Even earlier than the mud had settled from the Google I/O 2025 Keynote, I found that I may obtain the Android 16 QPR1 Beta, earlier than steady Android 16 even hits telephones. I used to be really type of shocked, just because there’s often a delay between the top of the occasion and when the servers go dwell. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case this time round, even when the obtain itself took fairly some time.
Even after Materials 3 Expressive was introduced throughout The Android Present, I did not actually have any emotions a technique or one other. Positive, it was cool to see Google making large enhancements, however I simply figured it could lead to refined tweaks to the UI.
Boy, was I fallacious.
Massive modifications (and a few bugs) proper out of the gate
It would not take lengthy to see any modifications, as they’re instantly obvious proper when the telephone finishes rebooting. Upon noticing that, I did one thing that I have never completed in a few years: I ended doing what I used to be doing and explored the software program.
Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 feels nearly fully totally different from the Android 16 Beta 4.1 construct that I used to be utilizing prior. For one, I am a giant fan of the font change. There’s simply one thing about it that is good to take a look at, and it suits nicely with the remainder of the interface.
Customization is entrance and middle, and all of it begins with the Wallpaper & Fashion settings. This interface has acquired a much-needed facelift, and Google completely nailed it.
It did not take lengthy to be reminded that I used to be utilizing beta software program, as I’ve already encountered a few bugs.
The primary is that I appear to be lacking a few the Residence Display screen structure choices. I can solely select both “Small” or “Medium,” however I’m apparently lacking “Giant” and “XL.” The opposite bug that I discovered was after I was making an attempt to select a wallpaper from a Google Images album.
A number of occasions, I might decide a wallpaper and resolve towards it solely after seeing the preview. And whereas it technically took me to the earlier web page, the Picture Picker and “Wallpaper” screens would get mixed. As an alternative of messing round with it extra, I simply ended up going into the Images app and setting the wallpaper from there.
No Desktop Mode (but), however there’s one thing else
Subsequent, I jumped into the Settings app, as one does, to try to see if Desktop Mode was obtainable. Nonetheless, I used to be instantly thrown off by the colourful icons that now seem alongside every of the first settings pages. No, it isn’t a giant deal, however it was surprising and one thing else I might moderately get pleasure from.
Sadly, my hopes for Desktop Mode with QPR1 Beta 1 had been dashed. After double-checking the Developer Choices and developing empty, I made a decision to only plug the Pixel 9 Professional Fold into an exterior monitor. Sadly, all I had was the choice to reflect the display screen, which is similar conduct as earlier Android builds.
Whereas disappointing, one other shock greeted me after I opened the app switcher. Every app has its personal label within the prime left nook of the preview window, however while you faucet that, you are introduced with a drop-down context menu.
I used to be disillusioned with the dearth of a default Desktop Mode, however it did not take lengthy to maneuver on and discover one thing else new.
From right here, you might have a number of choices, equivalent to utilizing it in break up display screen mode, taking a screenshot, or choosing objects and textual content to repeat, share, save, or lookup with Google Lens. It is but once more, one other a kind of modifications that I did not anticipate, however am completely happy to see.
Extra surprises
I spent a short while longer diving by means of menus and seeing what regarded totally different, what was new. At one level, I by chance activated Gemini, solely to be greeted with two new buttons above the Gemini bar — Share display screen with Stay and Ask about display screen.
You simply need to grant entry to both “Share total display screen” or “Share one app”. As soon as granted, you will see a menu seem on the prime of the display screen that appears such as you’re on a telephone name. However from right here, simply begin asking questions, and Gemini will enable you out.
Lastly, I observed that the Fast Tiles within the Notification Shade had been additionally up to date, however it turns on the market’s extra to it. Android Central managing editor Derrek Lee knowledgeable me that the Tiles are resizable, so you may have 4 toggles in a row as a substitute of simply two. That is one thing he is very enthusiastic about.
I did attempt to see if it could let me modify the scale of 1 toggle so it could span a complete row, however no cube. Seeing as that is simply Beta 1, possibly Google will make that potential with a future replace.
Surprising emotions
At any time when an organization releases a brand new software program model, more often than not, I simply maintain a watch out for any function additions or modifications. That was the mindset that I went into I/O 2025 with, however as luck would have it, I am popping out on the opposite aspect feeling fully totally different.
I believe Google is making the proper design selections, placing much more of a give attention to personalizing your gadget. There’s nothing extra private than your telephone, and I am completely happy to see Android 16 embrace that concept with Materials 3 Expressive. Now, I simply need to hope that Desktop Mode will present up sooner moderately than later.
