Android

Android 15 QPR1 beta brings desktop mode to Pixel Tablet, settings redesign, and lock screen widgets and more

Published

7 months ago

September 13, 2024

Tom Carter

Key Points:

Desktop Windowing: Allows multiple apps to run in resizable windows, enhancing productivity on Pixel Tablets.
Settings Redesign: Streamlined organization with Material You updates for easier navigation.
Lock Screen Widgets: Brings back lock screen widgets, but only on Pixel Tablets.

Android 15 QPR1 Beta: New Features and Installation Guide for Pixel Devices

Google has introduced several new features with the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2, focusing on improved multitasking and usability on Pixel devices, especially tablets. Let’s explore the key updates in this release and how to install the beta version on your device.

Desktop Windowing on Pixel Tablet

One of the major highlights is the new desktop windowing mode, now available in Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 for Pixel Tablets. This feature allows users to resize app windows and run multiple apps simultaneously, giving a more desktop-like experience. You can pin apps on the taskbar, and each app window now has a customizable header bar with window controls. These controls let you switch between fullscreen and windowed modes with ease.

To enable this mode:

Go to Settings > System > Developer options.
Turn on Freeform Windows.

Once activated, you can adjust app windows by dragging a handle at the top of each app window, making multitasking even more flexible. The desktop windowing mode can be controlled through keyboard shortcuts for added convenience.

Settings Redesign with Material You

Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 also brings a redesigned Settings app, improving organization and aesthetics. The new layout groups related preferences under visually distinct sections, helping users navigate more easily. The search bar has been revamped into a taller, pill-shaped design, and the app items are displayed in clear cards, making them easier to distinguish. These tweaks enhance the overall user experience while giving a fresh look.

Lock Screen Widgets Return (Tablet-Only)

Lock screen widgets, previously removed from Android versions, have made a comeback in Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2. These widgets are available by default on Pixel Tablets and allow users to add app widgets like Spotify, Google Clock, and Google Weather directly on the lock screen. Users can customize their lock screen widget panel without unlocking the device, although unlocking is required to access the full app.

Currently, this feature is exclusive to tablets, with no support for phones in this beta version.

How to Install Android 15 QPR1 Beta on Pixel Devices

The Android 15 QPR1 Beta is available for Pixel devices released since 2021, including Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 series. You can install the beta via two methods:

OTA Update via the Android Beta Program:
- Visit google.com/android/beta and opt in with your Pixel device.
- After enrolling, check for the OTA update on your device and install it.
Manual Installation via Sideload:
- Download the Android 15 Beta OTA file for your specific device.
- Boot your device into Recovery Mode and navigate to ADB Sideload.
- Connect your phone to a computer with ADB tools and use the command adb sideload to install the update.
- Once completed, reboot your device.

Make sure to back up your data and enable OEM Unlocking before attempting a sideload.

Most people will be installing via the Android Beta Program, but you can also flash or sideload.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 9 Pro XL: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 9 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 9: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 8a: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 8 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 8: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel Fold: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel Tablet: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 7a: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 7 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 7: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 6a: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 6 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 6: Factory Image — OTA

Conclusion

With Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2, Google is enhancing the user experience with features like desktop windowing, a revamped settings app, and the return of lock screen widgets for tablets. These updates push Android closer to a more flexible, desktop-like environment, especially on larger devices like the Pixel Tablet.

For those interested in trying out these features, the beta is available now for Pixel devices. Be mindful, however, that these updates are still in beta, and you may encounter bugs or unfinished features.

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Android

Android 16 beta adds battery health info, Pixel Fold gets better at detecting opens and closes

Published

2 hours ago

April 18, 2025

Tom Carter

Google has released the Android 16 Beta 1 update for Pixel phones, and it brings some helpful new features. One of the key additions is battery health information, which is now available in the settings. Pixel users can now see the battery’s manufacturing date, charge cycles, and overall health score. This can help people understand how well their battery is holding up over time. While this feature is currently hidden under developer options, it might be fully added in a future update.

At the same time, Google is also working to improve the Pixel Fold. With Android 16 Beta 1, there’s a new system that better detects when the phone is opened or closed. This new method uses the hinge angle to more accurately understand the device’s position. Unlike older systems that could be affected by software bugs or slow response times, this new one seems to be more reliable and faster.

These changes are important for people who use foldable phones like the Pixel Fold, as better hinge detection can lead to smoother app transitions and fewer bugs. And for all Pixel users, having detailed battery info can help with managing phone performance and deciding when it’s time for a battery replacement.

Overall, Android 16 Beta 1 focuses on giving users more control and smoother experiences, especially for those with foldables.

Android

Android 16 could bring colorful always-on display to Pixel phones

Published

6 hours ago

April 18, 2025

Tom Carter

Google is working on Android 16, and it looks like the update could bring more color to the always-on display (AOD) feature on Pixel phones. Right now, the AOD mostly shows white text on a black screen. But a new setting found in the Android 16 Developer Preview hints at the ability to add colors to this display.

The new feature is called “AOD Preview,” and it includes a switch labeled “Color AOD.” While this setting doesn’t work yet, it suggests that Google might be planning to show colorful content even when the screen is in low-power mode.

This change could make AOD look more lively, maybe by adding color to the clock, notifications, or wallpaper. So far, it’s not clear exactly what will change or how customizable it will be, but the feature seems to be in early testing.

Samsung already has more colorful AOD options on its Galaxy devices, so this update could help Pixel phones catch up. Google often introduces new features first on Pixel devices before making them available to other Android phones.

Android 16 is still being developed, and many features are not ready yet. But if Color AOD becomes part of the final release, Pixel users could get a more vibrant and useful always-on display in the near future.

Android

Android adds quick shortcuts for do not disturb and video call effects

Published

15 hours ago

April 17, 2025

Tom Carter

Google is testing two new shortcuts in Android that make it easier to control common features: Do Not Disturb mode and video call effects. These shortcuts are being added to the Android Quick Settings panel, which is the area you see when you swipe down from the top of your screen.

The first new toggle is for Do Not Disturb. Instead of opening the full settings menu, you’ll now be able to tap the shortcut to quickly switch between different DND modes. You can also long-press it to open full options. This makes it easier to silence notifications the way you want, especially if you have custom DND rules set up.

The second toggle is called “Video Effects”. This is useful for people who often use video calling apps like Zoom, Meet, or WhatsApp. When you tap it, it takes you to a page where you can turn on or off features like portrait blur, lighting adjustments, or filters that improve how you look during video calls.

These features are still being tested and might show up in future Android updates. Right now, some Pixel users with Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1 have seen these options. Google hasn’t confirmed when they’ll roll out to everyone, but they seem to be part of a plan to make Android tools more convenient.

In short, Google is trying to make it quicker and easier to manage your notifications and video call settings—all with just a swipe and a tap.