Google has released Android 16 to Pixel phones, alongside the June Pixel Drop, delivering a host of new features and improvements. Android 16 focuses on enhancing user experience with streamlined notifications, including live updates for apps like ride-sharing and food delivery services, and grouped notifications to reduce clutter. Security is also a key focus, with the introduction of Advanced Protection, offering robust defence against online threats, harmful apps, and scam calls. The update also brings improvements to hearing aid compatibility, allowing users to switch to their phone's microphone for clearer calls and providing native controls for adjusting volume and presets. Camera enhancements include night mode scene detection, hybrid auto exposure, and precise colour temperature adjustments, alongside improved UltraHDR image support.
In addition to Android 16, the June Pixel Drop introduces features like Pixel VIPs, allowing users to create a special widget for their closest contacts, and custom stickers in Gboard, powered by Pixel Studio. Accessibility improvements include live search in the Magnifier app and AI summaries in the Recorder app, expanding to new languages. Tablet users can anticipate desktop windowing, enabling them to resize app windows, enhancing productivity. The update also includes fixes for haptics, screen brightness transitions, and UI stability. Android 16 is rolling out to supported Pixel devices, with broader availability expected in the coming months.
