Google releases Android 12 QPR Beta 3; update fixes major camera bug
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Google rolled out Android 12 QPR Beta 3 this afternoon. This is the third beta version of the upcoming June Quarterly Feature Drop coming to compatible Pixel devices. It features the May security patch that was received Monday by all other compatible Pixel models receiving the stable, public Android update.
Besides the security patch, the beta also exterminates a bug that makes a white line appear on Pixel 6 Pro models that were not set up to always display time and other information on the lock screen. The beta also gets rid of issues that reduce the quality of phone calls and limit connectivity. It also exterminates a bug causing the NHS COVID-19 app to crash whenever it is launched.
Will the Pixel 6 Pro get Face unlock in the next Quarterly Feature Drop?
Issues that remain open include one that causes the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro to crash when trying to take a photograph with either model. And in some cases, the Google Camera app in a device's personal profile will display a work profile indicator. There is still speculation that the Pixel 6 Pro will have the Face unlock photo recognition feature added with the June Quarterly Feature Drop even if it doesn't appear in the beta.
Grab the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
Today's beta release will be the final one before the June Pixel Quarterly Feature Drop is released on June 6th, Also, keep in mind that if you plan on installing Android 12 QPR Beta 3, you will not be able to install Android 13 Beta 1 on your phone and will have to wait for Android 13 Beta 2.
The Pixel 6 series delivers great photographs
If you want to install Android 12 QPR Beta 3 on your compatible Pixel handset, tap on this link which will take you to the Android Beta Program. Tap on the banner that says "View your eligible devices" and you'll see an image of your Pixel with the words Opt-In on the bottom. Within 24 hours you will receive an OTA update that includes the QPR Beta. As Google says, "Once enrolled, your device will receive regular over-the-air (OTA) updates to the latest Android 12 builds through (and including) the final QPR release."
As with every Beta software, Android 12 QPR Beta 3 is not stable and some of the features won't work like you expected them to. You also might see a temporary drop off in battery life. If you use your Pixel as your daily driver, keep this in mind when it comes down to deciding whether to install the beta. And it might be a wise move on your part to back up all of your data before you start the updating process.
Beta testers still have to wipe their Pixels to exit the Beta program
That's because if you decide to exit the beta program, you might have to wipe your phone before getting back on the stable path. Google has said that it will change things but has yet to do so. To leave the beta program, go back to the Android Beta Program. Once again, tap the banner that says "View your eligible devices." You'll see a picture of your Pixel model with the words Opt-out underneath. Tap on it and within 24 hours you will receive an update to install.
This update will put you back on the stable path but not before it performs a factory reset and wipes your phone. To this writer, the worse two words to say consecutively in the English Language are Factory Reset. Eventually, and Google hasn't said when, it will let Beta testers off the hook and allow them to exit without having to wipe their handsets.
In case you've been wondering, QPR stands for Quarterly Platform Release which is another way of saying Quarterly Feature Drop. If you're looking forward to having Face unlock added to your Pixel 6 Pro, let us see you raise your hand in the comment section below.
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