Android 16 Is Getting a Facelift, and Gemini Is Rolling Onto More Google Platforms
1 min read
Summary
During its virtual event, The Android Show, Google demonstrated several new features it will be introducing to its Android 16 operating system, starting with a new redesign called Material 3 Expressive, which emphasises personalisation.
Google has stated that the redesign is its most researched update, having completed 46 studies involving over 18,000 participants.
The update features improved animations, with more reactive notifications that animate when interacted with and new ways to use settings, along with dynamic colour themes that offer greater customisability.
The android redesign will also rollout to Wear OS 6, offering customisation to match smartwatch wearers’ outfits and animations that are smoother with more depth and space-efficient buttons.
The Android operating system will also be getting several security upgrades, including blocking actions that could grant accessibility permissions to untrusted contacts, screen-sharing protection, and enhanced scam detection texting features.
Lastly, Google’s Find My Devices app will be renamed to Find Hub, reflecting its new functionality, which allows family and friends to share locations, with added third-party tracker support and Bluetooth tracker location sharing with airlines coming later this year.
