Google's latest Pixel drop has arrived, and it's a big one! The final beta for Android 16 QPR2 is here, and it's packed with exciting features and improvements.
But here's where it gets controversial: Google is offering an early taste of the upcoming quarterly release, allowing users to beta test and help iron out any issues. This move has sparked debate among tech enthusiasts, with some questioning the wisdom of such an early release. And this is the part most people miss: the beta is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth final update.
So, what's new in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3? Well, for starters, it's available for all Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 series onwards, including the brand-new Pixel 10. Google has addressed a range of issues, from fixing Google Play System Updates to resolving display and battery-related problems. One notable fix is the correction of blank gray circles appearing as homescreen shortcuts, a bug that many users had reported.
Here's a breakdown of the key issues resolved:
- Google Play System Updates installation issues
- Blank gray circles on homescreen shortcuts
- Incorrect coloring on the Wallet icon
- Battery charging to 100% with adaptive charging turned on
- Swipe-up gesture malfunction
- Theme application issues
- Rainbow artifacts in 50MP images
- Excessive CPU usage by the launcher, impacting battery life
- Incorrect Bluetooth audio routing during calls
- Limited access to 6GHz Wi-Fi networks in New Zealand
- Terminal app crashes when changing UI font size
- Inability to type special characters in the GUI terminal
- Buggy animations and lag when swiping lockscreen widgets and the notification shade
- Unresponsive or frozen screen when unlocking the device
- Display freezes and screen noise
- Unexpected device crashes
Now, if you're eager to try out the beta, you'll need to enroll your Pixel device in the Android Beta program. Once enrolled, you'll receive the over-the-air (OTA) update shortly. However, it's important to note that installing the beta comes with a catch: you won't be able to return to the stable channel without a data wipe until the final QPR2 update is released in early December. So, it's a commitment, but one that many tech enthusiasts are willing to make.
Sources indicate that the stable release of Android 16 QPR2 is scheduled for December 2, 2025, so mark your calendars! But until then, the beta offers an exciting glimpse into the future of Android.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to dive into the world of Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3? Or do you prefer to wait for the stable release? Let us know in the comments and join the discussion!
