I tried Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 — these 3 features completely changed my Pixel

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In the midst of all the Pixel 11 hubbub last week, you might have missed another bit of Google news that went under the radar. Just a couple of days after announcing the Pixel 11 lineup, Google rolled out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 .

Android 17 betas have been hit-and-miss with user-facing changes. Plus, with a thrilling name like “Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3,” I wouldn’t blame you for thinking this was a pretty boring beta release focused on bug fixes and other optimizations.

However, after spending a few days with the new beta on one of my Pixels, I’m happy to report that there’s a surprising number of new features to dig into. In fact, they’ve made my Pixel so much better than I expected.

Without a doubt, my favorite thing in Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 is the ability to rearrange the Quick Settings layout. You’ve long been able to change your Quick Settings toggles, but the actual layout of the panel — with your brightness at the top, toggles below that, and media player at the bottom — has always been locked in place. But no longer in Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3.

When you swipe down to view your Quick Settings and tap the edit icon, you’ll see a new “Layout” button at the bottom of your screen. Tap this, and you’re taken to a new “Edit tiles” page where you can change how the Quick Settings panel is laid out.

Want your shortcut toggles at the very top with your brightness slider in the middle? You can do that! What about moving your media player to the top and your brightness to the bottom? Sure thing. However you want to arrange these elements, Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 gives you free rein.

I’m not particularly picky about where my media player goes, but the fact that I can now have my brightness slider at the bottom of the Quick Settings panel — making it much easier to reach with one hand — is a godsend.