Google has officially released Android 16, making it the earliest major Android update in recent years. The update is initially available for supported Pixel devices, with plans to reach other phone brands later this year.
Android 16 introduces a new visual design, along with improved accessibility features. It also offers better security and extends battery life on devices running Android and Wear OS 6.
Here is everything new in Android 16.
Key Features of Android 16
1. Material 3 Expressive (Visual Refresh)
- Dynamic Color Theming: New vibrant colors and smoother animations.
- Blurred Backgrounds & Smoother Transitions: To create a more refined look and feel.
- Responsive Swipe Gestures: Enhanced gestures for a seamless experience.
- Future Updates: Coming to Wear OS 6 in late 2025 with improved battery life.
2. Live Updates
- Persistent Lock Screen Info: Live data, such as rideshare or food delivery status, is now available on the lock screen. This feature mirrors iOS’s Live Activities, keeping you informed at a glance.
3. Accessibility Enhancements
- Hearing Aid Support: Users can now switch microphone sources during calls for better audio clarity.
- Improved Controls: New options for managing volume and microphone levels.
4. Advanced Protection & Anti-Scam Features
- Block Suspicious Changes: During suspicious calls, sideloading and settings changes are blocked.
- Advanced Protection Mode: Protects users from malicious apps and websites.
- One-Time Passcodes: Hidden in risky situations to reduce fraud.
- Auto Screen Sharing Termination: Screen sharing ends automatically when the call concludes, adding a layer of security.
5. Notification Cooldown
- Reduced Alert Frequency: Android 16 now silences repetitive notifications (e.g., constant pings) for two minutes, preventing notification spam.
6. Adaptive Layout Enforcement
- Dynamic Resizing: Apps must now support dynamic resizing for larger screens (mandatory for API 37), ensuring a better experience on foldables and larger displays.
7. Media & Developer Features
- APV Codec: Supports high-quality 10-bit 422 video at up to 2 Gbps, enhancing media quality.
- Google Photos Integration: The Photo Picker now integrates directly with cloud services like Google Photos for easier access to your media.
- Vertical Text Rendering: New support for languages like Japanese with vertical-text rendering.
- New Vertical_Text_Flag API: To enable vertical text in apps.
8. Linux Terminal with Android Virtualization Framework (AVF)
- Run Secure Linux Apps: Now, Pixel devices can run graphical Linux apps, including Debian-based tools and games like Doom.
9. Audio & Bluetooth
- Auracast Support for LE Audio: Broadcast audio to multiple devices simultaneously.
- Streamlined Bluetooth Sharing: Bluetooth file sharing without the need for pairing.
10. Health & Privacy Features
- Health Connect FHIR Support: Now supports FHIR-format medical records for better integration.
- Privacy Sandbox: Aims to limit ad tracking through on-device processing, enhancing user privacy.
11. Find Hub (Redesigned Find My Device)
- Extended Device Tracking: Works with third-party tags and offline devices, including those with dead batteries. Future updates may include support for satellite and UWB technologies.
12. Quick Settings Enhancements
- Resizable Tiles: Allowing for better customization and easier navigation of settings.
- Cleaner Toggles: For a more streamlined user interface.
13. Google Messages & RCS Updates
- Custom Group Icons: For personalized message groups.
- Granular Mute Options: Better control over notifications.
- Message Encryption Validation: With Key Verifier to ensure message encryption is intact.
14. Other Notable Improvements
- Redesigned Google Photos Editor: New tools for editing your photos with ease.
- Google Home Widgets: Adding more customizable shortcuts for smart home control.
- Wear OS Transit Access: Transit information is now integrated directly into Wear OS.
- Experimental DeX-Style Desktop Mode: For users who prefer a desktop-like productivity experience on their Android devices.
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