Although Android 13 could be accessible for all Pixel phones that are compatible, this does not indicate that Google is ending its beta programme. The company is starting to send the first Android 13 QPR1 (Quarterly Platform Release) beta update to devices that can use it.
This will give users an early look at expected bug fixes and other small changes before they show up in an upcoming Pixel Feature Drop. Here’s the official changelog for Android 13 QPR1 Beta 1:
Developer-reported issues
- Fixed an issue for some devices that mistakenly caused a user’s emergency contact to be dialed from the lock screen when the device was in their pocket. (Issue #233159557)
Other resolved issues
- Fixed various issues for Pixel 6a devices that made it difficult for users to unlock their device or to set up Fingerprint Unlock.
- Fixed an issue that caused the system UI to crash in certain cases, such as gesturing from the edge of the screen to go back.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the 5G icon to be displayed instead of the 5G UW icon, even when the affected device was already successfully connected to a 5G UW network.
Even though Google’s patch notes only mention fixes to existing bugs, Mishaal Rahman of Esper.io has gone into the update and discovered new features. The results of his research are presented below.
- This update includes the October 2022 security patch.
- Bluetooth Audio now supports LC3. It follows a rumor last week that Google will offer Bluetooth LE audio. Next month’s Pixel 7 series will incorporate the LC3 codec along with spatial audio, but neither option seems to work properly.
- The user’s next call could benefit from the Clear Calling option.
- Android 13 offers MEP support; however, it isn’t activated here. eSIM will be an important part of Android’s future because it lets you put two SIM cards on one chip.
- High-sensitivity mode is now called “Screen Protector Mode.”
- A new “Languages & Input” setting appears if your device has a voice recognizer.
- Swapping split-screen windows now shows an animation.
Android’s unified security centre is ready but needs manual activation. QPR1 Beta 2 may let more people utilize it. - Unified Search is widely accessible.
- Pixel phones will indicate battery health soon.
- Google’s Pixel tablet and dock are hinted at in hidden animations.
Users can enroll in the Beta Program for your supported device to see these changes before they’re released. If you were in the Android 13 beta, you should still get QPR updates. By enrolling, users can give developers feedback and identify QPR release issues. For those who can’t wait, Google has uploaded the image files to its downloads site – here.
Availability
Devices that are compatible with the update include the Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5G, and Pixel 6. To recall, QPR update releases provide early access to Android features that have not yet been made accessible to the general public.