- Android 16 Beta 2 is being implemented to select Pixel devices
- The new beta version reveals characteristics of the camera, a new shortcut for Google Wallet and more
- There is still no launch date for Android 16, although it will probably be launched much later this year
Although it seems that Android 15 was being implemented recently on telephones from several telephone manufacturers, Google is already moving forward with Android 16: the second beta is currently selecting Pixel smartphones (Google Pixel 6 or Newer).
We are already seeing suggestions and demonstration versions of new features that suggest that Android 16 will be an important update for the most popular mobile operating system, with new camera tools, live notifications and a new trick for Google Wallet.
The Android de Google development blog has published two publications on the first and second versions of the beta version, listing new functions for users and new tools focused on the developer.
The Internal Code of Android 16 is Baklava, which makes sense to me; This is already being configured to be an update with layers of new features to deepen. Keep reading to get a summary of the five best new functions so far.
Android 16 is bringing a variety of new camera tools, many of which are aimed at professionals.
There is a new mode of hybrid exposure that allows users to manually control ISO time and exposure while the phone manages the exposure, providing a half step between current automatic and complete manual modes.
A pair of smaller updates are also directed to the application of the Android 16 camera: the support for ultra HDR images is included, and there is a new API that allows third -party applications to detect when night mode is necessary and change to She within the application itself.
The support for the advanced professional video codec also reaches Android with this update, as well as the precise temperature and the dye control for video recording.
A new Google wallet shortcut
With Android 16 Beta 2, Google has added a new shortcut for Google Wallet users who will surely save time paying things with your smartphone.
The Google Wallet application can now be opened with a double pressure of the ignition button, which opens the camera by default in most Android phones.
So, getting access to this new function means saying goodbye to a favorite shortcut for a long time, but it is good to have the option.
Personally, I hate the feeling of holding a tail or touches on my home screen in search of the Google Wallet application when I am paying something with my phone, so I hope to try this function above all.
Best application size change
As a long time of folding phones, I am glad to see Google take action to facilitate the size of the applications for larger screens.
Android 16 Phase the ability to limit their screen size and orientation on larger screens, such as those found in the tablets or internal screen of folding phones. This should allow applications to make better use of large panels and give users of these devices a better experience in a broader range of applications.
Although application developers will still be reduced to ensure that their applications work well in multiple screen sizes, this is a positive Google step to make tablets and folding devices feel like a portal for the true Android experience.
Live updates
A new type of notification is arriving at Android with its next version: live updates are designed to help users to monitor events and other live things as they develop, through a notification that has priority over others and occupies a place on the lock screen.
It is a similar idea, well, the same, such as Apple’s live activities, with the main difference that Android’s implementation does not depend on the dynamic island or other version, such as the dynamic cloud found on modern OnePlus phones .
As Android Authority points out, Google has suggested that live updates could be used to share trips, food delivery and navigation, among other use cases. The live updates function includes support for progress bars and text reminders for, for example, the next shifts when using navigation applications.
Gemini extensions
This is a little more mysterious, since Google has not given us much to leave, but it seems that the gemini extensions that were launched with the Samsung Galaxy S25 series will soon reach more Android phones.
The Android developer blog simply states that Google is “working to make this functionality available in further factors.”
Gemini extensions available at the Galaxy S25, and their older brothers, the Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy S25 Ultra, allow Google’s assistant to access and use other applications on the phone.
In theory, this allows Gemini to complete more complex tasks such as creating a shopping list and save it in Samsung’s notes.
So, there you have it: five of the best new features that reach all the best Android phones through Android 16. What do you think of these new features? What do you want to see what I get to Android 16? Let us know in the comments below.
