Google has begun to make Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 available to Pixel testers. This update addresses a number of problems, such as unexpected reboots and bugs relating to Bluetooth. Google posted the details on Reddit.

This version of the update follows on from Beta 4, which reached the Platform Stability milestone at the end of August and thus finalized the OS APIs before the launch. Depending on the device, the testers will receive one of two build numbers.

The main point of the update is the collection of bugs that were reported during QPR2 testing.

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 Build Numbers and Key Fixes

Testers will be presented with one of two versions of the build. Those using a Pixel 6a, a Pixel 7, a Pixel 7 Pro, a Pixel 7a, a Pixel Fold or a Pixel Tablet will receive vCP41.260828.005.A6; the other Pixel devices that are eligible get vCP41.260828.004.A8.

Beta 5 addresses several reported problems:

• The fix for system instability is intended to address the unexpected device reboots which occurred when continuous scrolling was performed in apps that contained a lot of media.
• The update also corrects a problem in which the side volume buttons on the Pixel did not display the volume slider UI when casting media.
• Now enhanced HDR switches off correctly in the user settings, fixing a problem that several users had reported.

The remaining fixes cover:

• The icon of a Bluetooth device type is now updated as expected when you change it in the settings.
• The update addresses a text-rendering problem which led to unwanted background highlights when typing in search fields, and it also fixes a navigation issue that was preventing Private Space from unlocking correctly.
• Using the power button shortcut to start Google Wallet will no longer make the touchscreen stop responding.
• The camera crashes while processing a panorama.
• The problem of audio noise and distortion being observed after Bluetooth calls has also been solved.

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 Availability and Release Status

BetBeta 5 addresses the remaining problems. Android 17 QPR2 reached Platform Stability at the end of August, a stage which finalises the OS APIs and marks the point at which launch is imminent.

Pixel Bluetooth has still been a source of trouble for Google. In August the company resolved an issue with Bluetooth call audio that had caused calls to be incorrectly sent through the phone's speaker, together with a faulty gesture problem and freezing of the UI.

The QPR2 Beta 5 for Android 17 is now available to enrolled Pixel testers on compatible devices. It is intended for use by testers only, not by regular users. Since Platform Stability was achieved in Beta 4, the update is now in its final stage of development, but Google has not yet announced when the stable version will be released.