Android 16 QPR1 Beta is out with Live Updates, lock screen features, and more
Google has removed the curtains from Android 16 at the I/O 2025 event and launched the first QPR1 beta with exciting features. The new software version opens a new phase of customizations, security, and accessibility on your smart handsets.
Without any delays, let’s have a glance at the amazing features of Android 16 QPR1 Beta!
UI Customizations
Whether it’s the home screen or the lock interface, Android 16 QPR1 Beta has significant changes for every segment. The update introduces “Effects” for wallpaper. The feature turns the wallpaper into a specific shape. As a result, the wall poster will appear in a particular part instead of the entire screen.
AI-powered Effects appear at the bottom of the display while selecting an image as your phone’s wallpaper. It also has three options to enhance your wallpaper:
- Shape: Choose from five different shapes to fit your wallpaper on the screen.
- Weather: Applies an animated weather effect on top, like fog, rain, snow, and sun.
- Cinematic: The option applies a 3D depth effect to your wallpaper.
Google has also redesigned the App Info page in Settings with bigger icons and separate tabs for each option. The Recents Multitasking page now has drop-down options with a revamped large-screen layout. Volume Slider + Panel gets a new makeover.
Android 16 QPR1 Beta wallpaper feature (Image Credits: 9to5Google)
Notification Panel + Lock Screen
Changes are visible in terms of the notification panel and lock screen layout. Starting with the notifications, the company has added more useful shortcuts for settings and history to the panel. “Clear All” button is in the center with shortcuts to notification history and settings to the left and right, respectively.
Note that these shortcuts will disappear automatically when there are no notifications in the panel. The lock screen, on the flip side, now has a new layout option for notifications. You can choose from Full List or Compact View:
- Full View: Shows multiple alerts and then drops the rest into an overflow with icons.
- Compact View: Shows one notification with minimized icons for further notifications below that.
The redesigned lock screen also shows At a Glance at the bottom of the large clock. Meanwhile, the day/date and temperature move to the right when the clock is at the corner. You will now find new home screen grids and enhanced tiles for Quick Settings.
Android 16 QPR1 Beta lock screen (Image Credits: 9to5Google)
Live Updates
Google has introduced Live Updates with Android 16. The feature allows you to show time-sensitive updates for navigation, deliveries, or rides by using the new progress style template. It will start rolling out to device by the next year.
Android 16 QPR1 Beta live updates (Image Credits: Google)
(source)
The post Android 16 QPR1 Beta is out with Live Updates, lock screen features, and more appeared first on Huawei Central.
