Joe Maring / Android Authority
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TL;DR
- Android 17 QPR2 hits stable with today’s new Pixel updates going out.
- Changes include numerous UI tweaks, security improvements, and accessibility services.
- Google’s next major release, QPR3, is already in Beta and likely to arrive in the spring.
Google’s been previewing its big fall Android update for months now, and after a whole lot of Betas, today we’re finally checking out the full, stable release of Android 17 QPR2.
We’ve already highlighted the new features arriving (and those expanding to more devices) as part of Google’s November Pixel Drop, as well as looked over the bug fixes and stability tweaks landing with this month’s Pixel update. But a release this big also has another platform-level component to it, and over on Reddit, Google’s Mishaal Rahman is pointing out all the ways Android is improving with the arrival of QPR2.
As Rahman explains, a lot of this is going to sound like a broken record if you’ve been staying on top of all of Google’s Android testing tracks. But that doesn’t mean it’s not important, so let’s start breaking down what you can look forward to in QPR2:
Custom colors, blur effects, and lots of UI fine-tuning
This past summer, an early Android Canary release brought us our first look at new system color palette options. You can choose the intensity of the effect, and easily preview your changes ahead of applying them. Android also gets new support for adaptive wallpapers, including both light and dark mode options.
Devs can start playing around with new blur effects in their apps that now work well with media, supporting some slick-looking overlays. We’re also getting a new interface for editing lock screen widgets, improved blur effects for the system power menu, and smarter menus when you long press on your home screen.
Quick Settings, notifications, and a refreshed Status bar
After first showing up in QPR2 Beta 4, Android’s new Status bar options are now going live for everyone. As you can see, those include options for both the type of notifications you want to see, as well as controls for system mode indicators.
Ever get frustrated that an app wouldn’t let you tweak screen brightness while it was active? QPR2 adds brightness override support through Quick Settings. There’s also a new keyboard switcher in Quick Settings, improvements to Always-On Display icons, and Live Updates for when you’re sending documents to a printer.
Bluetooth and networking
If you’ve ever been jealous of Samsung’s Audio broadcast, you’re going to want to check out Voice broadcast (née Voicecast), letting you easily stream your words to Auracast listeners. Quick Settings get a new Audio streams option, and you can even use Live Caption and Translation along with them.
Ever get frustrated when Gemini shouts out at you with a wildly different volume from the media you were listening to? Google’s now evening out those Bluetooth audio volume spikes.
We’ve also got some share sheet interface improvements to look forward to, and better support for encrypted DNS servers.
Multitasking and Linux Terminal upgrades
Foldable devices offer tons of screen real estate, and QPR2 is taking full advantage of that when it comes to multitasking. Changes include an app handle up top, supporting improved split-screen transitions. Bubbles also see enhanced support, for better positioning, switching to full-screen, and launching.
Working with files gets some big upgrades for the Linux Terminal, now letting Android apps browse files during an active Linux session.
You’ll also see a new interface when using your phone as a USB webcam, new Screen recorder default behavior, and a slightly tweaked look for Screen Reactions.
Security and privacy
New anti-scam protections are designed to keep you safe from even convincing fraudsters, including attempts to forward calls. We also get the new SIM security timeline viewer, complete with multi-SIM support, plus easy-to-view info on security measures your carrier is using.
For users into sideloading, QPR2 implements a refreshed workflow for easily granting permissions when needed.
Accessibility and more
Finally, we’ve got a few additions intended to make life easier for users of all abilities. Those include a number of tweaks for people with various issues perceiving colors, correcting a few bugs in the process.
Frequent travelers will appreciate the ability to set a preferred home time zone. And users who are picky about their haptics can try out a new keyboard vibration intensity slider.
Like we said: This is a lot. Look for the update hitting your Pixel device over the course of the next week or so, and get started trying out all these changes for yourself.
