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New Android 16 Beta 1 update for Pixel phones

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Android 16

Today, Google released the first beta version of Android 16 for Pixel phones. This update is available for anyone who joins the Android Beta Program.

Android 16 Beta 1 brings a new feature called Live Updates. These are special notifications that make it easier for you to keep track of things like your ride-share, food delivery, or when you’re navigating. They use a new style called ProgressStyle, which shows how far along you are in these activities with custom icons for start, end, and current status.

Google is also making changes so that apps work better on bigger screens. Starting with this version, apps will automatically adjust their size on screens wider than 600dp if they target API level 36. This means apps will look good whether your screen is vertical or horizontal. Developers can choose not to do this for now, but by 2026, all apps will need to do this.

Another big update is support for the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec. This helps in recording and editing videos with very high quality, up to 2K, 4K, or even 8K resolution, without losing much detail. It’s designed for professionals who need the best video quality.

There’s also a new way to measure how far apart devices are using different technologies like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which can be useful for apps that need to know distances.

Android 16 improves how apps handle going back. Now, if you press and hold the back button, you’ll see a preview of the previous screen, helping you navigate better. This works all over the system where going back is an option.

For developers, there are new tools to make apps work better in low light, write text vertically, and make form inputs clearer for accessibility.

If you want to give feedback on this beta, you can use the Android Beta Feedback app on your Pixel device or join discussions on Reddit.

To get this update, if you’re already in the Android Beta Program or using Developer Preview 2, you’ll get it automatically. But if you’re on Android 15 QPR2 Beta and want to keep it stable, you should wait for the final release of QPR2 instead of updating to Android 16 Beta 1.

This beta version, tagged as BP22.250103.008, includes a January 2025 security update and supports all Pixel models from the Pixel 6 series up to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, along with the Android Emulator.

  • Pixel 9 Pro Fold: BP22.250103.008 — Factory Image — OTA
  • Pixel 9 Pro XL: BP22.250103.008 — Factory Image — OTA
  • Pixel 9 Pro: BP22.250103.008 — Factory Image — OTA
  • Pixel 9: BP22.250103.008 — Factory Image — OTA
  • Pixel 8a: BP22.250103.008 — Factory Image — OTA
  • Pixel 8 Pro: BP22.250103.008 — Factory Image — OTA
  • Pixel 8: BP22.250103.008 — Factory Image — OTA
  • Pixel Fold: BP22.250103.008 — Factory Image — OTA
  • Pixel Tablet: BP22.250103.008 — Factory Image — OTA
  • Pixel 7a: BP22.250103.008 — Factory Image — OTA
  • Pixel 7 Pro: BP22.250103.008 — Factory Image — OTA
  • Pixel 7: BP22.250103.008 — Factory Image — OTA
  • Pixel 6a: BP22.250103.008 — Factory Image — OTA
  • Pixel 6 Pro: BP22.250103.008 — Factory Image — OTA
  • Pixel 6: BP22.250103.008 — Factory Image — OTA
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Android

Google apps and Android Auto get fresh looks and smart updates

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Android Auto

Google is bringing a cleaner and more modern design to many of its apps with the latest Material You changes. Apps like Google Calendar, Contacts, and others now have rounded corners, better spacing, and improved colors. These small updates make the apps look more polished and easier to use, especially on tablets and foldable phones. Google is quietly adding these updates through server-side changes, so users don’t need to download anything extra.

At the same time, Android Auto is also getting a helpful new feature. Google is testing built-in climate controls that let you adjust your car’s temperature and fan settings directly from the Android Auto screen. A demo shown by Google includes a new “Climate” button on the screen, which opens controls like temperature, fan speed, and even seat heaters.

This update is meant to reduce distractions while driving, as drivers won’t need to switch between different screens or reach for physical buttons. Google says the feature will work on cars that already support digital climate control systems.

Together, these changes show how Google is making its software not just prettier, but smarter and more user-friendly. Whether you’re checking your calendar or driving to work, these improvements are designed to make daily tasks easier and safer.

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Android

Google Pixel Weather app now shows pollen info in the US

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Google

Google is adding a new feature to its Pixel Weather app. Now, users in the United States can see pollen levels in their area. This update is especially helpful for people who have allergies and need to know when pollen is high.

In the Weather app, there’s a new section under the daily forecast that shows pollen conditions. It uses simple labels like “low,” “moderate,” and “high” so it’s easy to understand. This new feature pulls information from the same source that Google Search uses for pollen updates.

However, the new pollen section in the Pixel Weather app is only available in the US for now. If you’re outside the US, you won’t see the pollen data yet. Also, not every user may get it immediately, as Google is still rolling out the update.

To use the feature, you need to have the latest version of the Pixel Weather app, which comes built into Pixel devices. Google may expand this feature to more countries in the future, but there’s no official date yet.

Overall, this small update can make a big difference for users who want quick and easy access to local pollen conditions without searching separately.

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Android

Google updates Gboard emoji kitchen and Android Auto with new features

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Android Auto

Google is bringing some fresh updates to make Gboard and Android Auto even better.

Starting with Gboard, the Emoji Kitchen now has a new “Browse” section. This makes it easier for users to find different emoji sticker combos. You can tap on any emoji and instantly see all the creative mixes available. Plus, there’s a search bar to help you look for specific stickers. This new feature is rolling out first to Pixel devices, with other Android phones expected to get it in the coming months.

On the other hand, Android Auto is now getting the 14.3 beta update. Although there are no big changes yet, this version mainly focuses on fixing bugs and improving performance. Testers have noticed slight speed improvements, but no new features have been spotted so far. Google might be preparing for bigger changes in future updates.

Both these updates show that Google is working hard to make its apps smoother and easier to use. Gboard’s new browsing tool will make messaging more fun, while Android Auto’s small fixes are important for a better driving experience.

If you have a Pixel phone or are part of the Android Auto beta program, you might already see these updates. Otherwise, they should be available to more users soon.

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