Android 16 Beta 3: What's New with Quick Settings?

Google is constantly tweaking Android's interface, and the latest changes in Android 16 Beta 3 are a testament to that. The Quick Settings panel has seen some notable improvements. The media player, which was previously missing, is now front and center at the top of the panel. This change makes it easier to access your music or podcasts without digging through menus. The way you switch between panels has also changed. You can now tap on chips at the top left and right to open the notifications or Quick Settings panels. Additionally, swiping down on either side of the screen will open the corresponding panel. While this new gesture is handy, it might take some getting used to. Many users are accustomed to swiping left or right to switch between panels, so this vertical swipe could be a bit confusing at first. The Quick Settings panel is now vertically scrolling, allowing you to fill the entire screen with tiles. This is a big plus for those who like to customize their settings. Each tile in the edit menu now has clear plus and minus buttons, making it super easy to add or remove tiles. This is a small but significant improvement that enhances the user experience. However, it's important to note that the new design isn't perfect yet. There are still some issues with text contrast in light mode, and certain Quick Settings tiles aren't expanding as smoothly as they should. These are minor hiccups, but they do affect the overall usability. Despite these issues, the new design shows promise. It's clear that Google is working hard to make the Quick Settings panel more functional and user-friendly. The changes in Android 16 Beta 3 are a step in the right direction, even if the final product won't be ready for the initial stable release. We can expect to see more refinements and possibly new features in future updates. In summary, Android 16 Beta 3 brings some exciting changes to the Quick Settings panel. The media player's new location, the vertical scrolling, and the improved tile management are all welcome additions. While there are still some kinks to work out, the direction Google is taking is positive.