We’re still uncovering some of the features of Android 12 QPR3 Beta 3, which began rolling out to Pixels late last week. Thanks to an eagle-eyed user on Reddit, we’re now discovering the inclusion of a vibrate mode icon on the top of the status bar. This is a relatively minor feature, but significant nonetheless, considering it disappeared from Android a few years ago.
Reddit user u/schrombear_23 spotted the new addition on Android 12 QPR3 Beta 3. “But strangely, the icon isn’t shown on the lockscreen (hopefully just a bug),” the user further said (via Phone Arena). This revelation indicates that the upcoming June Quarterly Pixel Feature Drop will contain the new status bar icon. Google will commence the rollout of the Feature Drop on June 6.
In addition to the status bar icon, the update also includes an “Always show icon when in vibrate mode” toggle under Sound & vibration. One of the easiest ways to enable/disable vibrate mode on Pixel devices is to press either of the two volume buttons and tap the vibrate icon on the pop-up. This slider also lets users control calling and media volume levels.
Android 12 QPR3 Beta 3 is also bringing small changes to the Battery widget
Android 12 QPR3 Beta 3 would also bring some visual changes to the battery widget. While the widget lives under the Settings Services category, it now exists in a category known simply as Battery, thus making it easier to discover.
The new status bar icon for vibrate mode finally means that users won’t have to press the volume buttons to know if their phone is on vibrate. On the other hand, people who like their status bar uncluttered would find this new inclusion somewhat annoying. Thankfully, its visibility can be toggled via the Sound & vibration page under Settings.
The new update is available over the air to users participating in the Android 12 QPR3 beta program. All Pixel devices from the Pixel 4 and beyond are compatible with Android 12 QPR3 Beta 3. Google is also rolling out the Android 13 betas to eligible devices. Given the unstable nature of these releases, we recommend not to try it out on your primary smartphone.
2022-05-09 15:06:18