The opposite day Google launched
Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 and
whereas it included varied fixes and new options, the most recent beta launch for the September Pixel Function Drop additionally included a small design change to the Pixel Launcher which we’ll get to in a second, Earlier than we do, we should always let you know that this new search for the Pixel Launcher matches in with Google’s feedback in regards to the September Pixel Function Drop (aka Quarterly Platform Launch 1 for
Android 16).
Google beforehand mentioned that the long run Function Drop will add “a lot of the brand new visible polish related to Materials Expressive.” Now this won’t be what Pixel customers wish to see from a QPR replace. Talking for myself, I at all times favor cool options
even when they’re taken from newer Pixel fashions. Google has a behavior of asserting a brand new function for the most recent Pixel mannequin hoping that these with an older Pixel will improve and purchase the most recent telephone. However I’ve realized over time that should you hold your pockets closed, the coveted Pixel function will ultimately find yourself backported in your older telephone.
I can assume of some options I actually wished, corresponding to
Pixel 8‘s Magic Editor (my
Pixel 6 Professional launched with the Magic Eraser solely)
Pixel 7‘s Photograph Unblur, which cleaned up older images making them look new and sharp, and
Pixel 7‘s Clear Calling, which cleans up background noise on telephone calls. All of those, and extra, are actually on my
Pixel 6 Professional. Different options backported to the
Pixel 6 collection embrace the accessibility function known as Guided Body which makes use of voice to assist a Pixel person with restricted imaginative and prescient body a selfie.
Arrow factors to smaller Google G icon within the Pixel launcher search bar in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2. | Picture credit-PhoneArena
Additionally rolled out to the Pixel 6 line is the Battery Well being indicator which delivers details about how a lot estimated capability your battery has remaining. One main function that many Pixel 6 collection had been hoping for however won’t ever obtain is Face Unlock. Nevertheless, again in 2022 there was some hope that the Sony IMX663 picture sensor used on the Pixel 6 Professional may very well be used to create a depth map which may very well be employed on a Face Unlock function. Finally, Pixel 6 customers by no means obtained a facial recognition function and are restricted to utilizing their in-display fingerprint scanner (which works splendidly in Android 16 QPR1 Beta2).
The brand new function that arrived for the the Pixel Launcher
seems on the launcher’s search bar on the prime of the display. The long-lasting “G” emblem on the left of the bar is noticeably smaller particularly compared tot he two remaining icons within the subject which incorporates the microphone icon you faucet to entry the assistant, and the Google Lens icon you press to open that function.
As modifications go, no this isn’t a giant one however it does show that Google is at all times seeking to make what it thinks are enhancements to its software program irrespective of how restricted the outcomes are.
