What you need to know
In a significant development for Pixel enthusiasts, Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 introduces a much-anticipated feature: a native toggle that allows users to remove the At a Glance widget from their home screens. This long-standing debate between Google and its dedicated user base has finally found a resolution, granting users greater control over their home screen layout.
- The At a Glance widget, which has been a staple for displaying date and weather information, can now be hidden from the home screen while still keeping the information accessible on the lock screen and Always-on Display.
- Additionally, the update introduces a brightness slider for the flashlight, allowing for more tailored lighting options—dim for nighttime reading or bright for enhanced visibility.
- For those transitioning from other devices, the update also permits users to swap navigation buttons, aligning the Back and Recents keys with the layout familiar to Samsung users.
While these enhancements are exciting, it is essential to approach the beta version with caution. Early reports indicate that Microsoft applications may experience crashes within Work Profiles, which could pose challenges for users relying on Teams or Outlook for their professional needs. As such, if reliability is paramount for your daily tasks, it may be prudent to wait for the stable release anticipated in March 2026 before making the switch.
