Google has just released the Android 13 QPR2 beta 2 update for eligible Pixel phones. The new update comes one week after the release of the stable Pixel January update. Google is testing new things with the Quarterly Platform Release aka QPR builds and the same can be said for today’s release. The tech giant pushes the second beta with support for Unicode 15 emoji, updated taskbar tutorial, and more.
Google seeds the latest beta with the T2B2.221216.006 build number. For eligibility, the new update is available for Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro. It is a small incremental update for those running on the first beta, yes, you can quickly install it on your phone. The new release also bumps up the monthly security patch to January 2023.
In terms of changes, there are two fixes mentioned in the release notes, addressing an issue with the System UI that caused the Home screen to become unresponsive as well as the issue where switching to the normal camera mode from Slow Motion continue recording a Slow Motion video.
Apart from the official release notes, the update brings a bunch of new changes, these changes were spotted by Android researcher – Mishaal Rahman. One of the new changes available on the new build is support for Unicode 15 emoji, an updated taskbar tutorial that reflects the transient taskbar design, automatically converts themed icons for non-compatible apps in Pixel launcher, option to control smart home devices directly from the lock screen, and more.
Here’s the list of new emojis coming with the Android 13 QPR2 beta 2 update.
- Shaking Face
- Light Blue Heart
- Grey Heart
- Pink Heart
- Rightwards Pushing Hand
- Leftwards Pushing Hand
- Moose
- Donkey
- Wing
- Goose
- Jellyfish
- Ginger
- Hyacinth
- Pea Pod
- Folding Hand Fan
- Hair Pick
- Maracas
- Flute
- Khanda
- Wireless
So, if you are using a Pixel phone running on the Android 13 QPR2 beta 1 and want to try out the new features, then you can update to the newer version. If you are on the stable Android 13 and want to update to the Quarterly Platform Release, then you can take a part in the beta program, you can head over to the Android Beta Program website and enroll in the beta program, once enrolled you can update your phone to latest Android 13 QPR release.
You can also manually sideload the upgrade your phone to the beta, visit this page to download the Factory images and this page to get the OTA files. Make sure to take a backup before sideloading the new software.
Related Articles:
- How to use Spatial Audio on Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 phones
- How to enable Cough and Snore Detection on Google Pixel 7 Series
- How to Root Google Pixel 7 Pro and Unlock Bootloader
- How to enable Picture in Picture on YouTube Android
- Does Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro support dual eSIM?
- How to use Face Unlock on Pixel 7 & Pixel 7 Pro
- How many OS updates will Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro get?
