Google Unveils New Pixel Features in Latest Android Beta Update

Daily Technology

·

19/12/2025

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Google has rolled out the first Quarterly Platform Release (QPR) 3 Beta 1 update for Pixel devices, offering a preview of features expected to arrive officially early next year. This beta release introduces several quality-of-life improvements and new functionalities for eligible Pixel phones, building upon the recent Android release.

Key Takeaways

Adjustable flashlight brightness.
Ability to remove the "At A Glance" widget.
More prominent location usage notifications.

What's New in the Update

The QPR3 Beta 1 update brings a handful of notable changes for Pixel users. Among the highlights are:

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Adjustable Flashlight Brightness: Users can now control the intensity of their Pixel's flashlight using a vertical slider, similar to iOS functionality. This allows for more nuanced lighting when a full spotlight isn't necessary.
Remove "At A Glance" Widget: The persistent "At A Glance" widget, which displays information like weather and calendar updates, can now be removed from the home screen. This gives users more control over their screen real estate.
Improved Location Notifications: When an app is using your location, the notification is now more prominent. Instead of a small icon in the status bar, a blue dot will appear at the top right of the screen, making it easier to identify when your location data is being accessed.

Eligible Pixel Devices

This Pixel-exclusive beta update is available for installation on the following devices:

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Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
Pixel 6a
Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
Pixel 7a
Pixel Fold
Pixel Tablet
Pixel 8 and 8 Pro
Pixel 8a
Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold
Pixel 9a
Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and 10 Pro Fold

How to Install the Beta Update

To install the Android QPR3 Beta 1, users with compatible devices can sign up for the Android Beta Program. The process involves:

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Visiting the Android Beta Program website.
Logging in with your Google account.
Viewing eligible devices.
Clicking "opt in" for the desired device.

Once opted in, users will eventually receive a notification for the available update, which can then be downloaded and installed.

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