Besides visual changes, Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 also introduces a native App lock feature to Pixel devices.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 17 QPR2 adds App lock to Pixel
Author
Send tips/talk to abner@9to5mac.com or @technacity (open DMs).
Abner Li has worked at 9to5Google since 2015 and in late 2020 took on the role of editor-in-chief. He is keenly focused on tracking what happens at Google, and is often the first to spot new features in Google’s ever-growing family of applications that are updated on a daily basis, including Search, Assistant, Maps, Workspace, Android, Chrome/OS, Wear OS, and YouTube Music.
To him, what Google does greatly impacts the technology space and modern life. Inside the company, he is particularly interested in the key products mentioned above, as well as services like Google Podcasts and Google Lens. Each are massive platforms that can be unwieldy to grasp, with Abner keenly bent on understanding their philosophy and future direction. He is most excited about Google’s plans for augmented reality glasses.
Abner spearheads the APK Insight program at 9to5Google to chronicle all changes in the company’s Android apps, often finding new features before they are officially announced. This includes redesigns and revamps, launches, and new products.
A big area of interest is Google’s hardware division, including Pixel, Fitbit, and Nest. He detailed all of the Pixel 3’s camera features before launch and scooped the 2nd-generation Nest Hub’s Soli-powered Sleep Sensing capability, including how it would integrate with Google Fit.
Recently, Abner detailed the Pixel Watch’s specs in full before launch, including bands and pricing. He also got wind of the Pixel Tablet’s ultimate form factor.
Android 17 QPR2 brings system blur to the Pixel lockscreen
The interface changes in Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 continue with more blur for the Pixel lockscreen.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s everything new in Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 [Gallery]
The preview for the December release continues today with a surprising Friday launch of Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 17 QPR2 lets you customize Pixel Quick Settings layout
The surprise Friday drop of Android 17 QPR2 lets you customize the layout of the Quick Settings shade on Pixel. This editor was introduced in the latest Android Canary build for a relatively short turnaround.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 17 QPR2 greatly expands Dynamic Color theming on Pixel
With Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3’s surprise Friday drop, Google is introducing expanded Dynamic Color theming options for Pixel devices.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 17 QPR2 Beta 3 for Pixel rolling out
Following the last release at the start of last week, Google is rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 for Pixel devices in a rare Friday drop. So far, it is the biggest update this cycle.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Journal update brings cloud-based Private AI Compute, UI tweaks, & more
With the launch of the Pixel 11, Google is rolling out a handful of updates to the Journal app that are already appearing on older devices.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Health 5.06 rolling out to control the Coach in Today tab
Google Health 5.06 is rolling out on Android and iOS to let you control what Health Coach guidance appears in the Today tab.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app gets 3.7 Flash & setting to turn off corner media watermarks
When Gemini 3.7 Flash launched yesterday morning, Google said it was just powering the Spark agent in the Gemini app. The updated model is now available for chats.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Meet rolling out ‘Take Notes’ for in-person meetings on Android, web, & iOS
As previewed in April, Google Meet’s “Take Notes for me” feature can now work for in-person meetings.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 11’s Gboard Rambler is prompt-based, rather than real-time
Gboard Rambler is likely the flagship Gemini Intelligence feature on the Pixel 11 series, but it’s not the real-time transcription you expect.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini 3.7 Flash launches three weeks after last model, live in Spark
Just three weeks after the last release, Google today announced Gemini 3.7 Flash, which continues the company’s accelerated cadence.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 11 launch keynote live blog: Google blew it by not playing ‘Like a G6’
Google announced all the news about the Pixel 11, Pixel Watch 5, and Pixel Tag this morning, with the actual launch event taking place in the evening.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle redesigns icons for Pixel Camera, Calculator, Clock, Recorder, & Weather apps
With the launch of the Pixel 11, Google has updated a handful of Pixel app icons to better align with its latest design language.
Expand Expanding CloseHiLight on the Pixel 11 Pro offers just two features at launch, more coming soon
With the launch of the Pixel 11 Pro, Google has fully detailed how HiLight works and the thinking behind the hardware feature.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Watch 5 gets Gemini Intelligence, At a Glance, and more
Gemini Intelligence comes to Wear OS with the Pixel Watch 5, and there are a number of interesting AI and on-device features.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle starts rolling out Tap to Share for Pixel 6 and newer
While Tap to Share was announced with the Pixel 11 series, it’s also beginning to roll out for the Pixel 6 and newer today in a redux of Android Beam.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 11 debuts Gboard Rambler, location-aware At a Glance, and more Gemini Intelligence
Gemini Intelligence is a key aspect of Google’s new phones and many new features, as well as expansions, are debuting on the Pixel 11 series.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle announces $29 Pixel Tag coming in November with UWB [Hands-on]
At Made by Google 2026, Google announced the Pixel Tag as a first-party Find Hub tracker that’s coming later this year.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Pixel Watch 5 isn’t much at a glance, until you get to ‘At a Glance’ [Hands-on]
At Made by Google 2026, Google has announced the Pixel Watch 5. This Wear OS device is visually identical to last year’s model, but sees a handful of internal hardware upgrades in service of more proactive help and health tracking. However, it’s the software refinements, led by At a Glance, that stand out to me.
Expand Expanding CloseEverything announced at Made by Google 2026: Pixel 11, Pixel Watch 5, Pixel Tag, & more
While the actual Made by Google 2026 event isn’t happening for another eight hours, Google has fully detailed the Pixel 11, Pixel Watch 5, and Pixel Tag.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app hits 1 billion monthly users, Google teases what’s next
Google today announced that over 1 billion people are using the Gemini app every month.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat’s new in Android’s August 2026 Google System Updates: More accurate Wear OS workout routes
The monthly “Google System Release Notes” primarily detail what’s new in Play services, Play Store, and Play system update across Android phones/tablets, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Some features apply to end users, while others are aimed at developers.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Sheets gets a new icon (sort of): Mistake or due to feedback?
The entire Google Workspace family of apps got new icons in May. Three months later, the Google Sheets icon has been updated…
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