New Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 Features: What's Cooking for Pixel Users?

Google's latest Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 is out, packed with exciting new features for Pixel users. Let's explore what's new and what it means for you.

Customizable App Icon Shapes

• You can now customize the shape of your app icons on the home screen.
• Five shapes to choose from:
• Circle
• Square
• Four-sided cookie
• Seven-sided cookie
• Arch
• This feature was first seen in the Android Canary release and is now available in the stable channel.

Enhanced Health Connect

• Health Connect is getting a boost, now tracking your steps using your phone.
• Step data will be stored in Health Connect, making it easier for other apps to access and use.

New Developer APIs

• A new API for developers to test Android's new developer verification requirements.
• Lets developers see if an app installation failed due to verification checks.
• A new ADB command to simulate verification outcomes for testing.

Improved Security

• Protects users from malicious apps that steal OTPs from SMS.
• Withholds the RECEIVE_SMS broadcast and filters SMS provider database queries for three hours after receiving an SMS containing a retriever hash.

Upgraded Android Runtime (ART)

• Introduces a new "Generational Concurrent Mark-Compact (CMC) Garbage Collector" that focuses on newly allocated objects.
• Reduces CPU usage, improves battery efficiency, and provides a smoother user experience.

SDK Version 36.1

• Reflects its status as a minor release with new developer APIs but no new app-facing system behaviors.

Should You Install the Beta?

• If you're excited about these new features and don't mind a few bugs, go for it.
• If you prefer a stable experience, wait for the stable release in December.