Google has officially released Android 16, bringing a host of exciting new features and improvements to compatible devices. New devices will be shipping with Android 16 pre-installed in the coming months.
Key Android 16 Features
Here's a rundown of the most notable updates:
- Live Notification Updates: Track progress for ride-shares, food deliveries, and more directly within the notification shade. No more constant app-switching!
- Smart Notifications: Notifications from the same app are now grouped together for a cleaner and less cluttered experience.
- LE Audio Hearing Aid Support: Native control options for LE Audio hearing aids are now available, including the ability to switch to the phone's microphone for clearer audio in noisy environments.
- Enhanced Security: Google has integrated its security features, providing users with one-tap protection against online threats, harmful apps, unsafe websites, and scam calls.
- Camera Enhancements: Shutterbugs rejoice! Android 16 brings automatic night mode scene detection, hybrid auto exposure, and more precise color temperature adjustments. UltraHDR images have been improved, and the OS supports HEIC encoding and the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec.
Desktop Mode Preview
While not fully ready for prime time, Android 16 offers a preview of its desktop windowing feature through the Android 16 QPR 3 Beta 2. This much-anticipated feature will allow users to connect their phones to a display and enjoy a desktop-like experience.
Ecosystem Updates
Android 16 also includes upgrades to the Android ecosystem, such as:
- Upgraded RCS Group Chats: Customize group chat icons and mute specific threads in Google Messages.
- AI-Enhanced Google Photos Editor: The Google Photos editor now uses AI to suggest helpful edits and improvements.
- New Emoji Kitchen Stickers: Expand your emoji repertoire with fresh and creative Emoji Kitchen combinations.
- Desktop Mode: Google is implementing a desktop mode or desktop windowing feature for Android 16.
Overall, Android 16 is a significant update packed with features designed to improve user experience, security, and creativity. Get ready to explore all the new possibilities!