermore, screen recording will now automatically remember which app you last recorded. That saves a few taps if you shoot screen videos regularly. Google is also adding more blur effects to the interface. That may sound small, but it makes for a more modern look and more depth in menus and quick settings. The quick settings panel has also received new "jumping" animations that feel a bit more playful.
Apart from the visible changes, the update mostly contains many bug fixes. These include issues with dropping WiFi, distorted sound during media playback and widgets that sometimes disappeared after restarting the device. Several interface bugs in full-screen apps have also been addressed.
As usual with beta updates, minor bugs may still be present. Still, this version gives a fairly clear picture of what Android 17 is working towards: a quieter design, smoother animations and a system that gets in the way less during daily use.
The final version of Android 17 is expected later this year, while these QPR updates mainly serve to roll out new features to Pixel users step by step already.
