At the Android Show: IO Edition, Google not only revealed the youthful redesign of Android 16 but also its release timeline and new Android features. Google’s president of the Android Ecosystem, Sameer Samat, reportedly disclosed Android 16 will be available to select Pixel devices next month. It looks like Google is pushing for an early release this year as the previous Android versions have been typically released in October. Here are more details:
Android 16 release in June
- At the end of the Android Show, Mr Samat reportedly told the audience, “Watch out for updates coming to your Pixel devices starting next month”. So, Google may not touch upon Android 16 at the upcoming I/O event later this month. That event may showcase Google’s work and updates on AI and other innovations.
- Last year, Google chose the IO developer conference to announce Android 15. But this time, Google held the Android Show in advance, and the rollout should begin in June.
- Google usually releases new Android versions with its Pixel smartphones but last year was different as the Pixel 9 series launched ahead of the Android 15 release. This year, things might change again as Android 16 might release even earlier than the Pixel 10 series, which is rumoured to debut in August.
Meanwhile, he also revealed that Samsung and other phone brands would release their variants this summer.
New Android features announced
- Gemini is coming to more Android devices like Wear OS smartwatches, TVs, XR wearables, and cars (Android Auto).
- Find My Devices is now Find Hub, and this new tracking system helps you locate Android phones, accessories, and tags all in one place. The new system will use UWB (ultrawideband) for more precise tracking. Even when there is no mobile network, the devices in Find Hub will stay traceable thanks to the phone’s satellite connectivity.
- Android will provide AI-based Advanced Spam Protection from sophisticated spam messages like fake road toll alerts and calls.
- Last but definitely not least, Google also unveiled Material 3 Expressive for Android phones and Wear OS smartwatches. This UI is said to have more fluid animations, live activity notifications, and more personalisation options. In case of Wear OS 6, this update is designed for round display, with scrolling animations, glanceable and shape-efficient elements, and dynamic colour-theming. This update could also offer up to 10 percent more battery life with Wear OS 6.
We will keep you posted about other Android 16 features, availability and other details. Keep reading!
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