📱Google is still working on splitting Android's notifications & Quick Settings panels, but it'll be optional

Last week's release of Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 brought a new Quick Settings panel design, but it didn't bring the previously leaked split panel design. However, Google hasn't abandoned the split panel design, as Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 has a hidden settings menu for choosing the panel layout.

The current layout is called "combined (classic)" and it allows you to "swipe down from the top of your screen to access the classic panel that combines notifications and Quick Settings." The new layout is called "separate" and it lets you "swipe down from the top right to open Quick Settings. Swipe down from the top left to open notifications."

More background info can be found in the source link.

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-qpr1-split-quick-settings-3562165/

🎨 Google is working on a Pixel themes feature

The new Wallpaper & Style app in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 has a hidden "Themes" button with the description "Discover Pixel themes."

It's uncertain what and how many themes will be available, as well as whether Google will only provide preset themes or let you create and share your own, but this is exciting nonetheless.

More details can be found in the source link.

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-themes-leak-3562392/

Google is working on an 'Ambient AOD' feature that shows the lock screen wallpaper on the always-on display

Many Android smartphones can show the lock screen wallpaper on the AOD, but Pixel phones currently cannot. Google experimented with this feature way back with the Pixel 3 but dropped it in future devices.

Now, Google looks to be testing an 'Ambient AOD' feature in Android 16 QPR1 that blurs the lock screen wallpaper and shows it on the AOD. This feature will be optional and controlled by a new "show lock screen wallpaper" setting. However, it may not be available on current Pixels due to a screen flickering problem, so it could be a Pixel 10 exclusive.

You can see the feature in action at the video linked below or read the source article for more information.

📹 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFvtV2uvIxE

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/wallpaper-on-aod-android-16-qpr1-3563717/

Google is working on an 'Enhanced HDR brightness' setting that lets you control how much HDR content brightens your Pixel's screen

This new setting will be found under Settings > Display & touch > Enhanced HDR brightness and includes a toggle to disable HDR support entirely as well as a slider to adjust the HDR effect's intensity. The page includes a standard image and a HDR image to compare the before/after.

This setting isn't available in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 but will likely be available later.

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-qpr1-enhanced-hdr-brightness-setting-3563653/