Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3
Although the new Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 does not introduce a large number of new features, the update does provide a more stable experience. For example, it fixes an issue where the mouse pointer could become invisible on external displays. A bug that could cause the Settings app to crash with certain private space settings has also been fixed.
In addition, Google has implemented a handy improvement for screenshots. In previous versions, the sound of a screenshot was linked to the ringtone volume. This meant you couldn’t take a screenshot silently without also muting your call notifications. That problem has now been resolved.
Camera users also benefit from the update. When recording video with 5x zoom, jerky footage and frame skips could occur whilst moving the camera. Google has addressed this bug, which should make recordings run more smoothly.
Furthermore, issues have been resolved with Back Tap gestures on the lock screen, wireless ADB connections and apps that rely on the local network. A bug in the graphics driver, which caused significant performance issues in some 3D apps and games using OpenGL ES, has also been fixed.
Not everything from earlier test versions has made it into the update. For instance, the extensive dynamic colour themes previously spotted in Android Canary 2606 are missing. Some adjustments to the distance settings also appear to have been reversed.
Android 17 QPR1 Beta 4 is available for a wide range of Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6a through to the latest Pixel 10 series, including the Fold models and Pixel Tablet. Of course, you must be part of the testing programme to access this.
