Following last month’s big redesign, Google today is rolling out QPR1 Beta 2 to Pixel devices. Notably, this release features a developer preview of “enhanced” Android desktop experiences with connected displays.
Here’s everything new in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 [Gallery]
Quarterly Platform Releases deliver more significant changes compared to monthly bug fixes. Historically, QPRs are relatively stable and launch as betas rather than developer previews. Google officially says they are “suitable for general use,” with Android 16 QPR1 expected to launch in September.
As previewed at I/O 2025, “connected displays enable users to attach an external display to their Android device and transform a small screen device into a powerful tool with a large screen.”
This evolution gives users the ability to move apps beyond a single screen to unlock Android’s full productivity potential on external displays.
When connected to an external monitor (via DisplayPort), the Pixel 8 and 9 series will start a “new desktop session.” Be sure to enable “desktop experience features” in Developer options after installing Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.
Google explains how the “phone and the external display operate independently,” and that “apps are specific to the display on which they’re running.” The connected display will have a task bar that shows running and pinned apps. Windows are freely resizable and apps can run side-by-side.
If you connect a tablet that supports desktop window (more on that below), the desktop session is extended across both screens.
The two displays then function as one continuous system, allowing app windows, content, and the cursor to move freely between the displays.
This builds on desktop windowing (from last year) support that lets you resize windows. That feature is launching with Android 16 later this year and has been updated with:
- Desktop persistence: “Android can now better maintain window sizes, positions, and states across different desktops.”
- Multiple desktops: Support for “multiple desktop sessions to match [user] distinct productivity requirements and switch between the desktops using keyboard shortcuts, trackpad gestures, and Overview.”
- Flexible window tiling: Multiple app windows can be arranged side-by-side and other configurations
- Multi-instance management: Apps, like Chrome and Google Keep, support multiple instances/windows. Controllable via the app header button or taskbar context menu.
- Enhanced app compatibility treatments: Application developers and users will benefit from new “compatibility treatments” that ensure “even legacy apps behave more predictably and look better on external displays by default.”
The Android Beta Feedback app is available on Pixel devices to submit problems. You can access it from the app drawer or via Quick Settings to file bugs in the Google issue tracker, while the Android Beta community is on Reddit.
Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 (BP31.250523.006) with the May 2025 security patch is available for the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and Pixel 9a, as well as the Android Emulator.
Most people will be installing via the Android Beta Program, but you can also flash or sideload.
The OTA is not yet available and will be available later today.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments