Android 16 has arrived with a bonus feature drop for Pixel phones

Abstract

Android 16 is now obtainable on Pixel telephones in secure type, with new options like stay notification updates and HDR screenshots.
Google can also be engaged on a Materials 3 Expressive UI redesign and desktop mode enhancements, set to reach in Android 16 later this yr.
Pixel homeowners are additionally receiving an unique June Pixel Drop with options like customized sticker creation in Gboard, and a brand new Pixel VIP contacts widget.

Not to be outdone by Apple on this week’s cellular OS information cycle, Google has introduced that Android 16 is formally obtainable in secure type. The corporate has been laborious at work on this next-generation model of the Android platform for a while now, with the first Developer Preview landing in November of final yr, and the first beta build launching back in January of this yr.

“Right now, we’re bringing you Android 16, rolling out first to Pixel with extra cellphone manufacturers to return later this yr. That is the earliest Android has launched a significant launch in the previous few years, which ensures you get the newest updates as quickly as attainable in your gadgets. Android 16 lays the muse for our new Materials 3 Expressive design, with options that make Android extra accessible and simple to make use of,” says Seang Chau, VP and GM of Android Platform at Google.

So far as software program updates go, Android 16 itself is a fairly small release from a user-facing perspective: it gives new stay replace notifications within the vein of Apple’s Dwell Actions, enhancements in assist for Bluetooth Low Vitality (LE) audio listening to help gadgets, Excessive Dynamic Vary (HDR) screenshot assist, and a brand new Superior Safety setting that “permits an array of sturdy system security measures” when toggled on.

The larger story is what Android 16 lays the groundwork for. Again at its I/O developer conference final month, Google formally unveiled its next-generation Material 3 Expressive design language, which is about to reach on the platform in an upcoming Android 16 Quarterly Platform Launch (QPR) someday later this yr. Google can also be promising main enhancements to Android’s desktop mode, customized keyboard shortcuts, and extra exterior show enhancements, all of which can roll out “later this yr on appropriate gadgets.”

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Initially, I wasn’t a fan of Google’s Materials 3 Expressive face raise – however after utilizing it in particular person, I am formally offered on Android’s new look.

Pixel homeowners are in for an enhanced Android 16 expertise

Google is rolling out a June Pixel Drop with new Pixel-exclusive options

Google

Along with being first in line for Android 16, Google Pixel homeowners are in for a further deal with within the type of an upcoming June Pixel Drop. This function drop brings with it a number of Pixel-exclusive additions, together with the flexibility to create stickers in Gboard by way of the Pixel Studio software, a brand new VIP Contacts app widget, a brand new Pixel Digital camera schooling hub that surfaces images ideas, and stay search within the Magnifier app.

It would not be a Google software program launch with no sprinkling of AI, and this time across the firm is launching new AI-powered enhancing choices in Google Photos. AI ideas for enhancing pictures with a single faucet are being integrated into the combo, in addition to simpler fast entry to generally used enhancing controls. A brand new Expressive Captions function, which is on the market in US, Canada, UK, and Australia (English), is designed to enhance upon the depth, nuance, and emotion of speech when in comparison with the presently obtainable stay captions expertise.

It is unclear whether or not this June Pixel Drop will make its technique to Pixel phones throughout the Android 16 over-the-air (OTA) replace itself, or whether or not it will be a separate replace pushed out after the actual fact. Google documentation states that “your Pixel will usually obtain Pixel Drops in the course of the relevant Android replace and assist durations for the cellphone,” which suggests that every one Android-16-compatible Pixel gadgets will obtain the June Pixel Drop when it does arrive.