Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2: Top New Features, Modes Overhaul, and What’s Coming Next!

Latest Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2 Update: Key Features and Changes

Well, my friends, it’s that time of the month again, as Google just released the latest Android 14 update with QPR1 beta 2. This gives us a sneak peek at what we can expect for the stable release coming all the way in March 2024.

Quick Overview and Key Highlights

Thankfully, we’ve done all the hard work for you guys and sideloaded the latest update on our Pixel devices. We’re excited to share everything new you can look forward to. So, real quick, let’s take a look. And of course, if you find this coverage helpful, consider subscribing to the 9to5Google YouTube channel, as we will be covering every beta in depth, and we do not want you to miss out on any of it.

Major Changes in QPR1 Beta 2

1.New “Modes” Replaces Do Not Disturb

Probably the first and most important change in this update is a complete overhaul of the Do Not Disturb function. In QPR1 beta 2, Do Not Disturb has been renamed to Modes, and it is way more powerful than it was before.

Custom Settings for Notifications

Modes now has a custom setting that allows you to control what notifications come through based on what activity you’re doing. So, you can set a mode for sleep, work, driving, hitting the gym, gaming — whatever you need at that time. You can specifically tailor what notifications are allowed to come through for certain apps, contacts, notifications, alarms, reminders, calendar events, and much more.

Device Behavior Customization

It’s pretty wild, actually, because you can customize device behaviors as well. When you’re in a certain mode, you can choose to have some options automatically turn on, like grayscale mode, dark theme, a dimmed wallpaper, or turn off always-on display. You can even give your custom mode a unique icon that appears in the status bar when active.

2. New Terminal App for Linux Applications

Another pretty big addition we have in QPR1 beta 2 is the new Terminal app. This is designed to allow developers to run Linux applications on their Android devices in a virtual machine.

How to Access the Terminal App

You can access it by enabling the Linux development environment toggle in the Developer Settings, and you’ll see a new Terminal icon in your app drawer. For the most part, this will be a developer-focused tool, but it also means users will be able to run Linux apps on Android 14, which should be super useful for those using Linux today.

Updates for the Pixel Tablet

Thankfully, there isn’t just phone stuff here, as Google is continuing to show love to the Pixel Tablet with a ton of new features and improvements. Some of these work for phones too, of course, but they’re much more impactful on the Pixel Tablet.

Desktop Window Mode Improvements

Things like desktop window mode on the Pixel Tablet continue to get smoother with each and every update. We talked about performance issues when it first launched, but now it’s pretty stable.

Pointer and Touchpad Enhancements

In previous betas, we got new pointer and touchpad settings where you can control the pointer speed, color, and stroke style. Now, in QPR1 beta 2, Google expanded on that with new color options, including coral and purple. The blue and green colors are darker now, making them much easier to see.

Performance and Animation Enhancements

Before we wrap up, we have some smaller tidbits I wanted to put on your radar real quick. A few members of the 9to5Google team have noticed that their devices feel much smoother and faster after updating, especially when navigating the menus and settings.

Adaptive Vibration Animation

There are some cool new animations in the adaptive vibration section, which is a nice touch. On top of that, QPR1 beta 2 brings the November 2023 security patch, keeping the system secure and updated.

Battery Charge Limit and Security Patches

For some housekeeping items, it appears the device charge limit to 80% feature isn’t present in this beta, at least on some devices. On our Pixel 8 devices, we don’t see the feature, but some users are mentioning that it is available on their Pixel 7 devices.

Upcoming Feature Drops

It’s widely expected to arrive in the December feature drop, but this beta is coming in early, so its absence right now might just be an oversight at worst.

Extended Update for Pixel 4a and 4a Pro

Last but not least, I’m super excited to say the Pixel 4a and 4a Pro are able to get the QPR1 beta 2 update. Official support technically ended in October 2023, with only two more years of security updates expected, so this is a nice surprise to say the least.

Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Android?

And that, my friends, is everything new with the latest QPR1 beta 2 update. For the most part, it’s a decent-sized update with a lot of quality-of-life changes, some new features that get me excited for the future, and it’s shaping up to be a solid feature drop alongside whatever else Google has planned.

Community Engagement and Feedback

What features are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments, and share any changes you spotted that we didn’t mention. Your support helps make this the best Android coverage possible, and we truly appreciate every one of you for joining us on our journey.

 

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