Google rolls out Android 16 first public beta, brings live updates to your phone’s lockscreen

Google has launched the initial public beta of Android 16, allowing early testers to preview what the upcoming version of the company’s operating system offers. This update features significant enhancements, such as dynamic notifications for live activities and an effort to improve app performance on larger displays like foldables and tablets.

A notable feature in Android 16 is known as Live Updates, which provides real-time alerts to assist users in monitoring ongoing activities such as ride-sharing, food deliveries, and navigation. Consider it Android’s response to Apple’s Live Activities, which debuted in 2022. Nonetheless, Google’s version is more targeted. In contrast to Apple’s method — which caters to various updates like sports results and shopping notifications — Android’s Live Updates are presently limited to progress trackers of certain applications.

Notably, Samsung introduced a comparable function at the unveiling of its Galaxy S25 devices during Galaxy Unpacked. Called the Now Bar, Samsung’s version of live notifications shows up as a floating bar at the bottom of the lock screen and accommodates multiple app types, such as sports alerts.

In contrast, Android 16’s Live Updates are fixed at the top of the regular notification list, adhering to Android’s more straightforward design. Notably, Samsung highlighted a comparable feature during the unveiling of its Galaxy S25 smartphones at Galaxy Unpacked. Called the Now Bar, Samsung’s version of live notifications shows up as a floating bar at the bottom of the lock screen and accommodates different app categories, such as sports updates. In comparison, Android 16’s Live Updates are fixed at the top of the regular notification list, adhering to Android’s more straightforward design.

In addition to these modifications, Android 16 is introducing additional features, including compatibility with the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, enhanced vertical text rendering, and automatic scene detection in camera applications to activate night mode. These features enhance advancements made in previous developer betas, including enhanced haptic controls, a more polished photo picker menu, and the Health Connect app for securely sharing medical information between apps.

Another notable advancement is Google’s efforts on its Gemini AI assistant. Gemini now enables multi-app prompts, although current compatibility is restricted to Google’s applications, certain ones from Samsung, and third-party services such as Spotify and WhatsApp. Google assures expanded support shortly. The public beta of Android 16 is available starting today for Pixel 6 and later models, in addition to the Pixel Tablet. If you’re not prepared to engage with beta software, the wait won’t be lengthy. Google intends to launch the stable version of Android 16 by the second quarter of this year, significantly ahead of its typical late-summer release timeline.