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Beta Program

Android Auto 17.8 Now Available for the First Users, You Can Also Install It Right Away
AppWizard
September 20, 2026

Android Auto 17.8 Now Available for the First Users, You Can Also Install It Right Away

Google has launched the beta program for Android Auto version 17.8, which can be manually installed via an APK installer without joining the beta program. The update focuses on subtle enhancements and is expected to precede a significant overhaul, including new features showcased at the I/O developer conference. Anticipated features include support for widgets that provide essential information without opening separate applications, and the integration of video applications like YouTube, allowing video playback on stationary vehicles. Users will need a Premium subscription for YouTube to access this feature. The stable version of Android Auto 17.8 is expected to be available soon through the Google Play Store, with the complete build identified as Android Auto 17.8.1638 beta.
Pigs Must Be Flying: Google Brings Back the Signal Bars to Android Auto
AppWizard
September 20, 2026

Pigs Must Be Flying: Google Brings Back the Signal Bars to Android Auto

Google is rolling out a fix for the cellular signal icon bug on Android Auto, which has been missing but does not affect the app's performance. The fix is currently available to beta users, with the cellular signal icon reappearing after installing the latest beta build. The rollout is phased, and it is unclear who will receive the fix initially. A broader announcement is expected when Android Auto version 17.8 is ready for production devices. Additionally, Google plans to introduce support for widgets and video apps, with YouTube being one of the first apps to offer this functionality. The update to version 17.8 is anticipated to be approved through the Google Play Store by the end of the week.
Google Pixel: Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 Released
AppWizard
September 17, 2026

Google Pixel: Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 Released

On September 15, 2026, Google released the beta OS update "Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5" for Google Pixel devices in the Android Beta Program. This update includes support for new Pixel devices: "Pixel 11," "Pixel 11 Pro," "Pixel 11 Pro XL," and "Pixel 11 Pro Fold," while excluding "Pixel 6" and "Pixel 6 Pro." The update is distributed via Over-the-Air (OTA) to 23 models, including "Pixel 6a," "Pixel 7," and "Pixel 8 Pro." Key features include "Call Forwarding Hardening," which restricts access to call-forwarding USSD codes to enhance security against scams. The update also includes eight bug fixes, addressing issues with Bluetooth device type display, unexpected reboots, volume slider UI, text rendering, Private Space unlocking, HDR mode, Camera app crashes, and Bluetooth audio distortion. The build number changes to "CP41.260828.004.A8" or "CP41.260828.005.A6," with the Android security patch level updated to "August 5, 2026," and "Google Play services" upgraded to version 26.28.33 or later.
Google rolling out Android 17 QPR1 for Pixel
AppWizard
September 15, 2026

Google rolling out Android 17 QPR1 for Pixel

Android 17 QPR1 is rolling out for Google Pixel devices, coinciding with the September 2026 Feature Drop and security patch. Key updates include enhanced blur effects in the system UI, a redesigned system media player with a Material 3 carousel interface, updated Quick Settings with new animations and features, and improved app management options. The rollout includes Pixel 6, 7, and 8 series devices. Users can check for the update in Settings > System > System update. The Android Beta Program will continue for future testing, and users on the beta must opt out to receive the stable version without wiping their devices.
Google opens Android beta testing for Google Drive
AppWizard
September 14, 2026

Google opens Android beta testing for Google Drive

Google has launched a public beta program for its Google Drive app on Android, allowing users to explore pre-release versions of the application through the Google Play Store. This is the first time Google has offered beta testing for the Google Drive app on Android, enabling users to access early features and provide feedback to influence the final product.
Android Auto's most requested Google Maps feature arrived then disappeared again
AppWizard
September 9, 2026

Android Auto’s most requested Google Maps feature arrived then disappeared again

Google Maps is working on improving its functionality on Android Auto, particularly with the return of the speedometer feature, which has been inconsistently available to users. Some users have successfully accessed the speedometer, while others have not, leading to discussions about its availability on platforms like Reddit. The speedometer was initially rolled out in July, but many users have reported it disappearing. Interestingly, some non-beta users have seen the speedometer, while beta users have had mixed experiences. In a recent test in the UK, the speedometer and speed limits were visible to a user not enrolled in the Google Maps beta but using the Android Auto beta. Additionally, some users have noted a decline in traffic information visibility, prompting suggestions to use alternatives like Waze, although issues with interface clutter have been reported. Most vehicles still have a driver display or heads-up display for speed, which may be less distracting than using the app. In-app speedometers can lag behind actual speed due to reliance on satellite data. The inclusion of speed limits in Google Maps is seen as a significant enhancement, especially for older vehicles that may not have this feature. Users hope for more stability and reliability in these features to improve the driving experience.
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 is shaping up to be Google’s best beta yet
AppWizard
September 1, 2026

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 is shaping up to be Google’s best beta yet

Android 17 QPR2 has reached Platform Stability with the release of Beta 4, locking the application programming interfaces (APIs) and allowing developers to refine their apps. The update focuses on system polish and bug fixes rather than new features. Google has addressed issues affecting Pixel users, including overheating, unexpected reboots, gesture navigation glitches, battery charging limitations, Recents screen problems, Bluetooth audio inconsistencies, and screen-recording complications. Hardware support enhancements include fixes for USB-C XR mirroring, compatibility with 3D smart-glasses displays, and improvements to low-light Face Unlock functionality. The beta journey began on July 20, with Beta 1, followed by Beta 2 on August 3 and Beta 3 shortly after. Beta 4 includes critical bug fixes such as resolving thermal management issues, battery charging behavior, gesture navigation refinements, and fixes for the transparent status bar during full-screen video playback. Other improvements address app drawer search issues, Bluetooth audio routing, Recents screen freezing, and screen-recording audio bugs. Beta 4 reinstates screen mirroring for USB-C XR glasses and resolves issues with 3D mode for smart glasses. Feedback from early testers has been positive, with reports of reduced lag and improved performance. However, some users have noted oversized text and lower display resolution issues, which can be resolved by rebooting. A persistent Bluetooth routing issue for incoming calls has been reported across all QPR2 betas. The update is being rolled out to various Pixel phones and tablets, with a download size of approximately 671MB on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Existing Pixel owners in the beta program will receive the update over the air, but exiting the program after installation may result in data loss.
Apps won't stop randomly crashing on some Pixel phones
AppWizard
August 27, 2026

Apps won’t stop randomly crashing on some Pixel phones

Owners of Pixel smartphones are experiencing app-related issues, with reports of music applications skipping tracks and some apps failing to stay open. Users have reported varying experiences, with some experiencing crashes across all apps and others only with specific ones like Google Photos, Spotify, and CapCut. A Reddit thread has emerged where users share their frustrations, and one user noted that joining the System Services beta program resolved their app crashes. The issue seems to affect multiple models, including the Pixel 11 and at least one Pixel 9. Android Authority has contacted Google for further information.
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3: Google brings new customization options and security
AppWizard
August 18, 2026

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3: Google brings new customization options and security

Google has released the third beta of Android 17 QPR2, build number CP41.260731.005.A2, for testing on Pixel devices including the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 series, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. Key features include enhanced theming options with an expanded color selection tool, an app lock feature accessible by long-pressing an app icon, and customization options for quick settings allowing users to rearrange elements. The lock screen has improved blur effects, and security enhancements include new restrictions on programmatic call forwarding and a confirmation dialog for manually entered codes. The beta also addresses several bugs, including display errors and device restarts. The update is available for Pixel 6 to Pixel 10 Pro XL models, and users can enroll in the Android Beta Program for installation. A subsequent update is expected in September.
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