Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 is a feature-rich update

Google has recently released the Beta 3 of Android 17 QPR2, offering compatible Pixel smartphone owners another substantial preview of the upcoming major quarterly update.

This new build introduces numerous changes visible to the user, including an editor for the Quick Settings layout, more granular controls for themes, expanded blur effects and significant improvements to multitasking on foldable devices.

In addition to aesthetic and functional novelties, the update integrates important security measures to counter phone-forwarding fraud, underscoring the brand’s commitment to protecting users.

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3, all the new features

The rollout of Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 is currently underway with build CP41.260731.005.A2 for Pixel 6a, the Pixel 7 series, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet, while other supported devices will receive the version CP41.260731.005.B1.

As already noted in previous beta versions, Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro remain excluded from this release. Both smartphones, in fact, will reach five years before the stable release of Android 17 QPR2, marking the official end of software support from Google for these two models.

Users with a Pixel 6a or a newer model can still join the Android Beta Program and install the QPR2 Beta 3. For those already enrolled in the beta program, the update will arrive automatically via OTA (Over-The-Air), unless manually disabled.

New features in the UI and multitasking

Among the most significant changes is the new Quick Settings layout editor, which finally allows users to reorder the panel according to their preferences.

Google expands the color customization options by introducing a hue slider, which is added to the four main color styles. Alongside, the blur effects continue to be integrated into the UI, now also applied to lock screen shortcuts, the fingerprint button and notifications.

Owners of foldable smartphones will benefit from a major new feature: apps running in a window are now equipped with a dedicated bar that can be dragged to smoothly switch from full-screen to split-screen mode.

Additionally, a shortcut has been added to open a bubble in full-screen mode, now placed at the top of the context menu for faster access.

A barrier against phone scams

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 introduces crucial restrictions to protect users from scams related to call forwarding. The operating system now analyzes and selectively limits USSD codes for forwarding, such as 21, when executed via the API TelephonyManager.sendUssdRequest().

Standard apps will no longer be able to use this API in the background with only the CALL_PHONE permission; attempts will be blocked, returning a specific error. This measure prevents apps from covertly redirecting calls, providing an essential shield against fraud.

Additionally, Google has implemented a system-wide confirmation dialog when forwarding codes are entered manually through the dialpad. This extra confirmation aims to deter scams where victims are persuaded to enter a code that silently redirects incoming calls.

The company notes that these changes will not affect other legitimate USSD requests, such as balance checks or credit transfers.

Bug fixes and optimizations

In addition to the new features, Google has focused on system stability by fixing several relevant bugs. A problem causing visual corruption and unexpected reboots when opening the notification shade or Quick Settings has been resolved.

The update also improves the Device health and support tool, which previously could incorrectly report a degradation in battery capacity.

Finally, the Terminal app gains an option to manage links opened inside a virtual machine, allowing you to choose whether to automatically forward URLs to the host system’s browser or to open them in the VM’s browser, if installed.