Google shares new features in Android 17 QPR2 stable

Google has been previewing the big Android fall update for months, and after plenty of beta builds, today we’re finally checking out the full, stable build of Android 17 QPR2.

We’ve already highlighted the new features coming (and those expanding to more devices) as part of November’s Google Pixel Drop, as well as taking a look at bug fixes and stability tweaks with this month’s Pixel update. But a release of this size also has another platform-level component, and on Reddit, Google’s Mishaal Rahman Pointing out All the ways Android improves with the arrival of QPR2.

As Rahman explains, a lot of this will sound like a broken record if you’re following all the Android testing trails on Google. But that doesn’t mean it’s not important, so let’s start breaking down what you can look forward to in QPR2:

Last summer, an early Android Canary build gave us our first look at the system’s new color palette options. You can choose the intensity of the effect, and easily preview changes before applying them. Android is also getting new support for adaptive wallpapers, including light and dark mode options.

Developers can start experimenting with the new blur effects in their apps that now work well with media, and support some neat-looking overlays. We also get a new interface for editing lock screen widgets, improved blur effects for the system power menu, and smarter menus when you long press on your home screen.

After debuting in QPR2 Beta 4, Android’s new status bar options are now available to everyone. As you can see, this includes options for both the type of notifications you want to see, as well as controls for system mode indicators.

Have you been frustrated that the app won’t let you adjust the screen brightness while it’s active? QPR2 adds support for brightness override through quick settings. There’s also a new keyboard toggle in Quick Settings, improvements to always-on display icons, and live updates when sending documents to the printer.

If you’re jealous of Samsung’s Voicecast, you’ll want to check out Voicecast (née Voicecast), which lets you easily broadcast your words to Auracast listeners. Quick Settings gets a new option for audio streams, and you can also use Live Caption and subtitles with them.

Have you ever felt frustrated when a Gemini yells at you in a voice that’s completely different from the media you’ve been listening to? Google is now eliminating Bluetooth volume spikes.

We also have some improvements to the share sheet interface to look forward to, and better support for encrypted DNS servers.

Multitasking and Linux Terminal upgrades

Foldable devices free up a lot of screen space, and the QPR2 takes full advantage of that when it comes to multitasking. Changes include an app handle at the top, which supports improved split-screen transitions. Bubbles also sees improved support for optimize mode and switching to full screen and playback mode.

Working with files has gotten some big upgrades for Linux Terminal, now allowing Android apps to browse files during an active Linux session.

You’ll also see a new interface when using your phone as a USB webcam, a new default behavior for the screen recorder, and a slightly modified look for screen interactions.

New fraud protections are designed to protect you from scammers, including call redirection attempts. We’re also getting a new SIM security timeline viewer, with multi-SIM support, as well as easy-to-view information about the security measures used by your carrier.

For users who want to sideload, QPR2 implements an updated workflow to easily grant permissions when needed.

Finally, we have some additions aimed at making life easier for users of all abilities. This includes a number of adjustments for people with various color perception issues, correcting some errors in the process.

Frequent travelers will appreciate the ability to select their preferred time zone back home. Users who are picky about their touch can try a new keyboard vibration intensity slider.

As we said: this a lot. Look for the update to arrive on your Pixel device over the next week or so, and start experiencing all these changes for yourself.