Yes, so it begins! Google has officially started introducing the stable version of Android 16 for its Pixel devices, albeit without its biggest changes for now.
Android 16 – Roll-out
Stable Android 16 comes with a couple of features like streamlined and updated notifications, clearer and simpler calling with hearing devices, better security, and better tablet productivity.
The notification management was improved to have Live Updates that offer dynamic notifications that make it easier to track things like navigation, ride-hailing, and food delivery. These will now also be available on the lock screen and in the system status area. This, of course, only works with compatible apps.
Moreover, notifications from a single app will now be grouped to simplify information.
For users who use hearing aids, Google now lets you switch to your phone’s microphone for clearer calls. A new native control was also introduced for hearing devices in Android 16 for easier access.
A new Advanced Protection will also allow you to protect your personal data from online attacks, harmful apps, scam calls, and more.
Lastly, Android 16 will let you resize multiple app windows, similar to a desktop. However, this will be introduced on compatible devices.
The company also confirmed that features like HDR screenshots, adaptive refresh rate, identity check, and more join the features of the latest version of Android.
The new Material 3 Expressive and Desktop mode features, however, aren’t making their debut with this stable release. Although Google has confirmed that these will be introduced later.
Pixel devices aren’t official in the Philippines just yet, but we expect to see Android 16 rollouts to begin for other phone makers after this stable rollout.
Ram found his love and appreciation for writing in 2015 having started in the gaming and esports sphere for GG Network. He would then transition to focus more on the world of tech which has also began his journey into learning more about this world. That said though, he still has the mentality of "as long as it works" for his personal gadgets.
