Google just launched Android 16 — plus a bunch of other useful software upgrades
Google promised that Android 16 would arrive early, and it looks like it's kept that promise. The company just confirmed that Android 16 will be launching today, rolling out to Pixel phones with all the latest features and upgrades.
But that's not to say non-Pixels will be left out. Those of you with a different Android phone, which can't get Android 16 just yet, will also be able to enjoy new Android ecosystem updates — with extra features coming to various Google apps.
The big update coming with Android 16 is the new Live Updates feature. Essentially an Android version of Live Activities on iPhone, this is a special kind of notification that shows you real-time updates from various compatible apps.
Google specifically mentions ride shares and delivery apps, but presumably this could also be expanded to more important things like flight status, or less urgent things like sports scores.
On top of this, Google will be grouping notifications from the same apps together, to help you from being continually disturbed and having to dismiss a bunch of stuff just because your neighbors keep walking past your doorbell camera.
Android 16 also adds support for hearing aids with LE audio, letting you connect them to your phone and enjoy clearer calls in noisy environments. This update also includes native controls for hearing aids, designed to make the control process easier to access and more consistent.
Google has promised even strong protection in Android 16, designed to protect you from harmful apps, websites, scam calls and more — with it all activating with a single tap.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
It's also been confirmed that Desktop windowing will be coming to "large screen devices" later this year — with a developer preview coming in Android 16 QPR 3 beta 2.
That phrase usually means tablets and foldables, rather than big-screen phones. Google likens this feature to Samsung's DeX, which means this is essentially an official desktop mode — complete with resizable app windows and multiple screen modes. This will also come with customizable keyboard shortcuts.
Regardless of whether you upgrade to Android 16 or not, Pixel owners also have the June Pixel Drop to look forward to. The big update here is the new Pixel VIP widget, which is tied to your contacts app. This helps you stay better connected with the people you talk to most.
This includes seeing your latest calls and messages (which includes WhatsApp support), as well as updates for birthdays and anniversaries. Designated VIPs will also be able to bypass Do Not Disturb mode, which could also be useful to ensure emergency contacts can get through at any time.
Pixel Studio is gaining the ability to create custom stickers for your phone, made using generative AI and the same prompts you'd use before. It's not quite Apple's Genmoji feature, but it's pretty close.
Also coming is an accessibility feature called Expressive Captions. This adds more detailed captions to videos, with the ability to recognize nuance in a speaker's voice. Better still, it also works with live and streaming content, not just pre-recorded video. The Magnifier app will also start working in real time, thanks to the addition of Live Search, rather than forcing you to take a photo first.
Google Photos will now show you all the AI-powered tools available when you circle, brush or tap on something that needs editing.
Meanwhile Emoji Kitchen now includes brand new sticker combinations to help remix different emojis that can be shared as stickers. Anyone that signs up for the Public preview will also be able to pin Google Home favorites to their devices to make it easier to manage your home.
Updates for those with and without a Pixel phone, regardless of whether you upgrade to Android 16 or not. The first of these is new features for RCS group chats in Google messages. Now you'll be able to set custom icons and mute specific chat notifications for however long you feel like.
Safety Check timers can now be extended more easily, with a single tap on your phone or smartwatch, which saves you from creating a new one. Wear OS watches will also get better transit support, meaning Google Wallet is always ready to pay your fares without having to open the app first.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Engadget
43 minutes ago
- Engadget
A native PS3 emulator for Android is available on the Play Store
We're another step closer to getting PlayStation 3 games to run smoothly on an Android smartphone. A little-known developer has released aPS3e, a PS3 emulator that can natively run on Android, onto the Google Play Store. Independent developers have been creating ways to emulate our favorite nostalgic hits on PS3, but offering a direct way to do it on an Android device is a major step in the emulation world. Before you dive in, it's worth noting that aPS3e suffers the same issues as other emulators, meaning it doesn't offer the same smooth experience as playing on your old PS3. Even the Play Store page warns that the app is "still under active development and may not work with all your favorite games." Early reports from users claim that the app is prone to crashing, still has several bugs, and doesn't offer reliable frame-rate performance. The app is geared towards higher-end Android devices with the latest processors and recommends around 12 GB of RAM for a decent gameplay experience. The app has built-in on-screen controls, but the website claims it has support for some Bluetooth controllers. This latest app isn't the only way to emulate PS3 games on an Android device, but it's the first to be listed on the Play Store. There has been a lot of criticism that the developer pulled code from other PS3 emulation projects, but the project has since been made open-source on its Github page. Currently, aPS3e is available for free without ads, but there's a premium version for $5 that's meant to support the developer. The Android emulator has already landed more than 10,000 downloads.
Engadget
3 hours ago
- Engadget
Google Search uses AI-generated podcast hosts to answer your questions
Instead of digging through all the top search results, you can now ask Google Search to give you a comprehensive AI-generated summary with its Audio Overviews feature. The AI feature uses Google Gemini models to create a short audio clip that sounds like a conversational podcast with two hosts. It's not ideal for your basic search queries like finding out when Father's Day is, but it's helpful if you want an in-depth and hands-free response to the history and significance of Flag Day. The Audio Overviews option pulls from the front page Google Search results and compiles them into an audio summary where two voices bounce off each other for a more engaging answer. You can also adjust the volume and playback speed between 0.25x and 2x. Audio Overviews even includes the webpages it pulls the info from, letting you continue down the Google Search rabbit hole. It's not the first time Google has offered its Audio Overviews tool, but it was previously reserved for its NotebookLM tool. Google expanded on this feature by making Audio Overviews within NotebookLM more interactive, allowing you to ask the AI hosts questions in real-time, and added a "Deep Dive" option to get the AI to focus on a specific topic. To test out the Audio Overviews as part of Google Search, you have to opt into the Google Labs feature on its website.
Time Business News
3 hours ago
- Time Business News
Drive Smart: How to Buy Tyres Online and Get the Best Tyre Deals Today
Finding the right tyres for your vehicle doesn't have to be a stressful or expensive experience anymore. With the rise of digital convenience, more people now choose to buy tyres online for their cars, getting unbeatable savings and a wide variety in one go. Shopping from home is no longer just for clothes or gadgets—it's a smart move when it comes to keeping your car in peak condition too. Thanks to advanced e-commerce solutions and reliable online tyre stores, you can avoid the usual hassles of visiting multiple tyre shops, waiting in lines, or settling for overpriced options. With just a few clicks, you can browse through hundreds of car tyres and compare cheap tyres side-by-side, all from the comfort of your home or office. The traditional method of buying tyres involved traveling to a physical shop, listening to a salesperson's pitch, and often paying a premium for convenience. However, digital platforms now allow users to buy tyres online with full transparency. You can access detailed specs, genuine customer reviews, and competitive pricing—ensuring you're making an informed choice. Moreover, the online market gives you access to brands and best tyre deals you wouldn't easily find locally. Whether you're looking for economy tyres, premium brands, or seasonal options, digital tyre retailers are increasingly providing fast delivery, local fitting partners, and exclusive online discounts. Everyone wants quality at the lowest price. But finding the best tyre deals requires more than a quick Google search. Reliable online tyre platforms usually offer bundle discounts, free delivery, and even cashback options on selected brands. Signing up for newsletters or following these platforms on social media can often get you access to hidden savings or flash sales. Some websites also include price-matching guarantees or promotions on cheap tyres, especially during seasonal sales or festive periods. By planning your tyre purchase in advance, rather than waiting for an emergency, you can take full advantage of these cost-saving opportunities and avoid the inflated prices of last-minute purchases. A common misconception is that cheap tyres are low in quality or unsafe. However, many budget tyre brands invest heavily in R&D and offer excellent performance for daily driving conditions. The online market is competitive, which means many tyre manufacturers price their products attractively to gain more customers. That being said, not all cheap tyres are created equal. It's important to rely on websites that provide verified reviews and ratings. When you buy tyres online, make sure to check the EU tyre label (for rolling resistance, wet grip, and noise levels), which gives a quick indication of performance without needing to be a tyre expert. One of the biggest perks of online shopping is customization. You can filter car tyres by your vehicle model, tyre size, driving conditions, or even fuel efficiency. The user-friendly interfaces on major tyre sites make it simple for even a first-time buyer to make the right selection. In addition to convenience, you'll often find value-added services like mobile fitting or next-day delivery. Many services will ship tyres directly to your preferred installer or garage, so you never have to worry about transportation or logistics. This seamless experience is why more drivers prefer to buy tyres online rather than visit a shop. When it comes to purchasing car essentials online, being informed is key. Always double-check your tyre size, read real user reviews, and don't hesitate to reach out to customer service if you have questions. Also, look for online retailers that provide warranty or return options in case something doesn't fit as expected. Don't just go for the first cheap tyres you see. It's worth spending an extra minute comparing similar models based on speed rating, tread wear, and brand reliability. With so many choices online, the perfect match for your car and budget is definitely out there. Before you buy tyres online, make sure to have your vehicle's tyre specifications ready—this includes size, load index, and speed rating. These are usually printed on the side of your current tyres. Selecting the wrong size can lead to poor performance or even damage. Also, consider your driving environment. If you mostly drive in urban areas, fuel-efficient and quiet car tyres may suit you best. For off-road or heavy-duty use, durability should take priority. Online stores usually offer filters and descriptions to help guide this choice. Smart shoppers know that online platforms usually have lower operational costs, and these savings are passed directly to customers. This is one reason you'll often find best tyre deals online that physical stores simply can't match. From free delivery to bulk discounts, digital tyre shops are designed to give you more value for your money. Also, online reviews and comparison tools empower you to make smarter decisions. You no longer have to rely solely on a salesperson's recommendation. Instead, you can compare multiple car tyres side by side and choose the one that fits your needs perfectly without blowing your budget. Buying tyres used to be a chore, but now it's a strategic and satisfying experience thanks to digital convenience. Whether you're chasing cheap tyres that still deliver strong performance or searching for the best tyre deals on high-end brands, online platforms offer it all. The next time your car needs new tyres, consider making the switch to online shopping. You'll not only save time and money but also enjoy a wider selection, detailed insights, and the peace of mind that comes with making an informed purchase. Choose to buy tyres online and experience how simple, smart, and satisfying car maintenance can really be. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
