Android 16 arrives for Pixel phones with with smarter alerts, desktop-ready features, and more

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Android 16
Android 16
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Better accessibility for hearing aid users Accessibility also sees a notable leap forward. Hearing aid users can now route call audio through their phone's microphone, improving clarity in noisy environments. Native hearing device controls are also being added, allowing users to manage settings like volume directly from the phone.
Accessibility also sees a notable leap forward. Hearing aid users can now route call audio through their phone's microphone, improving clarity in noisy environments. Native hearing device controls are also being added, allowing users to manage settings like volume directly from the phone.
With
Android 16 , users will be able to change mics for LE hearing devices. | Image credit — Google
New security options for those who need it most Security-wise, Google is introducing its Advanced Protection feature to Android. Available within settings, it enables a suite of defenses aimed at protecting users from phishing, malware, and scam calls — particularly helpful for those at higher risk of targeted attacks.
Security-wise, Google is introducing its Advanced Protection feature to Android. Available within settings, it enables a suite of defenses aimed at protecting users from phishing, malware, and scam calls — particularly helpful for those at higher risk of targeted attacks.
A big step toward desktop-style multitasking On the productivity front, Google is laying the groundwork for serious multitasking.
Android 16 will eventually enable desktop windowing on tablets and large-screen devices, developed in partnership with Samsung. The feature allows users to open, move, and resize multiple app windows freely, echoing the flexibility of Samsung DeX.
Though the full experience will roll out later this year , it points to a broader vision for Android as a productivity-first platform on tablets and external displays.
Additionally, Google will launch a feature later this year that will allow you to create your own custom keyboard shortcuts. There is also taskbar overflow which will provide a way to find apps that cannot be easily found due to the taskbar being full
Taskbar keyboard overflow in
Android 16 . | Image credit — Google Smaller updates round out the release Other under-the-hood changes include HDR screenshot support, adaptive refresh rate controls, and new identity check tools. While
Android 16 may appear iterative at first glance, it brings deeper refinements that many users have been asking for, especially those looking to use Android beyond the smartphone screen.
Google says that more updates tied to
Android 16 and Pixel devices are expected in the coming weeks, and we'll be sure to keep you up to date on all new developments. In the meantime, a slew of additional features are being rolled out to Pixel devices today with the
Other under-the-hood changes include HDR screenshot support, adaptive refresh rate controls, and new identity check tools. Whilemay appear iterative at first glance, it brings deeper refinements that many users have been asking for, especially those looking to use Android beyond the smartphone screen.Google says that more updates tied toand Pixel devices are expected in the coming weeks, and we'll be sure to keep you up to date on all new developments. In the meantime, a slew of additional features are being rolled out to Pixel devices today with the June Pixel Drop , which you can check out here.
One of's most practical changes is the introduction of grouped notifications and live updates from compatible delivery and ride-share apps. Instead of digging into an app to see where your food or driver is, Android will surface real-time updates on your lock screen. The feature will soon extend to other brands, including Samsung, OPPO, and OnePlus.