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The Latest Android 16 QPR1 Beta Is Out Now. Here’s How to Get It on Your Pixel

The overall update is minor, but it comes with the latest security updates for your Pixel.

The latest Android 16 QPR1 Beta is available for Pixel owners who’ve signed up to receive the latest releases from Google. Since it’s just a .1 update, it doesn’t bring any new phone features to the table, but a handful of bug fixes, as well as the June Security patch — something the QPR1 2.0 update from earlier this month was missing. 

Although Android 16 is now officially available, it lacks the visual overhaul, Material 3 Expressive, that Google showed off during the Android Show this past May. Luckily, Google transitioned its Android Beta Program to Quarterly Platform Releases, and a large chunk of Material 3 Expressive found its way to Pixel devices that installed the first QPR1 update.

Below, we’ll show you what’s new in the latest QPR1 release and how to enroll your supported Pixel device in the Beta program to get these updates moving forward. For more, don’t miss when we expect the Pixel 10 to launch.

What’s new in the latest QPR1 Beta?

The sparse release notes for QPR 2.1 reiterate that there isn’t much to gawk at in this release. The QPR 2 beta added in support for enhanced windowing on connected devices, bringing a desktop-like experience. It’s nowhere near as slick as what Apple is doing on the iPad with iPadOS 26, but it is nonetheless a welcomed addition when you need more space to work with and have a display you can connect your phone to.

Here’s what’s new in the Android 16 QPR1 2.1:

  • Fix for the «Approve» button in the Device Admin settings being transparent and invisible.
  • Fix for the lockscreen sound toggle showing as off, but sounds still playing.
  • Fix for the Android back button intermittently failing to function.
  • Fix for a launcher crash when swiping up from the bottom.

In addition, and as mentioned before, this release also comes with the latest June security patch. 

Android 16 QPR1 has some Material 3 Expressive baked in

The latest QPR1 builds include several pieces of the Material 3 Expressive design overhaul. It’s a fresh take on the OS while still looking like a natural progression of what was there before. It’s easier to find important actions within the OS, and the new design will eventually make its way to apps when developers adopt the new design language. Google has already shown off a few of the apps it plans to update with Material 3 Expressive, including Gmail, Fitbit and Google Photos.

While the public release will include more of Material 3 Expressive, the biggest visual changes are present here. The launcher, notifications, quick settings and lock screen all «pop» like never before.

What Pixel devices can install the Android 16 QPR1 2.1?

In order to install the Android 16 QPR1, you’ll need a compatible Pixel. Here’s the full list of supported devices.

  • Pixel 6, 6a, and 6 Pro
  • Pixel 7, 7a, and 7 Pro
  • Pixel Fold
  • Pixel Tablet
  • Pixel 8, 8a, and 8 Pro
  • Pixel 9, 9a, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold

How to install the Android 16 QPR1 2.1

Installing the Android 16 QPR1 2.1 build is easy. 

If you’re running the last Android 16 QPR1 release, you don’t need to do anything. You should be able to check for a system update and the QPR1 2.1 beta should begin to download.

If you’re new to installing Android 16 on your device, here’s how to get things moving:

  1. Go to the Android Beta site and log in to your Google account.
  2. Click or tap on «View your eligible devices» or just scroll down to the section.
  3. You should see the devices associated with the Google account you’ve logged in with.
  4. Under the device on which you’d like to install the Android 16 update, click or tap the «+ Opt in» button.
  5. Agree to the terms of the beta program and click or tap «Confirm and enroll.»

Once your device is enrolled, you can check to see if the update is waiting for you. It typically doesn’t take long.

  • On your Pixel, go to your Settings menu. 
  • Tap System.
  • Tap Software updates. 
  • Tap System update.

From there, the Android 16 QPR1 2.1 build should start downloading to your device. If it continues to say «Your Pixel is up to date,» give it a few more minutes or try restarting your phone, then try again. 

Alternatively, you can flash the update to your Pixel.

Want more on Pixel? Don’t miss what we know about Google’s new AI Assistant, Pixel Sense.

Technologies

Want to Watch a Podcast? Netflix and Spotify Partner to Bring Video Podcasts to Streaming

Starting in early 2026, Netflix subscribers in the US will be able to watch select Spotify Studios and Ringer podcasts directly on the streaming platform.

Netflix and Spotify are teaming up to blur the line between streaming and podcasting. The two companies announced a new partnership that will bring a curated slate of Spotify’s top video podcasts, including shows from Spotify Studios and The Ringer, to Netflix starting in early 2026. The goal is to make popular podcasts as watchable as TV, expanding both services’ reach into sports, culture, lifestyle and true crime.


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The deal marks Spotify’s most significant distribution push beyond its own platform, and for Netflix, it’s a new way to keep audiences engaged with talk-driven, low-cost programming. Early titles include The Bill Simmons Podcast, The Rewatchables, Dissect, Conspiracy Theories and Serial Killers, among others. You can find the complete list here.

More shows and genres are expected to be added over time.

Netflix says the partnership complements its library of documentaries and talk shows, offering «fresh voices and new perspectives.» Spotify, meanwhile, described it as «a new chapter for podcasting,» giving creators access to Netflix’s global audience while expanding discovery for listeners who prefer watching podcasts.

The rollout will begin in the US early next year, with additional markets to follow in 2026.

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Technologies

Every Active Borderlands 4 SHiFT Code

It’s dangerous to explore Kairos without some legendary gear. These promo codes will unlock epic loot and vault hunter cosmetics in Borderlands 4.

The biggest looter shooter of the year, Borderlands 4, is out, and tons of players are already taking the fight to the Timekeeper on Kairos. If you want to put the beat down on someone strong enough to control time, then you’re going to need an arsenal of powerful weapons and equipment.

Luckily, developer Gearbox Software is willing to lend a helping hand. Instead of having to farm every piece of legendary equipment in-game, you can roll the dice on some loot with Golden Keys unlocked by SHiFT promo codes.

If you’re already swimming in more loot than you know what to do with, some SHiFT codes also unlock special cosmetic looks for your favorite vault hunters. Special in-game challenges have already unlocked promo codes for Amon, Rafa and Vex vault hunter skins, with a Harlowe skin unlocking soon. Here’s how to use the latest SHiFT codes in Borderlands 4.

All active SHiFT codes for Borderlands 4

You can hunt down SHiFT codes on social media, but we’ll keep all of the active promo codes in one place for ease of access.

Below, you’ll find a chart that contains every active SHiFT code for Borderlands 4, what it unlocks and its expiration date:

Active Borderlands 4 SHiFT codes

Reward SHiFT code Expiration date
Golden Key WZK3B-SHTHF-JZ59K-SBT3B-TWHXT Oct. 19, 2025
Vex Mass Market Appeal Skin BZ6JJ-CB6CT-WXJJW-3TT3B-56FZ5 Jan. 1, 2031
Amon Cult Classic Skin JZ6BJ-SBR5J-WF3BK-BT3BB-TX9HB Dec. 31, 2030
Rafa Savings Savior Skin TZXT3-XJXCB-CXBJW-BTTJT-9SK6B Dec. 31, 2030
Break Free Cosmetics Pack JS63J-JSCWJ-CFTBW-3TJ3J-WJS5R Jan. 1, 2031
Golden Key T9RJB-BFKRR-3RBTW-B33TB-KCZB9 No expiration

How to redeem SHiFT codes for your Borderlands 4 account

While SHiFT codes are totally free rewards for you to accumulate, you must make a SHiFT account to input any active codes in-game.

SHiFT is a service that Gearbox integrates into its biggest games, and making an account unlocks forums and exclusive beta participation. It’s also necessary to create an account to turn in any promo codes, which is what most fans care about.

Once your account is created, you can enter your SHiFT codes in two separate places. Within your SHiFT account settings, you can find a Rewards tab with a field to enter any Borderlands promo codes. Once you enter the codes, any unlocked items will be added to your account the next time you open the game.

However, an easier way to input your SHiFT codes is within Borderlands 4 itself. Within the game’s pause menu, you can access a SHiFT. Select the Rewards tab from the resulting menu, input your codes, and the unlocked items will be immediately available on your save.

Where are SHiFT codes normally released?

SHiFT codes are released fairly frequently on Gearbox and Gearbox-affiliated social media channels. For the best chance at catching every new SHiFT code that gets released, you should follow Gearbox on X and on Facebook.

Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford also releases promos on his X account, so if you’re brave enough to follow him despite his frequent outbursts toward fans you can find SHiFT codes there as well.

What are SHiFT codes?

SHiFT codes are promo codes that Gearbox occasionally releases that reward players with loot and cosmetics in Borderlands games. The main SHiFT code reward is a Golden Key, which opens the Golden Chest in most Borderlands hub areas.

But don’t spend them immediately — it’s worth saving your Golden Keys until you reach the level cap and are playing on the hardest difficulty, as the loot rewards will scale to your character accordingly. This is a great way to begin farming some endgame legendaries quickly and easily.

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Technologies

Barack Obama Reveals He Only Plays This One Phone Game

No, it’s not Wordle or Connections, but you’ve almost certainly heard of it.

Many of us rely on our smartphones for entertainment as well as communication, playing New York Times games such as Wordle, Connections and Strands on our phones. (CNET has daily answers for those games, plus Connections: Sports Edition and the Mini Crossword, if you’re ever stumped.) Now, one very famous person recently revealed that he plays only one phone game — and it’s one you’ve likely heard of.


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Former President Barack Obama appeared on the final episode of the podcast WTF with Marc Maronhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-1686-barack-obama/id329875043?i=1000731550704#link={%22linkText%22:%22final episode of the podcast WTF with Marc Maron%22,%22target%22:%22_blank%22,%22href%22:%22https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-1686-barack-obama/id329875043?i=1000731550704%22,%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22absolute%22:%22%22}on Monday. He revealed the only game he plays on his phone is Words With Friends.

Obama says he plays the word game to keep up his friendship with longtime White House photographer Pete Souza.

«I could be in the middle of negotiations on a nuclear treaty, and if that ping goes off, there’s a part of me that’s like, ‘I wonder what [word] he [Pete Souza] played,» Obama said.

Words With Friends is similar to, but not associated with, the world-building game Scrabble. It was released in 2009 and is owned by game company Zynga, and can be played on devices running iOS and Android. Players take turns creating words on a game board using their rack of seven letter tiles, trying to score as high as possible while using special bonus squares to double or triple their points. As of Tuesday, Words With Friends ranked No. 14 on the free Word Games list in the Apple App Store.

Obama did not share whether he or Souza tends to win the majority of the pair’s games.

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