The first Android 16 beta is here for Pixel users!

Google has officially released the first beta of Android 16. This comes on the heels of the Android 16 developer previews that Google released last year. Unlike earlier developer previews, this beta is aimed at a broader audience, allowing non-developers to get hands-on with some of the features coming to the next major Android OS update. That being said, here are some of the changes that we can look forward to in the update.

Enhanced app adaptivity

Android 16 is introducing advancements in app adaptivity. This ensures a smoother experience across various devices and screen sizes. Developers now have access to improved tools and frameworks that will help them build apps that can adapt effortlessly to different window sizes and aspect ratios.

Live Updates

Perhaps one of the more standout features of Android 16 is Live Updates. This new feature brings dynamic, ongoing activity updates directly to your lock screen. Honestly, It sounds a bit like Google’s take on Apple’s Dynamic Island, but that’s not a bad thing. It helps users track deliveries, monitor workouts, or keep tabs on other real-time events.

Advanced Professional Video support

For creators and professionals, Android 16 is introducing Advanced Professional Video (APV) support. The APV codec provides videographers and editors with professional-grade video recording and editing capabilities. This enables features such as high-quality video recording with minimal compression and support for high-resolution content, along with more advanced features like multi-view video and auxiliary video streams for better workflows.

Beta availability and supported devices

The Android 16 beta is now available for Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8, and Pixel 9 devices. If you want to participate in the beta, you will need to register your device in the Android Beta Program. Once registered, you can download and install the beta. Keep in mind that while this beta is more stable than developer previews, it may still contain some bugs, so maybe don’t install it on your daily driver.

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