The stable version of Android 16 is releasing soon, and by soon, we mean as early as next month in June. Following the Android Show, Google has confirmed that the next generation of its major Android release is set to roll out in June.
This is a big deal, considering stable Android OS versions have typically launched in October, usually after the announcement of new Pixel smartphones, a trend that’s held firm for years. But with the stable release of Android 16 seemingly just weeks away, it’s fair to expect the beta run of the software to wrap up very soon.
Features which are present in the new Android 16
1) Material 3 Expressive–
Google also unveiled Material 3 Expressive for Android phones and Wear OS smartwatches. This UI is said to have more fluid animations, live activity notifications, and more personalisations options. In case of Wear OS 6, this update is designed for round display, with scrolling animations, glanceable and shape-efficient elements, and dynamic color-theming. This update could also offer up to 10 percent more battery life with Wear OS 6.
2) Find Hub– Find My Devices is now Find Hub, and this new tracking system helps you locate Android phones, accessories, and tags all in one place. The new system will use UWB (ultrawideband) for more precise tracking. Even when there is no mobile network, the devices in Find Hub will stay traceable thanks to the phone’s satellite connectivity.
3) Auracast– It is a part of the Bluetooth LE (low energy) system that allows broadcasting to multiple devices and it’s expected to be supported in Android 16 as it was in the beta. This will allow you to share audio from your Android device to any number of listeners (as long as they have an Auracast compatible listening device), as well as being able to use your Android 16 device to find and tune in to Auracast broadcasts.
4) Gemini Expands– Google Assistant is officially going away, replaced by Google’s souped-up Gemini chatbot. The main news ahead of Google I/O is that Gemini will replace Assistant on more platforms beyond just Android phones. In the coming months, Gemini will be the default voice assistant in Wear OS 6, Android Auto, cars with Google Built-in, Google TV, and Android XR.
