Android 16 beta brings limited live lockscreen notifications.<\/p>\n
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The first public beta of Android 16 is set to roll out later today, introducing dynamic lockscreen notifications for ride-sharing and food delivery. This feature follows the recent unveiling of a similar capability in Samsung\u2019s Galaxy S25 phones. Additionally, the beta mandates that apps be resizable to ensure compatibility with full-screen displays on tablets and foldables. Android 16 is anticipated to have four public beta releases before its official launch in Q2.<\/p>\n
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The dynamic notifications, called Live Updates, allow users to track and quickly access important ongoing activities in real time. This feature mirrors Apple\u2019s Live Activities, introduced on iPhones in 2022.<\/p>\n
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Samsung introduced a similar feature, called the Now Bar, in One UI 7 during its Galaxy S25 unveiling at yesterday\u2019s Unpacked event. Unlike Apple and Samsung\u2019s versions, which support various app and notification types, including live sports scores, Android 16\u2019s implementation is currently limited to progress trackers for ride-sharing, food delivery, and navigation apps, as recommended by Google.<\/p>\n
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The Now Bar on Samsung devices appears as a floating notification at the bottom of the lockscreen, while Apple\u2019s Live Activities are integrated into the Dynamic Island around the camera cutout. In contrast, Android 16\u2019s Live Updates are positioned at the top of the standard notification stack.<\/p>\n
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Another significant update in the public beta is a new limitation on developers\u2019 ability to lock the size and orientation of their app windows. This change aims to ensure apps function smoothly across devices of various screen sizes and form factors. Essentially, it guarantees that apps can open full-screen on larger devices like tablets and foldables and supports free resizing for multitasking.<\/p>\n
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While games are exempt from this rule, developers can opt out during this beta phase. However, this flexibility will be removed with the release of Android 17 in 2026.<\/p>\n
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The public beta of Android 16 introduces several new features, including support for the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, scene detection for enabling night mode in camera apps, and improved support for vertical text rendering. These additions build on features unveiled in Android 16\u2019s earlier developer betas, such as enhancements to the photo picker menu, richer haptic feedback, and the Health Connect app for sharing medical information.<\/p>\n
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Google also confirmed plans to expand Gemini Extensions, following the recent launch of its AI assistant\u2019s ability to work across multiple apps with a single prompt. Currently, Gemini supports Google\u2019s apps, select Samsung apps, and a few third-party options like Spotify and WhatsApp. Google has promised broader compatibility with more apps, OEMs, devices, and form factor.<\/p>\n
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Also read: Instagram will launch the Edit app in March 2025.<\/p>\n
The Android 16 beta is now available for all Google Pixel phones from the Pixel 6 onward, as well as the Pixel Tablet. While this is the public\u2019s first opportunity to try the new Android version, those preferring stable software won\u2019t have to wait long. Google has shifted its release timeline this year, with the full version of Android 16 expected in Q2, following a final beta release in April\u2014earlier than the usual Q3 launch.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Android 16 beta brings limited live lockscreen notifications. The first public beta of Android 16 is set to roll out later today, introducing dynamic<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[52],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n