Google has officially released Android 16 Beta 1, providing developers and tech enthusiasts with an early look at the next major update to its smartphone operating system. This release is available exclusively for recent Google Pixel devices and introduces a host of new features and improvements. Notably, Android 16 is set to launch earlier than usual, with an expected release in Q2 2024, deviating from Google’s traditional Q3 or Q4 timeline.
Android 16 Beta 1 Features:
Live Updates
One of the standout features in Android 16 Beta 1 is Live Updates. This feature allows apps to display the status of ongoing activities—such as food deliveries or navigation on Google Maps—directly in the notification list. Apps can also display custom icons for these updates. This functionality mirrors Apple’s Live Activities feature introduced with iOS 16, bringing Android on par with its competitor in this area.
Enhanced Navigation Experience
Android 16 expands on the predictive back animation introduced in previous versions. While this functionality was initially available only with gesture-based navigation, it is now being extended to the traditional 3-button navigation mode. Users can preview the app they will navigate to while holding the back button, enhancing the overall user experience.
Camera Enhancements
Android 16 promises significant improvements to camera capabilities, especially on compatible devices. Key updates include:
- Support for the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, enabling up to 8K video recording.
- Multi-view video functionality for capturing different perspectives simultaneously.
- HDR 10 and HDR 10+ support for improved dynamic range.
- Perceptually lossless video quality for professional-grade recording.
Additionally, new application programming interfaces (APIs) will allow apps to detect and optimize for low-light conditions, ensuring better performance in challenging environments.
Resizable Windows
Google is pushing developers to support resizable windows on devices with displays featuring a pixel density of 600dpi or higher. While apps targeting API level 36 (Android 16) can opt out of this feature, apps targeting API level 37 in 2026 will no longer have this option, signaling a clear direction for app design on Android.
Eligible Devices for Android 16 Beta 1:
The first beta is available as an over-the-air (OTA) update for developers and enthusiasts using the following Google devices:
Google Pixel Smartphones
- Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a
- Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a
- Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a
Google Pixel Tablet
Owners of the Google Pixel Tablet can also download and test Android 16 Beta 1, expanding the scope of compatibility to larger-screen devices.