Latest news with #Material3Expressive
Android Authority
3 days ago
- Android Authority
One UI 8 is missing these 2 crucial Android 16 features, and I want them now!
Joe Maring / Android Authority Samsung pleasantly surprised us with how fast it started its Android 16 beta, especially after the mess it made with the One UI 7 rollout. One UI 8 has been a small update so far, but it makes some welcome tweaks to what we got in One UI 7's major redesign. While it's based on Android 16 and even has some features that Pixels don't have access to just yet, two of my favorite additions are missing, and I really want Samsung to add them as soon as possible. Material Expressive I've always liked the design Samsung has used with One UI, but it feels like it's grown stale, even with the changes made in One UI 7. The UI on Pixels used to feel more clinical, and One UI was fun and bouncy, but I now get the impression that the two have traded places with the arrival of Android 16. Material 3 Expressive, stupid name aside, is a big step forward for Android, making it the leader in mobile design. Bright, bold colors and bouncy animations make Android 16 feel alive in a way that is joyous to use. It isn't perfect — I wish there were at least an option for more consistent widget shapes. That's a minor complaint, though, and overall, Android 16 with Material 3 Expressive is shaping up to be my favorite Android redesign yet, surpassing 4.4 KitKat. There is, of course, the question of how many apps will adopt the design language and how fast most of Google's apps will be updated to this new look, but the foundation is a strong one. Notification cooldown Ryan Haines / Android Authority Notification Cooldown is a feature that's (almost) perfect for those of us who get bombarded by a million notifications at a time, and also keep their ringer on. The way it works is pretty simple: As you receive several notifications in quick succession, the alerts will become quieter over a period of two minutes. After that time has elapsed, it returns to the volume it was on previously. Plus, it's smart about what notifications it silences and those it keeps alive. Phone calls and conversations it believes are high priority will still sound normal, as you'd want them to. It isn't perfect, though; I'd like to be able to adjust how long it keeps notifications quiet, rather than having a two-minute hard limit. Technically, Notification Cooldown was introduced in Android 15. However, Google added it in Android 15 QPR2, and OEMs like Samsung base their software on the major Android releases, not the QPR builds. Therefore, non-Pixel users should see Notification Cooldown arrive on their devices with Android 16, but there's a catch — the OEM can choose whether or not to include it. This may change in future One UI 8 betas, but sadly, Samsung has so far chosen not to enable Notification Cooldown. Given Samsung's other notification-related shenanigans of late, I don't imagine the company will include it in future builds, but I would love to be proved wrong. Honorable mention: Haptics Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority This is more of a Pixel-specific thing than Android 16, but it's my list, and I like haptics. Samsung's flagship devices have high-quality vibration motors. The problem is that these motors are underutilised. Pixels have used subtle vibrations in their UI for years now, and Android 16 has taken that to the next level. Swiping away notifications, scrolling through the overview screen, adjusting brightness and volume sliders, and using the fingerprint scanner all provide deliciously satisfying haptic feedback. One UI doesn't do any of that; it only provides a double vibration to the fingerprint scanner if it fails to unlock. Great haptics might seem minor, but once you get used to them on a phone like the Pixel 9 Pro, phones that don't provide that tactile feedback feel lifeless. Android 16 has been released for Pixels now, but One UI 8 is still on its second beta, so there's still time for Samsung to make some changes before it's finished. I won't hold my breath for any big changes that we haven't already seen, but you never know. Are there any Android 16 features you'd like to see in One UI? Let us know in the comments.
The Star
12-06-2025
- The Star
Android 16 is here (for Pixel devices)! So what's new?
Android 16 is now available exclusively on the latest Google Pixel devices (versions 6 and later), but several other manufacturers (Samsung, Oppo, and Xiaomi) are expected to offer this update to their users starting this summer. — Google The latest Android update is now available on some Google Pixel smartphones. This new version of Google's mobile OS introduces significant changes in terms of notifications and security, but users will have to wait a little longer to enjoy its new design. Android 16 is now available exclusively on the latest Google Pixel devices (versions 6 and later), but several other manufacturers (Samsung, Oppo, and Xiaomi) are expected to offer this update to their users starting this summer. Among the most notable new features are "Live Updates" (inspired by "Live Activities" on iOS), which are continuous real-time notifications. This is particularly useful for deliveries, where updates appear automatically without the user having to constantly open the dedicated app. The notification center also offers the option to group notifications from the same app to reduce information overload. Android 16 also offers an "Advanced Protection" mode, which brings together all the options related to your device's security and helps combat the most sophisticated attacks, whether in the form of corrupted websites, harmful apps, or even fraudulent calls. And that's more or less it. In fact, the two most eagerly awaited new features of the new OS won't arrive until early September. The first is an ambitious redesign of the system's graphics, called Material 3 Expressive, with bright colors, new fonts, and smooth animations, all for a more dynamic and personalized user experience. The same goes for desktop mode. Directly inspired by Samsung DeX, it will allow users to interact with their mobile apps directly on their computers. Google unveiled the main new features of Android 16 at its "The Android Show: I/O Edition' event in May. The company now claims to have more than three billion active devices running Android worldwide. – AFP Relaxnews
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Yahoo
Google Treats the Pixel Fold Like a Phone, Not a Tablet, Even When It Shouldn't
Google is bringing a new desktop mode to Android 16 later this year. However, the way desktop mode works will not be the same across all types of Android devices. On Pixel phones, desktop mode will only become active when the device is connected to an external screen. Users will be able to use a desktop-like experience on a monitor, but the phone's own screen will not support windowed multitasking or the full desktop interface, even though the phone itself would be fully functional on its own, as a separate entity. Tablets, on the other hand, will be able to use desktop mode directly on their built-in screens, whether or not an external display is connected, which makes sense. But then it gets weird. Foldable devices, despite having expansive inner screens, will not be treated the same way as tablets. Google has confirmed that foldables like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will only be able to use windowed multitasking when connected to an external display, as reported by Android Police. This means the desktop mode will not be available on the folding screen itself, as it has a large enough screen on the inside. The desktop mode will be released with the all-new Material 3 Expressive in the next quarterly update, which is likely to be in September. Android 16 was released yesterday.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Time of India
Android 16 update rolled out for Google Pixel devices: Check latest features, compatible phones
Just a day after Apple dropped iOS 26, Google rolled out Android 16. For now, it's limited to select devices—mainly Pixels—but it marks one of the earliest Android releases in years, highlighting Google's push for faster, more consistent updates. Android 16 brings solid upgrades in accessibility, security, and productivity. On the visual side, the OS gets a refreshed look with Material 3 Expressive Google's own bold design direction that parallels Apple's new Liquid Glass approach. Both aim to deliver a more unified, modern interface experience across devices. Before we dive into the new features, here's a look at the devices currently supported by Android 16. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This new, cheap AC is making people throw away their expensive, old air conditioners Cool Stream Undo Android 16: New Features A standout addition is Live Updates, which brings real-time info like delivery status or ride ETA straight to your lock screen. Displayed in a pill-shaped bubble beside the clock, it lets you stay informed without unlocking your phone. It's especially useful on devices with always-on displays. On the security side, Advanced Protection adds a new layer of defense. It proactively warns users about suspicious websites or apps, helping you steer clear of scams, malware, and digital threats. Android 16 is also taking a big step toward better cross-device compatibility. With Adaptive Apps Across Devices, the OS moves beyond a phone-first mindset. Apps will now automatically adjust to different screen sizes whether you're on a tablet, foldable, or something in between. It's a long-overdue change that finally brings consistency to larger, more flexible displays. On the design side, Android 16 introduces a subtle but noticeable visual refresh. Expect updated fonts, more rounded app icons, and a redesigned Settings menu with new color accents for easier navigation. Media controls have also been refined, giving the UI a cleaner, more cohesive feel in line with Google's evolving Material 3 Expressive design. Battery Health Indicator available on Pixel 8a and newer devices. Similar to what iPhone users are familiar with, this feature gives you insight into your battery's condition, estimated longevity, and when it might be time to consider a replacement. How to Download Android 16 If you own a Pixel 6 or newer, you're good to go. The update will arrive automatically via over-the-air (OTA) notifications—no need for manual installs or extra steps. Just head to Settings > System > Software Update to check if it's ready on your device. Android 16: Full List of Supported Devices As always, Google's Pixel lineup is first to get the latest Android update a major plus for anyone who wants early access to new features. Other brands like Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi will follow in the coming months once they've tailored Android 16 to their own interfaces. Here's the full list of Pixel devices eligible for Android 16: Pixel 6 / 6 Pro / 6a Pixel 7 / 7 Pro / 7a Pixel 8 / 8 Pro / 8a Pixel 9 / 9 Pro / 9 Pro XL / 9 Pro Fold / 9a Pixel Fold Pixel Tablet
Express Tribune
11-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Android 16 released ahead of schedule, available to select Google Pixel users: Here are all the exciting new features
Android 16 has officially launched, arriving ahead of schedule this year with several innovative features that are set to enhance the user experience. The new operating system version debuted on select Google Pixel models this week, following a public beta release in January. Android enthusiasts can expect more devices to receive the update in the coming months. This year's early June release comes several months ahead of the usual August-September launch window, with Google aiming to make waves in the tech industry, particularly by competing with Apple's iOS 26 beta. ✨New✨ features that will give you(r device) main character energy. Learn more about the updates on Android: 👇👇👇 — Android (@Android) June 10, 2025 Live Updates and Improved Notifications Among the highlights of Android 16 is the introduction of Live Updates, a feature akin to Apple's Live Activities. This allows app developers to incorporate notifications with live progress bars, enabling users to track activities like Uber trips or food deliveries in real-time. While the feature is now available for developers, full functionality, such as expanded notifications on the always-on display, will roll out in a future update. Another improvement is the automatic grouping of notifications from a single app, making it easier for users to stay organised without feeling overwhelmed by a barrage of alerts. Aesthetic Updates and App Changes Android 16 also brings aesthetic changes with a focus on user interface design. Google is pushing for apps to adapt to edge-to-edge screens, eliminating the previous option for developers to opt out. This update lays the groundwork for a future Material 3 Expressive update, which will further refine the visual experience. Predictive Back and Scam Protection Android 16 makes Predictive Back the default setting, reintroducing a feature first seen in Android 13. This allows users to preview where the back button will take them, helping to streamline navigation and make the system more intuitive. Security is another area where Android 16 shines, particularly with its new Activated Protection features. This includes a Scam Detection AI tool that warns users about common scams like crypto fraud, technical support deceptions, and toll road scams. In addition, Android 16 introduces in-call protections to prevent users from accidentally granting malicious access to their devices. Rolling Out Across Devices While Android 16 is initially available on Google Pixel devices, the broader rollout to other Android phones will take place over the coming months. Android users can expect to see these exciting new features, which aim to improve both the functionality and security of their smartphones, becoming standard on their devices soon.
