Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 is a surprisingly feature-packed update

The replace additionally introduces a safety function designed to guard customers from cellphone scams that trick victims into enabling name forwarding.

Who’s getting Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3?

Google says QPR2 Beta 3 is rolling out as construct CP41.260731.005.A2 for the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 collection, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Pill, whereas different eligible gadgets get construct CP41.260731.005.B1.

As with QPR2 Beta 1 and Beta 2, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Professional aren’t supported by this launch. Each telephones will attain 5 years previous earlier than Android 17 QPR2 is predicted to achieve its secure launch, marking the tip of Google’s software program assist for the 2 gadgets.

House owners of a Pixel 6a or newer can nonetheless be a part of the Android Beta Program and set up QPR2 Beta 3. Eligible gadgets embrace the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 collection, Pixel 8 collection, Pixel 9 collection, Pixel 10 collection, Pixel 10a, Pixel 10 Professional Fold, and Pixel Pill.

If you happen to’re already enrolled within the Android 17 beta, Google says QPR2 Beta 3 will arrive robotically as an over-the-air replace until you’ve opted out.

Google can be increasing the system’s theming controls with a brand new hue slider alongside 4 major shade types.

Google is constant to lean into blur results throughout Android’s system UI. In Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3, the impact has been expanded to extra components of the interface, together with lock display shortcuts, the fingerprint button, and notifications.

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 additionally brings a helpful change for foldable telephones. Apps operating in home windows now get an app deal with that may be dragged to transition between full-screen and split-screen modes.

There’s additionally a brand new shortcut for opening a bubble in full-screen mode. Rahman notes that in contrast with the Canary construct, the primary distinction is that the “Transfer to fullscreen” shortcut has been moved to the highest of the context menu.

Google is making call-forwarding scams tougher to drag off

One other large change in Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 is that Google is including new restrictions designed to guard customers from call-forwarding fraud.

Android 17 will now parse and selectively limit call-forwarding USSD codes, together with codes similar to 21, after they’re executed via the TelephonyManager.sendUssdRequest() API.

Below the brand new guidelines, common apps can not use the sendUssdRequest() API to execute call-forwarding codes within the background merely with the CALL_PHONE permission. Makes an attempt can be blocked and return a USSD_ERROR_NOT_ALLOWED callback.

In easy phrases, Android 17 will now cease apps from secretly utilizing call-forwarding codes to redirect your calls, including an additional layer of safety in opposition to cellphone scams.

Google can be including an OS-level affirmation dialog when customers manually enter call-forwarding codes via the system dialer. The extra affirmation is meant to make scams tougher to execute, significantly these the place scammers persuade victims to enter a code that silently redirects incoming calls.

Importantly, Google says this variation doesn’t have an effect on different sorts of USSD requests, similar to mobile-money transfers and account checks.

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 additionally fixes some main bugs

Along with the main user-facing options, Google can be fixing a number of bugs within the newest construct. One addresses a difficulty during which opening the notification shade or Fast Settings may cause visible corruption, adopted by an sudden system restart.

The replace additionally fixes the System Well being and Help device, which might incorrectly warn customers that their battery capability had degraded.

Furthermore, the replace provides an possibility within the Terminal app to regulate how hyperlinks opened inside a digital machine are dealt with. Customers can select to robotically ahead net URLs from the VM to the host’s browser or open them inside a browser operating throughout the VM, if one is put in.