Android 16 Beta 1 Is Now Available for These Google Pixel Phones

Android 16 Beta 1 was launched on Friday, permitting builders and fans to check out the upcoming main replace to Google’s smartphone working system. The brand new launch is barely accessible for latest Google Pixel fashions, and the corporate has revealed among the new options that shall be a part of Android 16, when it’s rolled out to customers within the coming months. This 12 months, Android 16 is anticipated to be launched in Q2 2024, which is sooner than Google’s typical Q3 (and even This fall) launch schedule.

Android 16 Beta 1 Options

Google says the primary Android 16 beta introduces a characteristic known as Reside Updates, which reveals the standing of “ongoing actions” equivalent to meals supply apps or Google Maps navigation. The corporate says that apps will be capable of show customized icons for these progress indicators, that shall be proven within the notification listing. If this sounds acquainted, it is as a result of Apple has supplied the identical performance with Reside Actions since iOS 16.

Apps might want to supply help for resizable home windows with Android 16
Picture Credit score: Google

Earlier variations of Android launched a predictive again animation whereas utilizing gesture primarily based navigation, permitting customers to see a preview of the app that would seem when swiping and holding the again gesture. Google is now including the identical performance to the again button when utilizing the 3-button navigation mode on Android 16.

Android 16 may even deliver enhancements to digicam performance on suitable smartphones, with help for the Superior Skilled Video (APV) codec that permits as much as 8K video recording, multi-view video, HDR 10 and HDR 10+ help, and perceptually lossless video high quality. Apps may even be capable of detect low-light circumstances utilizing new software programming interfaces (APIs).

Google additionally says that apps should introduce help for resizeable home windows, if a tool has a show with a pixel density of 600dpi (or increased). Apps focusing on API stage 36 (Android 16) will be capable of choose out this 12 months, however the firm says that apps designed for API stage 37 is not going to have an opt-out choice in 2026.

Android 16 Beta 1 Eligible Units

The primary Android 16 beta is accessible to obtain on latest Google Pixel smartphones and the Google Pixel Pill. Because of this builders or fans who’ve enrolled their supported gadgets, will be capable of obtain Android 16 Beta 1 has an over the air (OTA) replace.

Google says that Android 16 Beta 1 is suitable with the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, and the Pixel Fold. In the meantime, Pixel Tablet house owners may also obtain the brand new Android 16 beta.

It is price noting that Android 16 Beta 1 is pre-release software program that’s prone to include bugs and different points that would affect daily efficiency. In consequence, it shouldn’t be put in on ‘each day driver’ or main gadgets. Google is anticipated to launch Android 16 by Q2 2025, which implies we are able to anticipate to see a secure model by the tip of June.