Last week, Google officially launched the December 2022 Feature Drop for Pixel devices. The update brings many new and exciting features such as Google One’s built-in VPN, unified security and privacy settings, speaker tags with Pixel Recorder, clear calls and more.

The company has now started rolling out the first Android 13 QPR2 Beta 1 update (the platform’s quarterly release) to compatible Pixel devices. Android 13 QPR2 Beta 1 (T2B1.221118.006) includes security patches from December 2022 in addition to brand new platform improvements. Listed below are the official changelogs for Android 13 QPR2 Beta 1 as well as updates provided by Mishaal Rahman of Esper.io:

• Improved window options in desktop mode: expand to full screen (exit desktop mode), switch to split screen, etc.
• Enlarged clock in notification panel: If you slide the notification bar all the way down, the clock in the upper left corner will increase and the date will be added below the clock.
• 1080p screen resolution option: Rahman claims that Google has modified the Pixel 6 Pro’s display driver to allow users to choose a 1080p screen resolution just like the Pixel 7 Pro.
• Health Link App: With Google’s QPR2 update, Health Connect has become much more accessible, at least for Pixel owners, as it will now appear as an app that needs to be updated rather than searched for or downloaded.
• Surround sound turned back on on supported Pixel devices: Google has re-enabled surround sound on Pixel devices with this capability (Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 7 and 7 Pro). It also claims that Google plans to delay the release of this feature until January 2023.
• The fog effect on the album cover: he also mentions that after a while the album cover looks foggy in the media player.
• BT A2DP enabled: QPR2 Beta 1 Opus via BT A2DP appears to be active, at least on the Pixel 7 Pro. This was probably done while the Pixel Buds Pro was waiting for a firmware update and in anticipation of head-tracked spatial audio.
• Users will have the option to record “full screen” or “individual app” in a partial screen recording.

• Adaptive vibration of notifications: With the new “adaptive vibration notification” feature, vibration strength is reduced when your phone is stationary and the screen is facing up. However, it is currently hidden.
• Separate call and notification volume: Google is experimenting with a beacon that separates notification and ringtone volume in Android 13 QPR2. Initially separate call and notification volumes were later merged and remained so for many years.
• Unlock only when screen is on: The screen must be turned on to use this feature. This reduces accidental unlocking of side-mounted fingerprint scanners.

Users can sign up for the beta program with supported devices to experience these changes before they become public. If you’re a member of the Android 13 beta, you should continue to receive QPR updates.