Android

Android 15 QPR1 beta brings desktop mode to Pixel Tablet, settings redesign, and lock screen widgets and more

Published

8 months ago

September 13, 2024

Tom Carter

Key Points:

Desktop Windowing: Allows multiple apps to run in resizable windows, enhancing productivity on Pixel Tablets.
Settings Redesign: Streamlined organization with Material You updates for easier navigation.
Lock Screen Widgets: Brings back lock screen widgets, but only on Pixel Tablets.

Android 15 QPR1 Beta: New Features and Installation Guide for Pixel Devices

Google has introduced several new features with the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2, focusing on improved multitasking and usability on Pixel devices, especially tablets. Let’s explore the key updates in this release and how to install the beta version on your device.

Desktop Windowing on Pixel Tablet

One of the major highlights is the new desktop windowing mode, now available in Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 for Pixel Tablets. This feature allows users to resize app windows and run multiple apps simultaneously, giving a more desktop-like experience. You can pin apps on the taskbar, and each app window now has a customizable header bar with window controls. These controls let you switch between fullscreen and windowed modes with ease.

To enable this mode:

Go to Settings > System > Developer options.
Turn on Freeform Windows.

Once activated, you can adjust app windows by dragging a handle at the top of each app window, making multitasking even more flexible. The desktop windowing mode can be controlled through keyboard shortcuts for added convenience.

Settings Redesign with Material You

Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 also brings a redesigned Settings app, improving organization and aesthetics. The new layout groups related preferences under visually distinct sections, helping users navigate more easily. The search bar has been revamped into a taller, pill-shaped design, and the app items are displayed in clear cards, making them easier to distinguish. These tweaks enhance the overall user experience while giving a fresh look.

Lock Screen Widgets Return (Tablet-Only)

Lock screen widgets, previously removed from Android versions, have made a comeback in Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2. These widgets are available by default on Pixel Tablets and allow users to add app widgets like Spotify, Google Clock, and Google Weather directly on the lock screen. Users can customize their lock screen widget panel without unlocking the device, although unlocking is required to access the full app.

Currently, this feature is exclusive to tablets, with no support for phones in this beta version.

How to Install Android 15 QPR1 Beta on Pixel Devices

The Android 15 QPR1 Beta is available for Pixel devices released since 2021, including Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 series. You can install the beta via two methods:

OTA Update via the Android Beta Program:
- Visit google.com/android/beta and opt in with your Pixel device.
- After enrolling, check for the OTA update on your device and install it.
Manual Installation via Sideload:
- Download the Android 15 Beta OTA file for your specific device.
- Boot your device into Recovery Mode and navigate to ADB Sideload.
- Connect your phone to a computer with ADB tools and use the command adb sideload to install the update.
- Once completed, reboot your device.

Make sure to back up your data and enable OEM Unlocking before attempting a sideload.

Most people will be installing via the Android Beta Program, but you can also flash or sideload.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 9 Pro XL: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 9 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 9: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 8a: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 8 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 8: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel Fold: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel Tablet: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 7a: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 7 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 7: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 6a: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 6 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
Pixel 6: Factory Image — OTA

Conclusion

With Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2, Google is enhancing the user experience with features like desktop windowing, a revamped settings app, and the return of lock screen widgets for tablets. These updates push Android closer to a more flexible, desktop-like environment, especially on larger devices like the Pixel Tablet.

For those interested in trying out these features, the beta is available now for Pixel devices. Be mindful, however, that these updates are still in beta, and you may encounter bugs or unfinished features.

Up Next

Pixel 9 Pro repair costs show expensive camera upgrade, cheaper rear cover, and design changes

Don't Miss

Google rollsout Gemini Live to free users, Chrome introduces one-tap unsubscribe, and Google Photos improves clutter management

Click to comment

Android

Android Auto 14.3 brings more bug fixes and starts wider rollout

Published

1 day ago

May 16, 2025

Tom Carter

Google has started rolling out Android Auto version 14.3 more widely after a limited release earlier this month. This update doesn’t bring new features, but it focuses on making things work better by fixing bugs and improving performance.

Android Auto 14.3 began showing up for more users through the Google Play Store, especially those using the beta version. If you’re already part of the beta program, you should see the update soon. For others, the rollout is happening gradually, so it might take a few days to appear.

While Google hasn’t provided detailed patch notes for this version, early users say that the update improves the overall experience by making the system more stable. Users haven’t noticed major visual changes, but smoother performance is always welcome, especially during driving.

As usual, Android Auto updates mostly happen in the background. If you want to check which version you have, open Android Auto settings on your phone. You can also join the beta program or install the APK manually if the update hasn’t reached your device yet.

In short, Android Auto 14.3 is all about improving stability and fixing problems that users might have faced in previous versions. It’s part of Google’s regular efforts to make the in-car experience better and safer for everyone.

Android

Android 16 brings smart notification shortcuts with ‘Magic’ actions

Published

1 day ago

May 16, 2025

Tom Carter

Android 16 could include an update to make notifications simpler to process. Google is working on a feature called “notification cooldown with action buttons,” which addresses repeated alerts and provides helpful buttons whenever needed.

If you keep getting lots of notifications from the same app, Android usually does not alert you right away. Android 14 and 15 are currently testing the feature known as notification cooldown.

Now with Android 16, Google could go one step more by allowing app developers to add smart actions to each notification. They are helpful because they can respond to your recent usage of the apps or programs.

In some cases, if you get notified while using music, the message will also have an option to immediately handle your music settings. Similarly, a “reply” button may appear quickly or you could get other options useful for whatever is going on in your phone. It allows you to perform tasks you see in the notification without going into the app.

There is no official release yet, yet the code included in Android 16 hints that it is under development. If this solution is used, it may make receiving notifications more useful and less troublesome.

Generally, Android 16 attempts to make receiving notifications easier and more useful with its “magic” actions.

Android

Gboard gets a fresh emoji menu with a cleaner look

Published

3 days ago

May 14, 2025

Tom Carter

Google is rolling out a new look for the emoji section in Gboard, giving it a cleaner and simpler design. This updated layout is starting to show up for users on the latest Gboard beta version (13.9), and it might soon come to the stable version too.

In the new design, the emoji panel now floats above the keyboard instead of being attached to it. The search bar, category tabs, and the emoji grid all appear inside a neat floating window with rounded corners. This gives the whole emoji section a modern and less cluttered appearance.

The categories at the top are still there, but they now sit in a card-style bar that blends nicely with the rest of the UI. The search bar has also been updated with a clearer background, making it easier to use. Even though the layout looks different, the actual emoji and features like stickers and GIFs are still available and work the same way.

Some users have also noticed that this new style matches the look of other Google apps that follow the updated Material You design. It’s part of Google’s effort to make its apps feel more consistent and user-friendly across Android.

Right now, the redesign seems to be rolling out in stages, so not everyone will see it immediately. If you’re using Gboard beta, you might already have it, or it could show up soon.