A couple of changes have been made to the Android wallpaper selector in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2, including the addition of a recent photos section and a new “Live effects” category.

In the first Android 16 QPR1 Beta, we noted that the lock screen and home screen customization pages were completely redone. The new Android update added a new look to the menu with Material 3 Expressive, and clock options were redone with more customization.

To add to that menu, the wallpaper picker now has two new sections. The suggested photos section might be familiar. It appears those in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 saw this section, but only in limited circumstances. The section now seems to be more widely available.

It oprates as you would expect. A carousel showcases your recent images, and allows you to pick from ones that might do well to be on your lock or home screen. It looks for people and animals, and random photos that don’t lend themselves to wallpapers won’t appear.

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Brand new to Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 is the live effects section in the wallpaper picker. There is now an animated card that shows off a gif on an image going through several effects. These effects are available in the new section and through the general selection process.

If you tap on the card, you’ll simply be able to pick any image you have. The menu will then bring you straight to the effects section of that image, bypassing the larger process.

This doesn’t feel like a special new tool more than it is a way for Google to let users know they can add effects to images.

Right now, shapes, weather effects, and 3D cinematics are available for photos. Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 didn’t seem to add any new styles.

Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 is available now for Pixel devices. We have an install guide available, as well.

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