Every single new feature in Android 17 QPR1 [Video]

Android 17 QPR1, the latest update for the Pixel 11 and devices from the Pixel 6 onward, has rolled out, offering several minor enhancements and refinements. While not a significant update, it does introduce some quality of life improvements and a few cosmetic changes. One of the most noticeable updates is a refined lockscreen UI with a smoother slide-in animation for media player controls, making it easier to access music or videos while your phone is locked.

Older Pixels will also benefit from a new Pixel Search settings option within the App list settings, giving users more control over the search function within their app drawer. This includes options for suggestions, apps, and a web search, as well as the ability to adjust the keyboard's behavior. Android 17 QPR1 also introduces a Quick Settings panel that can stash multiple media apps, allowing users to switch between them with ease.

Predictive back gestures are another usability enhancement, providing a visual cue of the outcome when using back gestures, making navigation more intuitive than in previous versions. A new Keyboard tile has been added to Quick Settings, allowing users to quickly switch between installed keyboards, and a "Do not ask me again" checkbox has been added to the "Turn on mobile data" pop-up, preventing repeated prompts when mobile data is turned on and off.

One of the standout features is the ability to dismiss the "Turn on mobile data" pop-up when you disable mobile data and then enable it again, saving users from being prompted to turn it on every time. For apps with multiple actions and shortcuts, Android 17 QPR1 introduces a "Shortcuts" toggle that enables quick access to in-app shortcuts and the ability to add them to the homescreen.

Cosmetic changes include a refined lockscreen UI with a more playful interaction, updated default app icons, and smaller pop-up menus in various areas of the system. The spacing in settings sections has also been increased, making the interface feel less cramped. While some of these features may not be groundbreaking, they collectively contribute to a smoother and more refined user experience on Android 17 QPR1.