Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1: New features, custom modes, Linux Terminal app, and revamped Pixel wallpaper experience Introduction

Google is already pushing out the Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 update to its Pixel devices, even before the official release of QPR1 in December. This new Quarterly Platform Release (QPR) brings a host of exciting changes, bug fixes, and fresh features to improve user experience. Let’s dive into all the significant updates coming with this release, including a customizable Do Not Disturb Mode, a new Linux Terminal app, and a redesigned Pixel wallpaper interface.

What is Android QPR?

QPR (Quarterly Platform Release) is a mid-cycle update strategy by Google to introduce significant features without waiting for a major Android release. Unlike regular monthly updates that focus on minor bug fixes, QPRs include bigger enhancements and UI changes, making them ideal for testing new features before the next major Android version. The stable release of Android 15 QPR2 is expected in March 2025.

Key Features of Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1

1. Customizable Do Not Disturb Modes

One of the standout features of Android 15 QPR2 is transforming the “Do Not Disturb” feature into a fully customizable “Modes” system. Here’s what’s new:

• Multiple Custom Modes: Users can now create different Modes, each tailored to specific needs. For example, you could have a “Work Mode,” “Sleep Mode,” or “Exercise Mode,” each with unique settings for notifications, alarms, and display options.
• Icon and Trigger Options: Each Mode can have its own icon and be triggered manually or automatically based on time, location, or connected devices. You can choose from over 40 different icons, which will be visible on the status bar and lock screen when the Mode is active.
• Quick Access: Modes can be easily toggled via the new Quick Settings tile, offering users a fast way to switch between different setups without diving into the settings menu.

This new system offers flexibility beyond the traditional “Do Not Disturb” and allows users to customize their phone experience according to their lifestyle.

2. Introduction of a Linux Terminal App

In a bid to enhance productivity on Android devices, Google has introduced a Linux Terminal app in Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1. Here’s what this feature entails:

• Linux Terminal Integration: This feature is designed for developers who need to run Linux commands or apps directly on their Android devices. It uses the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) to enable a secure environment for running Linux distributions like Debian.
• Developer Options: The Linux Terminal can be enabled from the Developer options under Settings > System. After activation, a Terminal app appears, ready to execute Linux commands.
• AVF Expansion: Initially introduced in Android 13, AVF was created to securely compile sensitive code. In Android 15, Google has expanded its capabilities to support full-fledged operating systems, allowing a seamless experience when running Linux apps.

This update marks a step forward in making Android devices, especially those with larger screens like tablets, more suitable for developers looking to perform complex tasks on the go.

3. Early Redesign of the Pixel Wallpaper App

Google is also revamping the Pixel wallpaper app with changes spotted in the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 1 update. Here’s what to expect:

• Streamlined UI: The traditional tabs for customizing the home screen and lock screen have been replaced with a new swipe-based carousel. This change simplifies navigation, allowing users to switch between home screen and lock screen customization effortlessly.
• New Clock and Shortcut Customization: Customizing the lock screen clock style and shortcuts is now integrated into a bottom sheet design. This new interface displays all clock styles and shortcut options in a single, scrollable view, making it easier to select and preview changes.
• Enhanced Color Palette Picker: The system color picker has been updated to show more options at once. When selecting a color palette, the home screen preview zooms in, providing a clearer view of how the icons and theme will look. The dark theme toggle is also integrated for a quick preview of the theme in dark mode.

These UI changes aim to make the wallpaper and style customization process more intuitive, giving users a better preview of their adjustments.

Device Compatibility

The Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 update is available for a wide range of Pixel devices, including:

• Pixel 6 Series: Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a
• Pixel 7 Series: Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a
• Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 Series: Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold
• Others: Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold
• Android Emulator: Available for developers using Android Studio

Users enrolled in the Android Beta Program for Pixel can receive the update via OTA (Over-The-Air). Alternatively, users can manually flash the factory image or sideload the update if needed.

How to Install the Android 15 QPR2 Beta

To get started with the Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 update:

1. Join the Android Beta Program: Enroll your compatible Pixel device at the Android Beta Program website.
2. Check for Updates: Once enrolled, go to Settings > System > System Update to download the beta update.
3. Flash or Sideload: Advanced users can also opt to flash the factory image or sideload the OTA update manually.

Upcoming Features and Expectations

While this update brings substantial new features, it’s clear that Google is laying the groundwork for even more significant changes expected in Android 16, slated for release in 2025. Some anticipated improvements include:

• Further Enhancement of Linux Integration: With the introduction of the Linux Terminal app, Google is expected to expand its capabilities, possibly supporting more Linux distributions and better compatibility with Android’s Virtualization Framework.
• Advanced Customization with Modes: As Google continues to refine the Modes feature, we might see more triggers and deeper integration with third-party apps and services, making it even more versatile.
• UI Overhauls Across Pixel Devices: Based on the early design changes in the wallpaper app, we can anticipate a more cohesive design language throughout Pixel’s UI in future updates.

Conclusion

The Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 update brings exciting enhancements to Pixel devices, focusing on productivity, customization, and user experience. With features like the customizable Modes system, a developer-focused Linux Terminal app, and a revamped Pixel wallpaper app, Google is setting the stage for a more versatile and user-friendly Android ecosystem. Users looking to get an early taste of these features can join the Android Beta Program, but it’s advisable to back up your data as betas may still have some stability issues.

This update is just the beginning, and we can expect even more polished features in the stable release slated for March 2025. As Google continues its quarterly update strategy, Android users can look forward to receiving new capabilities and enhancements more frequently, making the Android experience more dynamic than ever.