Google has officially launched Android 16, rolling out first to Pixel devices and introducing features reminiscent of Apple’s Live Activities. This significant update brings a host of new functionalities and enhancements to the Android ecosystem.
A key addition is Live Updates, which Google began developing last year and released in beta in January. This feature enables persistent, real-time notifications for tracking the progress of ride-share and food delivery services. While initially focusing on these apps, Live Updates may expand, with users observing its use for navigation in Google Maps during the Android 16 beta. The functionality will appear in the Now Bar on Samsung devices and in Live Alerts on Oppo and OnePlus phones. However, Google indicates that the full realization of Live Updates requires a future update, and the current release notably excludes the major Material 3 redesign.
Beyond Live Updates, Android 16 includes enhancements to notification management, automatically grouping alerts from the same app in the notification drawer for improved organization. This update aims to streamline the user experience by reducing clutter and making it easier to manage multiple notifications.
The update also addresses call quality for hearing aid users. Recognizing that many LE hearing devices utilize front-facing microphones primarily designed for picking up external voices, Android 16 allows users to switch to their phone’s microphone for audio input during calls. The operating system now offers native controls for hearing devices, enabling adjustments to volume and selection of a default microphone for calls. This enhancement is expected to significantly improve the calling experience for users with hearing aids.
Security features are also bolstered with the option to enable Advanced Protection. This service aims to safeguard users considered at risk from malicious applications, unsafe websites, and online threats. Google is also preparing to launch its desktop experience for Android, providing custom keyboard shortcuts. Developers can begin testing this feature immediately ahead of a broader release later this year.
Google announced several updates to its core applications as well. Google Messages now allows users to set custom icons for RCS group chats and offers the ability to mute group chat notifications for specified durations. The redesigned editor in Google Photos is being rolled out to more devices, and a new option to add more time to Safety Check has been introduced. These updates are designed to enhance user experience and provide more control over core Google services.
For smart home management, Google Home is receiving an update to streamline control. Users can now create shortcuts for specific devices within Favorites, allowing them to pin security cameras to Google TV or thermostat controls to their Wear OS smartwatch. Wear OS users with compatible devices can also tap city transit cards without needing to open the Google Wallet app. This integration is expected to simplify smart home management and enhance the overall user experience.
Android 16 is initially available on Pixel devices. Further Material 3 Expressive design updates are expected to arrive on Android 16 and Wear OS 6 on Pixel devices later this year. This phased rollout indicates Google’s commitment to continually improving and expanding the Android ecosystem.
