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Google has just released Android 13 QPR1 Beta 3, and you can download it now if you have a compatible Pixel device. You’ll also need to be a part of the Android beta program. Otherwise you won’t receive an over-the-air update to install the software even if you use a compatible device. To join the Android beta program, Google recommends heading to the official beta enrollment web page to get started.
This latest QPR1 beta build is arriving just two weeks after the QPR1 Beta 2 drop. So Google is keeping things right on schedule it seems. If you’re already enrolled in the beta, you can install the software on the Pixel 4a, 5, 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, and 7 Pro. And you should see an alert for the OTA to download the update. Google does mention though that it may take up to 24 hours to receive the OTA on your device. You can however always check to see if the update is available from the settings>system>system updates.
Android 13 QPR1 Beta 3 is focused on bug fixes and stability
Since QPR1 beta builds are essentially previews of upcoming feature drops for Pixel phones, the software is relatively stable. In fact that seems to be a big focus of this particular release. Google states in its official post on the Android Beta subreddit, that this build includes the latest bug fixes and optimizations for performance and stability.
That means this build should definitely more stable than the last once. But Google does also note that there my still be some stability and performance issues. And suggests that users be on the lookout for them. Since these builds are “suited for general use” though, that means Google is confident the software is fine for the everyday user.
You can find a full breakdown of the resolved issues with this build in Google’s release notes. But a summary of the fixes includes a problem where users were seeing the screen lock UI displayed over notifications and other content on the lock screen. Which was a top issue expressed by developers and users alike.
This build also resolves an issue where the ‘Flip Camera for Selfie’ gesture wasn’t working. As well as an issue where the screen would sometimes go blank when users tried to unlock a device.