What you need to know
- Google is preparing the following major feature additions for March 2023 as part of Android 13 Beta:
- The latest QPR2 Beta 2.1 includes fixes for 5G connectivity and Bluetooth.
- The update is now rolling out to eligible Pixel phones.
Pixel phones enrolled in Android 13 beta will receive a new update on Friday. The QPR2 Beta 2.1 update is very small at just under 9MB, highlighted by a tiny changelog from Google.
According to the release notes, Android QPR2 Beta 2.1 (build T2B2.221216.008) contains only two bug fixes. The first addresses the phone’s inability to automatically connect to her 5G network. This can be quite annoying as it doesn’t take full advantage of your network speed.
The second fix concerns encrypted Bluetooth connections.
Fixed an issue where a device would not drop or reset an existing encrypted Bluetooth connection after receiving a command to disable link-layer encryption for that connection.
QPR2 sets the stage for the second Android 13 feature drop scheduled for March. A previous beta gave us a glimpse of what to expect in the update, including a 1080p mode for the Pixel 6 Pro, lock screen shortcuts, a temporary taskbar for large screen devices, work profile changes and more.
Some Pixel 7 owners are noticing a change with the QPR2 Beta 2, so it looks like Google is preparing support for dual eSIM support as well.
Dual eSIM support seems to work for some Pixel 7 users. One user reports that the feature “just started working” on his Android 13 QPR2 Beta 2. Will this work for other of his Pixel 7 users? https://t.co/fjJNdRuUDOJanuary 20, 2023
Expanding eSIM support is always a good thing as we move towards a SIM-less future. However, many users point out that even months after the iPhone 14 launch, carriers are still struggling with eSIMs.
Phones eligible for the latest Android 13 beta include Pixel 4a/5G and newer. If you’re enrolled in Android 13 Beta, you can go to: Settings > System > System Update Install updates.
The Pixel 6a delivers flagship performance at about half the price of most flagship smartphones, making it the most cost-effective product. It also captures excellent images, has great battery life, and comes in a rather striking Sage colorway.
