What you need to know
- Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 introduces platform stability and new features for Pixel series 6 and up.
- Customize app icons and enhance fitness tracking with expanded metrics in the latest beta update.
- Improved security includes developer verification and enhanced OTP protection to safeguard user data.
In a significant move, Google has officially begun the rollout of Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 for its Pixel devices, including the latest Pixel 10 series. This update marks a pivotal moment in the software’s development, as it transitions to what is known as “Platform stability.” This stage indicates that the software has undergone extensive refinement, making it ready for broader use.
As this beta version reaches its later stages, it brings a host of new features alongside crucial security enhancements. One of the standout features allows users to customize their app icons, offering a delightful way to personalize their home screens. Users can choose from an array of icon styles, transforming their apps into whimsical shapes like tiny flower blobs or cookies, adding a touch of creativity to their devices.
On the security front, this update introduces enhanced SMS OTP protection. By delaying the delivery of messages containing an SMS retriever hash for a period of three hours for most applications, the update aims to thwart potential OTP hijacking attempts. This means that if a malicious app is poised to intercept the OTP, it will not receive it immediately, thereby providing users with an added layer of security.
The beta is accessible to users of Pixel 6 through to the latest Pixel 10 series, as well as the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold. Interested beta users can easily download the update via an over-the-air process on their devices.
A new standard in smartphone technology, the Pixel 10 boasts the advanced Tensor G5 chip and innovative Gemini AI features, including Camera Coach and Magic Cue, making it one of the most intelligent phones available today.
