New Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 Features: What's Cooking for Pixel Users?

Google's latest Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 is out, and it's packed with some cool new features for Pixel users. Let's dive in and see what's new and what it means for you. First up, you can now customize the shape of your app icons on the home screen. Google has given us five different shapes to choose from: circle, square, four-sided cookie, seven-sided cookie, and arch. This feature was first seen in the Android Canary release, but now it's finally making its way to the stable channel. So, if you've been waiting to jazz up your home screen, this is your chance. Next, Health Connect is getting a boost. Initially, Health Connect was just a hub for your health and fitness data, but now it's stepping up its game. In this beta, Health Connect will track your steps using your phone. This means your step data will be stored in Health Connect, making it easier for other apps to access and use. But that's not all. Google is also adding a new API for developers to test Android's new developer verification requirements. This API lets developers see if an app installation failed due to verification checks. Plus, there's a new ADB command to simulate verification outcomes for testing. This is a big deal for developers, as it helps them prepare for next year's changes. On the security front, Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 is protecting users from malicious apps that steal OTPs from SMS. It does this by withholding the RECEIVE_SMS broadcast and filtering SMS provider database queries for three hours after an SMS containing a retriever hash has been received. This is a welcome addition, as it adds an extra layer of security for users. The Android Runtime (ART) is also getting an upgrade. It now has a new “Generational Concurrent Mark-Compact (CMC) Garbage Collector” that focuses on newly allocated objects. Google says this will lead to reduced CPU usage, a smoother user experience, and improved battery efficiency. So, expect your Pixel device to run more efficiently. Lastly, the SDK version for Android 16 QPR2 is 36. 1. This reflects its status as a minor release with new developer APIs but no new app-facing system behaviors. So, is it worth installing the beta on your Pixel device? If you're excited about these new features and don't mind a few bugs, then go for it. But if you prefer a stable experience, you might want to wait for the stable release in December.