With the sixth beta of Android 17 QPR1 (Quarterly Platform Release), Google has primarily integrated minor optimizations to the user interface and desktop environment. Additionally, smartphones with an update to Health Connect can capture and store more activity data. For developers, the build with version number CP31.260618.005 introduces platform stability. This means the API surface is locked, and developers can integrate new Android 17 QPR1 features into their apps.
Calorie Tracking
The number of new features is quite manageable. The most important changes were shared by Googler Mishaal Rahman on X. These include, among other things, a visual change in the context menu on the home screen. There is no longer a separation between menu items, and Google has moved the designation “Wallpaper & style” above the carousel of recently used wallpapers. Previously, this was located below the wallpaper.
Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5 vs Beta 6: Cosmetic changes in the context menu.
(Image: Google)
Furthermore, Google’s Health Connect is now capable of capturing and storing additional activity data on the smartphone. This new feature can be seen as an extension of the functionalities introduced with Android 16 QPR2. The update from December of last year included, among other things, automatic step tracking using the smartphone’s sensors. The new version in Beta 6 can also track distance covered and calorie consumption.
With Beta 6, Google has also expanded the window mode of the desktop interface, which was introduced with Android 16 QPR3. For instance, the taskbar icons are now located at the bottom left instead of the bottom center. Additionally, picture-in-picture (PiP) windows now float freely on the screen in desktop window mode, allowing them to be dragged to any position.
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Google has also included new features for users of the Linux Terminal app: Firstly, the app now offers extensively customizable settings for shortcuts, as discovered by Android Authority. Secondly, custom shortcuts can also be created.
Bug Fixes
The current beta version also includes several bug fixes. According to Google’s changelog, the update fixes an issue where users could not select multiple languages for spell check. Another bug, where pressing the device’s volume buttons in the Clock app did not trigger the expected UI actions, has also been resolved. Visual errors in the quick settings layout when swiping through the media carousel and in the settings icon should also no longer occur. This has been fixed by improving the animation and layout state management during quick transitions, according to Google.
Furthermore, app crashes due to an error in WindowManagerGlobal should no longer occur. Additionally, a generic default SSID was displayed when activating the Wi-Fi hotspot – this should also no longer happen in Beta 6.
The final update to Android 17 QPR1 is expected to be released sometime in September. This was at least the case for the QPR1 of Android 16. The upcoming version should be available for all Pixel smartphones from the 6th generation, as well as the Foldables and the Pixel Tablet. The beta can also be installed on these devices.
(afl)
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This article was originally published in
It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.
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