In this article four things will be discussed.
- Number one: The new features in QPR Beta 1 on my Pixel 8 Pro XL.
- Number two: Some hidden features from the previous QPR 1 betas that I never mentioned before.
- Number three: Some extra hidden features from the stable version of Android 14.
- Number four: The performance, stability, and bug fixes of QPR Beta 1, and why I think this build is worth the update.
So, without further ado, let’s jump in!
Wallpapers
Before starting, let me remind you about the Wallpapers by In-Depth Tech Reviews app. If you like any of the wallpapers I use, you will find them right here. The Google Play Store download link is in the description, which will give you lifetime access to all the wallpapers for only $5.
New Features in QPR Beta 1
Let’s start with the new features in QPR Beta 1. The first change is related to the Pixel 8 models. If you remember in my Pixel 8 Pro XL review, I talked about the misaligned status bar icons with the camera cutout because it’s now bigger. But Google did fix this problem by shifting the icons down, and now everything is perfectly centered with the camera. But unfortunately, when you swipe down to access the Quick Settings, the issue is still there, and the icons are slightly higher than inside apps. So, I hope to see a similar fix in the Quick Settings as well.
Home Screen Changes
There are a couple of changes related to the home screen. On the left, I have QPR Beta 1 on the Pixel 8 Pro, and here I have Beta 2. When I tap and hold on the home screen at the same time, you will notice that Beta 1 is slightly slower in showing the overlay menu.
Themed Icons Difference
The second change is in the themed icons. As you see here, I’m using the exact same wallpaper, and I’m setting the colors to default. But you will see a difference in how the icons look on each version. In QPR Beta 1, it’s a little bit brighter instead of the darker one on QPR Beta 2. I’m using the light theme on both, and here’s how they look in dark theme.
Archived Apps Update
The archived apps also got a new look with Beta 1. On the left, you will see a bigger icon on top of the app icon itself, and it’s grayed out. While on Beta 2, the app icon looks exactly the same, but you’ll see a very tiny archive icon next to the app name. Both work exactly the same as before.
Visual Tweaks in NFC Settings
The last change is a minor visual tweak. When you go to Settings > Connected Devices, Connection Preferences, NFC now shows the actual phone model in the NFC graphical representation instead of a generic phone like before. This is on QPR Beta 1.
Missed Features from Previous QPR Beta Versions
Now, let’s talk about some hidden features from the previous QPR Beta 1 versions that I didn’t mention before. The first one is the new widgets animation. For example, when I open YouTube Music and go back to the home screen, you will see this new bouncy animation when I quit the app. But this new animation doesn’t apply to the second row of widgets; it’s only available for the first row of widgets on your home screen.
Widget Row Animation Issue
When I switch places between the widgets and then try the same in Google Home, you will see now that the animation matches what we have with YouTube Music. But now, YouTube Music doesn’t do the same thing. It only happens if the widget is in the top row like this. You will notice the same with the Calendar widget, and this is how it looks.
Systemwide Search Control
The second change is related to the systemwide search. When you go to Home Settings > Search Settings, you will see a new item here called Control Search Results. When you go inside, it will allow you to choose which apps to include in your search results. You can choose between Contacts, Settings, Play Store, Pixel Tips, Clock, and Wallet. Plus, you have the ability to turn off something called Before Searching, which shows history and activity based on device suggestions. You can turn it on or off right now.
Hidden Features in the Stable Version of Android
Let me show you some hidden features in the stable version of Android 14 that you can also enjoy on QPR Beta 1. The first one is under Settings > Notifications. Here, you will find a new section called Sync Across Devices, which includes dismissing notifications across Pixel devices.
Sync Across Devices Feature
Tapping on it will take you to a page where it shows all the Google accounts you have on your device, and a toggle to turn the feature on or off. If the feature is activated, when you dismiss a notification on one device, it will automatically disappear from the other. But you need to make sure that both devices are using the same Google account and both are connected to a Wi-Fi network. Unfortunately, the feature seems to be broken for now because I tried it many times and nothing happens when I dismiss a notification on one device. So, I’m not sure if it’s a bug or Google is still rolling out the feature.
Hold to Cast Feature
The second feature is called Hold to Cast. This feature will allow you to cast media from your phone to your Pixel tablet by bringing both devices close to each other. You can find it under Settings > Google Services > All Services > Cast Options, and here you will find Hold to Cast. When you turn on the toggle, the feature will work, and it says here your devices must be on the same private Wi-Fi network to cast. Not all media apps work with this feature; it’s only supported with Spotify and YouTube Music, and it works with all Pixel models with an Ultra Wide Band chip.
Media Recommendations Update
I also found a small tweak under Settings > Sound & Vibration > Media, and here you will see that Show Media Recommendations is now called Show Assistant Media Recommendations. The description says, “Based on your activity.”
Pixel Satellite SOS Feature
Lastly, if you own any of the Pixel 8 models, now you can see the Pixel Satellite SOS feature under Settings > Safety & Emergency > Pixel Satellite SOS. That’s where you can activate the feature. But unfortunately, it’s not available where I live, but if you want to check the available locations, you can tap on this link. It says here it’s only available in the U.S., except Hawaii and Alaska.
Why QPR Beta 1 is Better Than the Stable Version
Now, let’s talk about why QPR Beta 1 is better than the stable version of Android 14. The first reason is the animations. From the very first moment you interact with the device, you will feel that everything looks much better. When you open and close apps, the widgets animations—either the new or the old one—along with the haptic feedback when you tap and hold on the Quick Settings, the scrolling, and so on, it looks much more refined compared to the stable version, and it will give your phone a fresh new look.
Improved Battery Life with QPR Beta 1
The second reason is the battery life. A couple of days ago, I published an article about the worst battery life of Android 14 when compared to Android 13 on the Pixel 8 Pro XL. But after installing QPR Beta 1, now I’m getting a better battery life. For example, when I show you the battery usage, you will see here that I have 6 hours and 40 minutes of screen-on time and still have 20% battery remaining. I’m using my phone exactly the same way, so I’m expecting to see better battery life with this build. These are the apps I used, and I will keep you updated with more numbers in the future. But my initial impressions are that the battery life of QPR Beta 1 is better than the stable version of Android 14.
Performance and Stability of QPR Beta 1
The third reason is the performance and stability. To me, QPR Beta 1 feels snappier than the stable version in scrolling, closing, and opening apps, and also the RAM management. I don’t have anything to prove it, but this is just based on using the two versions back to back. I feel that QPR Beta 1 is better. Plus, we have a long list of bug fixes with this build. I did experience some of these issues with Android 14, but they got fixed with QPR Beta 1.
My Opinion
So, that’s pretty much it for today. Those are all the new features I wanted to show you. Please let me know in the comments if you spotted any hidden features in Android 14 or QPR Beta 1 that I missed mentioning.
