Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 gives us an early look at next year’s Pixel updates

What you need to know

• Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 is rolling out to Pixel phones ahead of its expected stable release next year.
• Google is fixing a long list of issues, including crashes, fingerprint freezes, eSIM problems, Wi-Fi failures, battery drain, and Bluetooth audio glitches.
• A stable release is targeted for March 2027.

Google just released Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1, and if you have a Pixel, you will want to check this out. The update was rolled out to Pixel testers today with builds for everything from the Pixel 6a to the Pixel 11 family. Most devices are getting DP11.260918.006, while Pixel 11 owners are getting DP11.260918.005.

For the uninitiated, these QPR updates ride on top of Android 17's initial launch and deliver fixes and performance tweaks every three months. They avoid breaking changes to the API, so developers are able to test with confidence.

So what's been fixed? Quite a bit. Google killed 20 bugs this round, including a nasty fingerprint unlock freeze, an eSIM profile that quietly flipped back to off, and a camera bug that spun your video feed 90 degrees during desktop-mode calls. Here is the complete list of fixes Google is pushing out.

• Audio output device cannot be switched while playing audio from apps without active media controls. (Issue #259180936)
• Apps crash when attempting to start a foreground service from a Quick Settings tile. (Issue #299506164)
• Application icons in the app menu display with excessive spacing. (Issue #316288379, Issue #300758716)
• App previews fail to display in the recent apps screen. (Issue #515091621)
• NFC service crashes with DeadObjectException and stops detecting tags after the initial scan on Android 16. (Issue #456078994)
• Device freezes and becomes unresponsive when unlocking with the fingerprint sensor. (Issue #490719716, Issue #514867650, Issue #523022829)
• Device crashes when selecting the require eyes to be open option in Face Unlock settings. (Issue #466618368, Issue #522677686)
• MediaPlayer crashes when handling non-ASCII audio attribute tags. (Issue #552043106)
• Applications freeze and trigger an Application Not Responding (ANR) error when launched. (Issue #484969809, Issue #475406236)
• Camera feed is rotated 90 degrees when using video calling apps on an external display in desktop mode. (Issue #432390710)
• User interface issues when navigating back to the home screen from an app. (Issue #566639975)
• Unexpected dot displayed on the Mobile Data icon in Quick Settings. (Issue #551150806)
• Front camera fails to function while screen recording is active. (Issue #523313834)
• Calling apps crash with ForegroundServiceStartNotAllowedException when handling calls immediately after device reboot. (Issue #409069722)
• eSIM profile cannot be enabled and silently reverts to off in Settings. (Issue #541436675)
• Excessive battery drain during idle when Flip to Shh is enabled. (Issue #560036427)
• Settings app crashes when opening battery settings. (Issue #554603197)
• Audio playback stops on active LHDC v5 Bluetooth devices when a second connected device disconnects. (Issue #554992287)
• com.android.phone crash loop and complete loss of cellular service when the modem reports unexpected SIM slot indices. (Issue #554049220)
• Wi-Fi fails to automatically reconnect during background wakes when hardware PNO scans fail or are unsupported. (Issue #551970385)

QPR3 should see the final, stable release by early next year. Want to jump back to the stable channel without completely wiping your phone? Don't install this update yet and wait for the public QPR2 launch by unenrolling from the Android Beta Program.

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Exynos 2700 reportedly begins mass production, and Samsung has some decisions to make

What you need to know

• Overseas rumors suggest Samsung's Exynos 2700 has entered the mass production stage.
• The chip is reportedly going to be applied to the Galaxy S27, S27 Plus, and "S27 Pro;" however, decisions need to be made about the S27 Ultra.
• Recent rumors about the chip suggest Samsung is working on improving its heat generation/dissipation, as well as allegations about its increased performance.

Samsung is reportedly moving ahead with its next-gen in-house chip, the Exynos 2700. As it enters mass production, there are a few lingering questions still left unsolved concerning its application.

A report by The Elec (Korean) suggests Samsung is moving forward with the Exynos 2700, entering its mass production stage (Via SamMobile). According to the publication's insiders, there are two decisions the company had to make. The first reportedly concerns its "increase in volume." Supposedly, Samsung has started crafting ~10% more Exynos 2700 chips.

Rumors claim this is done to accomodate the alleged "Galaxy S27 Pro" we've seen in rumors throughout 2026. However, there's uncertainty behind its Galaxy S27 Ultra application. Usually, Samsung integrates its Exynos chip in its flagship series in various overseas markets. Korean and (at times) Europe have received this version over Qualcomm.

However, the publication claims it "has not yet been decided" how widespread Exynos 2700 will be for the S27 Ultra. It's under current speculation that the S27 series would recieve the latest Snapdragon chips in the U.S., but beyond that, the report is uncertain.

Rumors so far

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Samsung was reportedly fast-tracking its Exynos 2700 development. Supposedly, the company's major focus involved the chip's HPB (Heat Path Block) technology. This enables the chip to throw off heat, reducing its temperature and remaining cooler overall. No one wants a hot phone all the time, and that was precisely an issue Samsung's Exynos often suffered from.

There were also rumors that Samsung's application of the Exynos 2700 in the Galaxy S27 series could help "reduce costs" for consumers. Elsewhere, we have some performance rumors. Rumors from the spring suggest the chip could feature a 10-core structure, and its fastest core could clock in at ~2.88GHz. What's more, the Xclipse 970 GPU was spotted for the chip, with reports purporting a ~12% performance boost.

Similar rumors continued, with some boldly claiming the Exynos 2700 could top Qualcomm's flagship chips.

Android Central's Take

I don't think Samsung is too far out of its depth with the Exynos. I think it needs to buckle down, lock in, and make a good chip. Its 2600 wasn't terrible. It was a decent step in the right direction. But we all know what I'm going to talk about, right? How is it graphically? Can it hold up well for games? Think about: if a chip can do that, you'd figure it can handle everything else without fail. It should be smooth, cool. We expect Samsung's next phones next year, and that's likely when we'll know everything for sure.

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Google just raised the Pixel 10a price by $100, and it's a hard pill to swallow

What you need to know

• Google has increased the Pixel 10a's U.S. price by $100, taking the base 128GB model from $499 to $599.
• The 256GB Pixel 10a now costs $699, with the new pricing already live at Google, Amazon, and Best Buy.
• Google hasn't explained the increase, but rising memory and RAM costs could be contributing to the higher price.

Google has officially increased the price of the Pixel 10a by $100, meaning the mid-range smartphone now starts at $599 in the U.S.

It's apparently the season of price increases. Just a day after Samsung raised the prices of some Galaxy S26 variants, Google has now increased the price of its mid-range Pixel 10a by $100 (via 9to5Google). The Pixel 10a, which originally launched for $499 in the U.S., is now officially available for $599.

Google hasn't said anything about the reason behind the price increase. But with component costs, particularly memory and RAM, continuing to rise, we presume that's playing a major role here.

When Google launched the Pixel 11 series earlier this year, the company also increased prices by $100 compared to the previous generation. At the time, though, the Pixel A-series remained unaffected. It looks like that's no longer the case, with Google now raising the Pixel 10a's price as well.

This means the base 128GB Pixel 10a now starts at $599 in the U.S., while the 256GB model comes in at $699. The new prices have already kicked in at the Google Store, as well as retailers including Amazon and Best Buy.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

What makes the price increase particularly difficult to swallow is that the Pixel 10a itself didn't change much compared to last year's Pixel 9a. In fact, it uses the same Tensor G4 processor that first debuted with the Pixel 9 series back in 2024.

Google did make a few improvements, including upgraded wireless charging and satellite connectivity. But paying $100 more for the exact same phone that cost $499 until recently is still a pretty hard pill to swallow.

Unfortunately, that's the smartphone market we're in right now. We expected mid-range and budget phones to be among the devices hit hardest by rising component costs, and with the Pixel 10a's new price, we're now starting to see that play out.

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'Samsung Sound' is no more: app prepares for shutdown and future integration

What you need to know

• Samsung is reportedly informing users that the Sound app will shut down on March 31, 2027.
• While early, Samsung is already encouraging users to shift their devices to SmartThings, which is where the Sound app's features will live on next year.
• Samsung has a history of app closures in 2026: Messages, Quick Measure, and AR Doodle apps.

Samsung's streak of app shutdowns continues this week. The company is rolling out a new alert for users regarding an app for managing its speakers.

Samsung is preparing to shut down an app it launched earlier this year, SamMobile reports: Samsung Sound. A warning has started appearing in the app stating that it will remain available "until March 31, 2027." Samsung states this shutdown is to produce a "more convenient and unified experience." And here's the important part: Samsung says the Sound app's features are moving into SmartThings.

During its brief life, the Sound app helped users control Samsung's soundbars and other speakers. Considering the impact this shutdown will have, Samsung detailed how users can migrate over. The in-app alert is as follows: "Simply register your sound device in the SmartThings app to continue using your existing settings."

We're still several months away from this happening, but it doesn't hurt to get a head start. But this latest app closure is another dot on a string of recent shutdowns from Samsung.

Shut down history

An alert within the Samsung Sound app warns that the company will shut down its wireless speaker control app in March 2027. (Image credit: SamMobile)

One of the bigger shutdowns this year happened in July when Samsung Messages disappeared. July 2026 was the cutoff for the app, although it didn't affect everyone: Samsung said that users on Android 11 or earlier won't have to worry about it. Everyone else will be moved to Google Messages. Samsung made it relatively easy for users to switch, which we also detailed.

But fast-forward to September, when Samsung started shutting down even more apps. The company announced its plans to get rid of the Quick Measure and AR Doodle apps. While "inconvenient," Samsung said it was committed to returning those apps "with improved services." There's a good chance we can see features from both appear in other places, similar to the Sound app in SmartThings.

Android Central's Take

All of this sounds like house cleaning to me. There's usually big moments for that in a real home. Typically, we're always cleaning up, but there are times when the deep cleaning tools come out—spring, fall, yadda-yadda. Samsung right now is cutting off some fat. These apps probably don't have a ton of traffic, but there are features users enjoy. Moving them or vowing to "improve" their services, is a good move. It keeps them around, but gives them new life.

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UGREEN's local AI NAS rolls out huge price drops ahead of its Kickstarter launch

What you need to know

• UGREEN announced a series of price drops for its upcoming HomeAgent AI NAS products as a thank-you to consumer support.
• For the HA100, UGREEN is reducing its MSRP from $1,799 to $1,599, while the HA100 Pro drops from $5,999 to $5,399.
• There are several more price changes for the Super Early Bird and Early Bird deposit consumers, as well as gifts.
• UGREEN has moved its Kickstarter launch from October 27 to November 17.

UGREEN recently announced its local AI NAS alongside its first smart home series. However, it states, "This wouldn't have been possible" without consumers' support, so UGREEN is saying thanks.

This morning (Sept. 30), UGREEN detailed a series of price drops for its upcoming local AI NAS products. The company's statement reads, "To make HomeAgent accessible to more households and show our appreciation for the trust of our early supporters, we have decided to lower the manufacturer's suggested retail price..." Previously, UGREEN listed its HomeAgent HA100 at $1,799. That's now been reduced by $200 to $1,599.

Elsewhere, the company says it's reducing the MSRP of its HomeAgent HA100 Pro by $600, going from $5,999 to $5,399.

UGREEN also listed its Super Early Bird and Early Bird discounts in this announcement. The percentage off remains unchanged; however, since the MSRP is different, the final price has decreased. You can view the updated prices below:

• 50% Super Early Bird price (HomeAgent HA100): $899 to $799; 40% Early Bird price: $1,079 to $959
• 50% Super Early Bird price (HomeAgent HA100 Pro): $2,999 to $2,699; 40% Early Bird price: $3,599 to $3,239

If you've been gearing up for UGREEN's Kickstarter launch and you've already made your deposit, there's more in store. The company says consumers who've made a deposit for the HomeAgent HA100 and HA100 Pro are eligible for one ID500 Pro camera gift.

On the other hand, UGREEN says there are several other products not receiving a price drop, such as the MasterAgent MA100. However, you won't miss out on gifts. If you've already put a deposit down for the MA100, you are eligible to receive four) 8TB Digital hard drives.

Stay local

(Image credit: UGREEN)

UGREEN states it's also pushed back its Kickstarter launch date for its HomeAgents. Launch has moved from October 27 to November 17.

We were able to get our hands on the HomeAgent HA100, and we were pretty impressed. Android Central's Nicholas Sutrich has 15 years of professional IT experience, and UGREEN's HA100 was as "self-explanatory and user-friendly as you can imagine." Sutrich didn't read the instructions to see if he could figure everything out on his own. In short, he got the HA100 going in about five minutes.

At one point in our hands-on, Sutrich said, "To say I'm extremely excited about these products is an understatement. From the looks of things so far, this does everything I've wanted a smart home to do and then some. Local control and storage are particularly attractive to me, especially since I stopped using Eufy years ago after all those old scandals."

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Closed foldables cause Android Auto calls to fail: Moto and Google are investigating

What you need to know

• Users with Android Auto in their cars report that, if their foldable is closed, the system will fail to place a call unless they open it.
• Several reports involve Motorola's Razr series, but Gemini has also been mentioned heavily in a series of online reports.
• Motorola and Google are aware and are reaching out to users for information.

Drivers beware: A fresh Android Auto bug seems to be unfolding. The issue has drawn increased attention this week regarding a call failure bug — and user reports on social media and official OEM forums claim that the state of their foldable is the cause.

Reports are spread across Reddit, Google's Forums, and Motorola's (via Android Authority). A user reported this issue on Reddit a few months back, stating they're unable to make a call through Android Auto when their Moto Razr Ultra 2025 is closed. They must open it before their call can be placed. They questioned whether this is the result of Android 16, but that doesn't appear to be the case.

Others chimed in, reiterating the same issue as the OP. A report on the Google forums sheds more light: It states that "ever since Gemini became active," attempting to place a call while the user's foldable is closed will result in an Android Auto failure. The post adds, "it pulls up the person and phone number, but doesn't process the call."

These reports share something in common: closed foldable results in failure and Gemini's wider rollout. The timing is far too close for comfort, and it seems some users clocked this, too. Back on Reddit, one user discovered that if they disabled Gemini and reverted to the old Google Assistant, their calls would go through, regardless of whether their foldable was opened or closed.

While concerning, the publication noticed that Motorola and Google have been active and watching these reports. It looks like both companies are aware of what's going on with Gemini and with the Razr foldables. All we have to do now is wait for a fix.

Android Auto woes continue

(Image credit: Google)

Android Central's Take

This is such a weird problem to have that it's almost funny. It's not like we have to keep our foldables open for calls outside of the car. Could you imagine that though? It would be like holding a tablet up to your ear. My jokes aside, let's hope Motorola and Google can figure out where the issue lies and fix it for good.

Android Auto has its issues (no one's denying that). There was a problem with the Pixel 10 that users encountered when connecting the device. According to user reports, a gray screen would appear when their phone was connected to Android Auto. What's more, there was a freezing issue that didn't get fixed when Google rolled out a patch. Elsewhere, Android Auto users had a problem in March with the signal icon.

This wasn't as terrible as what some are facing today. The signal icon for cellular connectivity was disappearing on the car's display. In short, it was a UI bug. Users reported that everything else worked perfectly fine: connectivity, calls, data, and navigation. The problem was linked back to Android Auto version 16.5. Users found relief by reverting to an older version.

Anyone know why I cant make a phone call with Android Auto without flipping my Razr Ultra 2025 open? Did Android 16 change something?

 from r/razr

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I tested the best slim Qi2 power banks released in 2026: Baseus, TORRAS, INIU, ReelCharge

It takes a lot for a power bank to leave a mark on me. I test Android devices and accessories for a living, and because of the sheer volume of releases, I try at least one new power bank or charger every week.

Having tested all of the very best, worst, and mid-tier power banks, I can confidently pass the verdict on the best slim Qi2 power banks released in 2026. Three of my top picks won't surprise you, because Baseus, TORRAS, and INIU have long established themselves as key players in the market.

A new bombshell has also entered the villa, and she is a sleek and chic, solid-state affair from a brand called ReelCharge.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Before I dive into what makes each of these Qi2 accessories so great, here's a quick comparison table to sum up their specs in a nutshell. One look at the table should help you decide which power bank is most to your liking, if a new power bank is on your shopping list.

	Baseus Picogo Air AM71	TORRAS MiniMag Pro	INIU SnapGo Air	ReelCharge ReelSafe
Capacity	5,000mAh	10,000mAh	10,000mAh	5,000mAh
Wired charging speed	22.5W (output), 20W (input)	30W(input/output)	45W (output), 27W (input)	20W (output), 18W (input)
Wireless charging speed	7.5W	15W	25W	15W
Cable	Standard USB-C cable provided	Standard USB-C cable provided	Lanyard-style built-in USB-C cable provided	Standard USB-C cable provided
Extras	NFC PowerSense, CCC certification	IP54 dust and water resistance, LED display	60W cable, LED display	Semi-solid state battery, LED display
Colors	Black, Silver, Dark Cherry	Pearl Grey, Rose Taupe, Slate Blue, Amethyst Purple	Metallic Mocha, Sunset Orange, Midnight Navy, Space Gray, Lunar Silver, Soft Lilac	Orange, Gray
Dimensions	4 x 2.8 x 0.27in, 104g	4.08 x 2.76 x 0.57 in, 195g	4.1 x 2.8 x 0.5 in, 195.4g	4.09 x 2.6 x 0.35 in, 119g
Price	$69.99	$79.99	$54.99	$49.99

Note that this isn't an exhaustive list of the best power banks of 2026, just the slimmest ones released this year that support magnetic Qi2 wireless charging and have stellar value overall.

Baseus Picogo Air AM71 3C Magnetic Power Bank 5000mAh 22.5W

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Baseus always does a fantastic job with its new launches, and the Picogo Air is proof of that. It is the lightest, most unbelievably thin power bank I have ever used, so much so that I had trouble believing that it has a 5,000mAh capacity at first.

Although Baseus did not add a battery indication display, it has a unique NFC PowerSense feature that lets you tap the power bank on your phone and check its percentage through the mobile app.

This may not have the fastest charging speed, but it's not the slowest either. Plus, it also sports the CCC safety certification, and goes on sale very frequently. If you do buy it, I suggest looking at the gorgeous Dark Cherry colorway.

Baseus Picogo Air AM71 3C Magnetic Power Bank 5000mAh 22.5W

The thinnest and the lightest of the lot, the Baseus Picogo Air AM71 power bank takes the crown.

TORRAS MiniMag Pro Power Bank 10k mAh

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

TORRAS usually dabbles in wireless chargers and phone cases, but the MiniMag Pro Power Bank 10k mAh is a welcome addition to their portfolio. It may not be as slim or light as the Baseus option, but it packs twice the capacity.

What has my flabbers gasted is that TORRAS managed to water-proof this battery pack. A Qi2 power bank with an IP54 water and dust resistant rating is unheard of. If you're clumsy or live in a humid area, this is the perfect everyday companion.

TORRAS MiniMag Pro Power Bank 10k mAh

A waterproof power bank that can charge your phone wirelessly? TORRAS knocked it out of the park with this one.

INIU SnapGo Air Magnetic Power Bank 10000mAh 25W Qi2.2 MagSafe

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

INIU has been a favorite of mine when it comes to power banks. In fact, this is the brand I recommend to friends and family the most, because it prioritizes affordability and fast wired charging.

The SnapGo Air Magnetic Power Bank not only supports the fastest possible Qi2 wireless charging speed, but it also features 45W wired fast charging. INIU very thoughtfully includes a 60W nylon-braided cable that attaches to the power bank like a lanyard. A cable like this can cost you $10 to $20 on its own, so this power bank delivers amazing value overall.

INIU SnapGo Air Magnetic Power Bank 10000mAh 25W Qi2.2 MagSafe

INIU knows how to win you over. The SnapGo Air comes in a wide range of beautiful colors, and it supports fast wired and fast wireless charging both.

ReelCharge ReelSafe 5,000mAh Power Bank

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

ReelCharge is a relatively unheard of brand in the consumer tech space, but I am hoping that will change. The brand's 5,000mAh solid-state power bank is almost as light as the Baseus Picogo Air AM71, which is no easy feat.

The ReelCharge ReelSafe 5,000mAh Power Bank supports 15W Qi2 wireless and 20W wired charging speeds, and comes in Orange and Gray. Sound familiar? That's right, it shares nearly identical specs with the BMX SolidSafe 5K Solid-State Magnetic Power Bank, which I absolutely adore.

But guess what? ReelCharge's option costs $10 lesser than BMX's offering, which is why it takes BMX's place in my list of the top slim Qi2 power banks of 2026.

ReelCharge ReelSafe 5,000mAh Power Bank

ReelCharge copied its homework from BMX, but I'm not mad. On the other hand, I'm actually impressed that their 5,000mAh semi-solid state power bank is cheaper and lighter.

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