If you own a Pixel 6 or later model and install Android 16 QPR1 beta 1 update, you have made some changes. Beta software, which includes September 2025 Pixel feature drop, includes the Material 3 Express design system designed to provide Android users to provide a permanent experience throughout the platform. For example, Google has added a blurred background to the pixel app drawers and quick settings.
When you swipe from the Google Search Bar near the bottom of the screen, you can really see this effect in the app drawer. The blurred background color is based on the color theme found on the wallpaper that you are using on your pixel. With fading, you can’t see what your app is behind the icons found in the drawer, but you can see that there is something. This is like seeing the frosted glass.
As good as it is, it will be used in your pixel battery life. In addition, such a design may not be your tea cup. Fracet is a way of eliminating glass shape and returning into a solid background. You just need to do so Settings > Battery And toggle on the battery saver. In addition to leaving the effect of the frosty glass, changing the battery saver also restricts the apps to running in the background, which slows down the use of battery consumption and data. It always closes the display.
Pixel app drawers with battery saver off (L), and (r) battery saver, | Image Credit-Franina
Not only will you save the battery life by not running your phone by not running a blurred background, other features of the battery saver should also improve your battery life even though it comes at the cost of your phone’s performance.
Pixel quick settings with battery saver off (L), and on battery saver (r), | Image Credit-Franina
Another thing to consider. If your pixel is running Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 and you do not see with the foggy background in the app drawer or the Quick Setting panel on the screen, check to see if you have a battery sewer or not. And that brings us a bug on beta software.
A problem with QPR1 beta 1 update is preventing me from going to the page where I can turn off or off the battery sewer. I assume that it’s a bug and unless Google sends a fix, you can get this problem by tapping the icon of settings and using the search bar in the top of the screen, type the battery saver. There will be a toggle on this page that will allow you to qualify or disable the feature.
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