Google is giving Android users more control over how their phones look and work. The company has released Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 for eligible Pixel devices. The update includes bug fixes, customization tools, and additional security features.
Most notably, Google is changing how users can customize the Quick Settings panel. The update also expands Android’s color options and introduces another layer of protection against call-forwarding scams.
However, some features remain part of the beta experience. Therefore, Google could still change them before the final release.
Quick Settings Gets a Major Customization Boost
Android 17 gives users greater freedom to arrange the Quick Settings panel.
Previously, users had limited control over the overall layout. Now, they can rearrange several major sections according to their preferences.
For example, users can change the position of the brightness slider, Quick Settings tiles, and media player.
They can also rearrange individual Quick Settings controls. Additionally, selected toggles can appear as larger tiles.
As a result, frequently used controls can sit in more convenient positions. This could make everyday phone use faster and more comfortable.
The changes also give Pixel users more control over a part of Android they regularly interact with.
Android 17 Expands Color Customization
Google is also making Android’s visual customization more flexible.
The updated Dynamic Color system now includes a slider for adjusting the preferred system accent color. Previously, users had fewer preset choices.
Users can therefore fine-tune the color instead of relying entirely on Google’s selected options.
The interface also provides different theme treatments for those colors. This gives users more ways to personalize the appearance of their devices.
Meanwhile, Android 17 is expanding blur effects across parts of the system interface.
The changes continue Google’s shift toward a more translucent visual design. However, these effects could still change during the beta period.
New Protection Against Call-Forwarding Scams
The update is not focused only on appearance. Google is also strengthening protection against certain social-engineering scams.
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 adds an operating-system-level confirmation message for certain manually entered call-forwarding USSD codes.
The confirmation appears before Android executes the requested command. This gives users another opportunity to identify potentially suspicious activity.
Google is also restricting apps from silently triggering these call-forwarding commands in the background.
The restriction applies when apps attempt to use standard phone permissions for such actions.
However, other USSD functions remain unaffected. These include account checks and mobile-money requests.
What Android 17 Means for Pixel Users
The latest beta suggests Google is focusing on both personalization and security.
Users can expect more control over Quick Settings and system colors. At the same time, new safeguards aim to make certain phone-based scams harder to execute without user awareness.
Still, the features are currently part of the beta experience. Google may therefore modify some elements before Android 17 reaches its final release.
For Pixel users, however, the update offers an early look at a more customizable Android experience.
