All articles tagged with #android16
Qualcomm is preparing its Snapdragon X Elite chips for future Android PCs, indicating a new wave of Android-powered machines with powerful hardware, potentially enhancing the desktop experience on ARM architecture, with further developments expected in 2026.
OnePlus has announced the official list of devices set to receive the Android 16 update with OxygenOS 16, starting in November for recent models and continuing through early 2026 for older devices, featuring a redesign and new AI features.
Android 16, available only for Pixel phones, offers minor visual and functional updates such as UI tweaks, improved notifications, and enhanced security features like Advanced Protection. The update is part of Google's shift towards less flashy, more incremental improvements, with major features like Material 3 and desktop windowing arriving later. The focus is on laying groundwork for future enhancements rather than dramatic changes, reflecting a broader trend of Android updates becoming more subdued and less version-dependent.
Google is developing a new API called "app functions" in Android 16, which could enable its Gemini Assistant to perform actions within apps, similar to Apple's "app intents" in iOS 18. This feature could allow users to perform tasks like ordering food directly through the assistant without opening specific apps. Both Google and Apple are working towards making their AI assistants more functional, with significant updates expected by 2025.
Google has released the first preview of Android 16 for developers, introducing expanded photo library and medical data-sharing capabilities. This early release is part of Google's effort to accelerate API updates and innovation. Key features include an embedded photo picker for apps and an updated Privacy Sandbox. The Health Connect app preview supports FHIR format for medical records, enhancing data sharing between apps and devices. The public beta is expected in January 2025, with a full release after April, aligning with Google's annual I/O event.
Google has released the first developer preview of Android 16, aiming to speed up feature rollouts and reduce fragmentation across devices. This marks a shift in the Android release schedule, with the stable version set for Q2 2025. The new schedule is intended to align better with device launches and make core features more accessible. The preview includes an embedded photo picker and Health Connect APIs for medical records. Google plans a major SDK release in Q2 2025 and a minor one in Q4 2025 to accelerate feature availability.
Google is set to release Android 16 on June 3, significantly earlier than previous versions, aligning with the early launch of the Pixel 9. This simultaneous release to AOSP and Pixel devices aims to ensure new partner devices launching in the fall come with Android 16. The early rollout also allows for a second update later in the year, focusing on AI enhancements. This shift in release strategy is part of Google's broader plan to improve device stability and capitalize on market timing.