by The first beta of Android 13 QPR2 (Quarterly Platform Release) is out for select Google Pixel models right now, giving us a brief rundown of features and tweaks that should eventually come to more Android phones.
Beta phones, According to Google’s Android Developer page (opens in new tab), Pixel 4 (4a and 4a 5G), Pixel 5 (base model and 5a), Pixel 6 series and Pixel 7 series. The release notes don’t say anything about what’s in the release, but key Android expert Mishaal Rahman broke it all down in an instant. long twitter thread (opens in new tab). Everything in the beta can be divided into two categories: the design changes that all the listed Pixel devices will get, and the exclusive features to name a few.
For starters, desktop mode in Android 13 has received “improved windowing options” via a new title bar that makes it easy to drag windows across the screen, return to the previous page, or open a toolbar. However, quite wrong Rahman shared a video. (opens in new tab) just dragging a window around in desktop mode to crash in a few seconds.
Common changes
As for other notable changes, Health Link is now a pre-installed application that allows you to collect all your personal health data from multiple sources in one application.
A new “temporary taskbar” makes the navigation bar on the Pixel homepage appear in browsing apps (possibly in others too) when you swipe up from the bottom. As the name suggests, the taskbar is temporary and retracts in a short time to avoid distractions. Google is reverting to an old design where ringtone and notification sounds are now separated. You haven’t been able to tune in for years, good to see this comeback.
Something not mentioned in the Rahman series is that the apps on the home screen extra space around them (opens in new tab). This means less space in the launcher and you may have to scroll down to find the app you want, but the new padding makes the menu look less cluttered.
Exclusive features
Some of the more interesting features are probably specific to certain models. The Pixel 6 Pro, for example, has an updated display driver that allows users to select a “1080p screen resolution option” lower than the 1440p native resolution. This option can increase battery life. Also, spatial audio is coming to the 6 Pro with the base Pixel 6 model, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro. Pixel Buds Pro next month (opens in new tab).
There’s more to the beta than that, but these are the most notable features. It is unknown if and when these features will launch officially, but Rahman claims that a stable version of the beta will be released sometime in March. If you want to try the beta, you can join. Android Beta for Pixel program (opens in new tab) Install it on Google’s website and then via settings. Google states in the release notes that there are some performance and stability issues with the beta version, so be mindful of that when trying it out.
Be sure to check out TechRadar best Pixel phones list All year long in case you’re still undecided about getting one.
