Android 16 beta shows itself: the 3 most interesting new features

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This week, Google released the first beta version of Android 16, the next version of its operating system. While the preview versions previously launched by the firm were reserved for developers, this beta also targets the general public, in order to allow those who wish to test the new features of the OS before everyone else, on compatible devices.

On the other hand, Google is gradually revealing the new features that it will offer on this operating system (those that will be visible to users). Here is a list of the three main new features announced by Google, in the presentation of the beta version of Android 16.

Applications that adapt better to the screen

On Android 16, Google will force developers to adapt the interfaces of their applications to different formats (tablets, foldable screens, etc.).“Users expect apps to work seamlessly across their devices, regardless of screen size and form factor. To that end, Android 16 is phasing out the ability for apps to restrict screen orientation and resizing on larger displays,” Google explains.

A big new feature for notifications

Google is also offering a new notification format, with a progress bar. This will allow you to follow the progress of current activities in real time. It works similarly to the iPhone's live activities or the Now Bar recently announced by Samsung. However, on Android 16, this real-time information will be displayed in the notification stack. And the format will be reserved for certain categories of apps, such as delivery apps or navigation apps.

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New features for the camera

Android 16 also offers new features for the camera. Indeed, the new version will support the APV (Advanced Professional Video) codec which has been “designed to be used for recording and post-production of high-quality videos at a professional level.” And as mentioned earlier, Android 16 will also offer a feature that will improve the quality of photos on the cameras of social networking apps.

When will Android 16 be available ?

This year, Google has decided to change the rollout schedule. Instead of coming out in the third quarter, Android 16 will be released in the second quarter. By then, we will have the opportunity to discover other features that the company is preparing for its operating system. Google also plans to release another major update to its operating system in the last quarter of 2025.

Which devices are compatible (for now) ?

For now, the beta version of Android 16 can only be tested on a list of compatible Google Pixel smartphones. These are the following models:

• Pixel 6
• Pixel 6 Pro
• Pixel 6a
• Pixel 7
• Pixel 7 Pro
• Pixel 7a
• Pixel Tablet
• Pixel Fold
• Pixel 8
• Pixel 8 Pro
• Pixel 8a
• Pixel 9
• Pixel 9 Pro XL
• Pixel 9 Pro
• Pixel 9 Pro Fold

• The first beta of Android 16 has just been released
• It includes new features that will be available on the stable version in the second quarter
• The beta version can be tested by the general public on a list of compatible Pixel smartphones

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