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Android 13 QPR1 Beta 2 has started rolling out to Pixel phones. For those of you who are not familiar with these updates, the ‘QPR’ stands for Quarterly Platform Release. We’re in for another beta build next month, before a stable update arrives in December.
What’s worth noting is that Google did not list “top resolved issues” with this update. This update does come with the latest October security patch, and a number of bug fixes and optimizations.
Do note that you’ll need to wipe your device if you leave the beta program. So, before you proceed to install any beta build, like this one, make sure that you’re willing to do that step. Otherwise, stick to stable updates.
Android 13 QPR1: Beta 2 is rolling out to Pixel phones, touting the arrival of ‘Battery Health’
So, what’s new in this update, other than bug fixes and optimizations? Well, Google didn’t really share all the changes. That’s what usually happens, as the company leaves it with Android sites to dig up everything.
9to5Google did spot two interesting changes in this update. It managed to find out that Google is working on “Battery Health” for Pixel phones. The site even shared some screenshots you can see below.
This feature will be available in the Settings up, under the ‘Battery’ submenu. There will be a ‘Battery Health’ menu item there. It will allow you to “view battery health status” and get “tips to extend your battery’s lifespan”.
Maximum capacity will be listed as a percentage, which is quite similar to what Apple is doing. You will be able to tap on the percentage to get more details. These are the tips Google will offer:
Enable Adaptive Charging: Adaptive Charging increases the lifespan of your battery which improves battery health
Optimize your settings: There are two simple ways you can preserve battery life no matter how you use your…
Update to the latest software: Make sure your Pixel device is using the latest version of Android OS whenever available
Find the best charging adapters: Pick out a charger that matches both the power requirement and the charging standard
This update also changes the media player squiggle & more
That’s not all. In Android 13 QPR1: Beta 2, Google also changed the media player squiggle. It also allows you to hide controls from the lockscreen.
The progress bar’s scrubber is no longer a circle, notes the source. It’s now a vertical pill, it’s tall and narrow, as you can see in the image provided below.
Now, in the Settings app, under ‘Sound & Vibration -> Media’. You’ll see the “Show media on lock screen” option. Disabling that lets you hide the card and see more notifications when audio is streaming… on your lockscreen, of course. You can see the comparison below.
The source also notes that adjusting volume with the physical rocker and tapping the overflow menu no longer opens ‘Sound & vibration’ as a bottom sheet. It is now centered.