Google rolls out Android 16 first public beta, brings live updates to...
Google has officially released the first public beta of Android 16, offering users a glimpse into the upcoming features of the operating system. This beta version introduces several significant updates, including the introduction of dynamic notifications for live activities and optimizations for larger screens such as foldable devices and tablets.
Live Updates Feature
One of the key highlights of Android 16 is the new Live Updates feature. This feature delivers real-time notifications to users, allowing them to stay informed about ongoing activities such as ride-sharing, food deliveries, and navigation. Similar to Apple's Live Activities, Android's Live Updates provide focused support specifically for progress trackers within certain apps.
Enhanced App Compatibility
The Android 16 public beta introduces a significant change aimed at enhancing app compatibility across devices with diverse screen sizes. Developers are now required to ensure their apps are resizable, allowing for seamless operation on tablets and foldable smartphones. While developers currently have the option to opt out of this requirement, the upcoming Android 17 release in 2026 will mandate all apps to be resizable, excluding games from this regulation.
Additional Features
Besides the aforementioned updates, Android 16 also includes support for the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, improved vertical text rendering, and scene detection functionality in camera applications to enable automatic night mode. These enhancements complement the improvements introduced in earlier developer betas, such as enhanced haptic controls, a more polished photo picker menu, and the Health Connect app for secure medical data sharing across applications.
Availability
The Android 16 public beta is now accessible for Pixel 6 and newer devices, including the Pixel Tablet. For users hesitant to test beta software, the stable version of Android 16 is scheduled for release by Q2 this year, marking an earlier launch compared to Google's usual late-summer release timeframe.
