Last week, Google officially released the December 2022 Feature Drop for its Pixel devices. The update brings a lot of new and interesting features like an inbuilt VPN by Google One, unified security & privacy settings, Speaker labels with Pixel Recorder, clear calling, and more.

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Now, the company has begun seeding the first Android 13 QPR2 Beta 1 (Quarterly Platform Release) update to compatible pixel devices. Android 13 QPR2 Beta 1 (T2B1.221118.006) includes the December 2022 security patch in addition to brand-new platform improvements. The official changelogs for Android 13 QPR2 Beta 1, as well as the updates provided by Mishaal Rahman of Esper.io, are listed below (via):

  • Improved windowing options in desktop mode: A floating title bar that makes it simple to move, go back, depart, or open a toolbar to expand to full screen (leaving desktop mode), enter split screen, etc. is a feature of freeform windows with desktop mode enabled.
  • Larger clock at notifications panel: If you fully scroll down the notifications panel, the clock in the top-left corner has grown in size and the date has been added below the clock.
  • 1080p screen resolution option: Rahman alleges that Google modified the Pixel 6 Pro’s display driver to enable users to select a 1080p screen resolution, just as the Pixel 7 Pro.
  • Health Connect App: Health Connect is now much more accessible thanks to Google’s QPR2 update, at least for Pixel owners, since it will now appear as an app that needs to be updated rather than searched for or downloaded.
  • Re-enabled spatial audio on supported Pixel devices: Google has reactivated spatial audio on Pixels with the capability (Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 7, and 7 Pro). Additionally, he claims that Google intended to hold off on releasing the functionality until January 2023.
  • Fog-like effect on album art: He also mentions that the album art in the media player has a fog-like appearance after a short while.
  • BT A2DP enabled: In QPR2 Beta 1, Opus over BT A2DP appears to have been enabled, at least on the Pixel 7 Pro. This was probably done when the Pixel Buds Pro were awaiting a firmware upgrade and in anticipation of spatial audio with head tracking.
  • Users will have the choice to record either “the entire screen” or “a particular app” in a partial screen share.
  • Adaptive alert vibration: The strength of the vibration is reduced while your phone is still and the screen is facing up thanks to a new “adaptive alert vibration” feature. It is, however, currently hidden.
  • Separate ringer and notification volumes: Google is experimenting with a flag that separates the notification and ringer volumes in Android 13 QPR2. Initially separated, ring and notification volumes were subsequently integrated and have stayed as such for years.
  • Unlock only when screen is on: In order to use this feature, the screen must be turned on. This lessens unintentional unlocks on fingerprint scanners located on the side.

To experience these changes before they are publicly available, users can sign up for the beta program with supported devices. You should continue to receive QPR updates if you were a part of the Android 13 beta.

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