The Android 13 QPR2 Beta 3 is rolling out as the final major preview before the stable launch in March. The beta features the January 2023 security patch, which may be updated later with a Beta 3.1.
January 2023 Security Patch
It is unusual for Android 13 QPR2 Beta 3 to still feature the January 2023 security patch, as Google usually releases betas after the latest monthly Android security patch has launched. The latest security patch is expected to launch on February 6.
Installing Android 13 QPR2 Beta 3
The Android 13 QPR2 Beta 3 system images are available for the following devices: Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro, as well as in the Android Emulator. Beta 3 can be installed from the Android Beta Program website and an OTA update is expected in the coming hours. A full guide on installing Android 13 is available for those who need help.
Resolved Issues Android 13 QPR2 Beta 3
The following issues have been resolved in Beta 3 (T2B3.230109.002):
Developer-reported and user-reported issues
- Fixed an issue with notifications being displayed with straight corners instead of rounded corners.
- Fixed an issue with the notification shade overlapping with the VPN connection message.
- Fixed an issue with accessing the overflow menu when editing Quick Settings tiles.
- Fixed an issue causing excessive vibrations after receiving a notification.
Other Resolved Issues
- Fixed crashes and failure to send notifications in messaging apps.
- Fixed a GPU issue affecting visual effects in apps.
- Fixed missing Quick Settings tiles in work profiles.
- Fixed crashes in the Pixel launcher and difficulty unlocking device with pattern.
- Fixed crashes in the com.android.qns system process.
- Fixed issues with Chinese text input in the Pixel launcher.
- Fixed crashes in Settings app and System UI.
- Fixed discrepancies between Bluetooth connection status and actual device state.
- Fixed crashes in the Pixel launcher when tapping web search suggestions.
- Fixed overlapping status bar icons and date text.
One issue remains, with the “list of recent apps becoming unresponsive if the screen orientation is changed while the list is open.”
Hidden Novelties in Android 13 QPR2 Beta 3
While we await the Android 14 developer preview, Google continues its extended Android 13 beta program to prepare the Android 13 Quarterly Platform Release 2 (QPR2) or March Feature Drop. Beta 3, while mostly concerned with fixing bugs, also has a few novelties hidden in the code.
Customizable Lock Screen Shortcuts
Many Android phones, including the Nothing Phone 1 on Android 13, already allow custom shortcuts on the lock screen for quick access to frequently used options. The Google Pixel lineup, however, only offers shortcuts for smart home controls and Google Wallet with no option to change them. Google is working on this, as found by Mishaal Rahman. He discovered hidden flags that allow customization of lock screen shortcuts and activate hidden flags. The shortcut options will become part of the Wallpaper & style app, which will receive a revamped interface and a Shortcuts section, offering four options: Flashlight, Do Not Disturb Mode, Device controls, and Camera. Currently, only four options are supported, but this could change in the future.
Wallpaper & Style Redesign
The Wallpaper & Style app, accessed by long-pressing an empty spot on the home screen, will receive a redesign. The app will now include a dynamic style that adjusts to the selected wallpaper, making it easier to select a wallpaper
