Tag: Android 16

  • Android 16 Release Date, Eligible Devices, and Features Guide

    Android 16 Release Date, Eligible Devices, and Features Guide

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release Date: Android 16 is set to launch in the second quarter of 2025, likely by June, making it the earliest Android version release in recent years.

    2. Device Compatibility: The beta version of Android 16 is currently available for select Pixel and non-Pixel devices, with a wider range of devices expected to support it upon official release.

    3. Key Features: Notable features include progress-centric notifications, an enhanced photo picker, predictive back improvements, better adaptive refresh rate support, and richer haptic feedback.

    4. Camera and Video Enhancements: Android 16 offers improved camera controls, hybrid auto-exposure models, and the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec for high-quality video recording.

    5. Privacy Improvements: The update includes enhancements to Health Connect and the Privacy Sandbox, focusing on user privacy and data protection in mobile advertising.

    Android 15 may still be coming for many Android smartphones, but Google is already hard at work on Android 16. The new operating system has now reached its platform stability stage, indicating that we are getting closer to its official launch.

    Developer Previews and Beta Versions

    Google has rolled out two developer previews of Android 16, along with a few beta versions. These beta releases provide us with a sneak peek at what Google has planned for Android 16 ahead of its public launch. Below is a summary of all the details we have about Android 16, which includes the release timeline, compatible devices, and exciting new features.

    Release Date of Android 16

    Google has announced that Android 16 will be launched in the second quarter of 2025. Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem (via Android Police), noted that everything is proceeding as planned. This means Android 16 should be officially available by June 2025, although there are speculations about a possible earlier launch in May.

    This would make Android 16 the earliest Android version to be released in a while. Usually, Google unveils the latest Android version in August or later, but Android 16 is set to arrive at least a month earlier. Additionally, Google has indicated there will be a minor release in the fourth quarter of 2025, but it’s uncertain whether it will be called Android 16.1 or something different.

    Devices That Can Run Android 16

    Currently, the Android 16 beta can be accessed on several Pixel and non-Pixel devices. Here’s the complete list:

    – Pixel 9
    – Pixel 9 Pro
    – Pixel 9 Pro XL
    – Pixel 9 Pro Fold
    – Pixel 8
    – Pixel 8 Pro
    – Pixel 8a
    – Pixel 7
    – Pixel 7 Pro
    – Pixel 7a
    – Pixel 6
    – Pixel 6 Pro
    – Pixel 6a
    – Pixel Fold
    – Pixel Tablet
    – Xiaomi 15
    – Xiaomi 14T Pro
    – OnePlus 13

    If you possess any of these phones or tablets, you can experiment with Android 16 right now by downloading the beta version. Keep in mind that beta releases often have bugs and might not function perfectly.

    The list above is limited, but when the stable version launches, it will be available for a wider range of Android devices. We will update our website once manufacturers announce their official Android 16 upgrade lists.

    Exciting New Features in Android 16

    1. Progress-centric Notifications
    Android 16 brings a fresh type of notifications that allows users to keep track of important ongoing activities like rideshare, delivery, and navigation. This is somewhat similar to iOS’s Live Activities, but with some distinctions. Google prioritizes these notifications on the lock screen, making them more visible.

    The progress-centric notifications, also referred to as Live Updates, are also integrated with the status bar and always-on display. As reported by Android Authority, they appear as a chip in the status bar, and during that time, all other notifications are hidden. Tapping on the chip reveals detailed information in a pop-up.

    2. Enhanced Photo Picker
    The photo picker has been a valuable privacy feature in Android, allowing users to share specific photos and videos instead of their whole library. Android 16 improves this functionality by enabling searches across cloud media providers directly within the photo picker.

    Google has introduced new APIs that allow apps to incorporate the photo picker seamlessly into their interfaces, making media selection feel like an integral part of the app rather than a separate overlay.

    3. Predictive Back Improvements
    This feature gives users a glimpse of the screen they will return to before completing the back navigation. Android 16 adds predictive back support to three-button navigation, allowing users to long-press the back button for a screen preview.

    4. Better Adaptive Refresh Rate Support
    This feature lets the display refresh rate on compatible devices adjust according to the content being displayed. This helps to lower power consumption and eliminates the need for manual refresh rate adjustments. Although adaptive refresh rates were first introduced in Android 15, Android 16 simplifies their use for developers.

    5. Richer Haptics
    With Android 16, Google is providing app developers greater control over haptic feedback on Android devices. New haptic APIs enable apps to define the amplitude and frequency of haptic effects.

    More refined haptics can enhance gaming experiences with dynamic vibrations for actions like explosions and collisions. Phone manufacturers can also use this to create unique vibration patterns for different notifications (e.g., texts, calls, alarms), making it simpler for users to recognize alerts without looking at their screens.

    6. Camera Enhancements
    Android 16 introduces new hybrid auto-exposure models that give users manual control over certain exposure aspects while letting the auto-exposure algorithm manage the rest. This offers significantly more flexibility than the current system, which requires either full manual control or complete reliance on auto-exposure.

    The new OS also brings support for fine color temperature and tint adjustments, catering to professional video recording applications. Below are examples of how photos appear after applying various color temperature and tint modifications.

    ![image]

    With improved night mode scene detection, third-party apps can better identify low-light conditions and switch to night mode for better photo capture, assuming the device supports it. Android 16 also expands HDR capabilities by adding support for UltraHDR images in the HEIC file format, with Google also working on AVIF support for UltraHDR in the stable release.

    7. Advanced Professional Video
    Android 16 introduces the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec tailored for high-quality professional video recording and post-production.

    Google states that the APV codec has several features, including:
    – Perceptually lossless video quality, which is close to raw video quality
    – Low complexity and high throughput intra-frame-only coding to better support editing
    – High bit-rate range support for 2K, 4K, and 8K content, enabled by a lightweight entropy coding method
    – Frame tiling for immersive content and allowing parallel encoding and decoding
    – Support for various chroma sampling formats and bit-depths
    – Capability for multiple decoding and re-encoding without significant visual quality loss
    – Support for multi-view video and auxiliary video like depth and alpha
    – Compatibility with HDR10/10+ and user-defined metadata

    8. Health Connect Updates
    Google is refreshing Health Connect with a new data type that adheres to WHO guidelines for moderate and vigorous activity. Each record will now include the start time, end time, and intensity of the activity.

    9. Privacy Sandbox Enhancements
    Android 16 features the updated version of Privacy Sandbox, fostering a more privacy-focused ecosystem for mobile advertisement and measurement. The aim is to safeguard user privacy by limiting intrusive tracking methods while still allowing businesses to display relevant ads and evaluate their effectiveness.

    Android 16 Release Date, Eligible Devices, and Features GuideAndroid 16 Release Date, Eligible Devices, and Features Guide
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  • Galaxy Z Fold 7 Appears on GeekBench with One UI 8 and Android 16

    Galaxy Z Fold 7 Appears on GeekBench with One UI 8 and Android 16

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung’s 7th-generation foldables are expected to launch around July or August 2023.
    2. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Fold 7 are confirmed to run on Android 16 with One UI 8.0.
    3. One UI 8.0 is anticipated to feature third-party lock screen widget support, new multitasking options, and enhanced external display management.
    4. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, suggesting strong performance.
    5. Specific details on display or camera improvements for the Z Fold 7 are not yet available, but upcoming updates are expected.

    Samsung’s 7th-generation foldables have been in the news for some time and are anticipated to be released around July or August this year. Although Samsung did not meet expectations with the Android 15 launch, One UI 8 is currently in the works and seems to be linked to the new foldables.

    Galaxy Z Fold 6

    The book-style foldable has shown up on GeekBench, indicating that it is built on Android 16. Just to remind you, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Fold 5 were launched with Android 14 and Android 13, respectively.

    Galaxy Z Fold 7 Appears on GeekBench

    The book-style foldable, identified by the model number SM-F966U—previously associated with the Galaxy Z Fold 7—has been spotted on Geekbench, as noted by tipster Tarun Vats. This listing validates that it operates on Android 16 with One UI 8.0. With a typical release in July, One UI 8.0 is only a couple of months away, indicating that Samsung is on track for its summer launch.

    This early benchmark also suggests a significant enhancement in software experience. Sadly, details about new features and improvements in One UI 8 are limited. According to a previous leak, the upcoming version of One UI is expected to introduce third-party lock screen widget support, new multitasking options, and improved external display management with Samsung DeX.

    Hardware Insights

    In terms of hardware, the Z Fold 7 is driven by a Qualcomm processor with the “sun” motherboard codename, which strongly points to the Snapdragon 8 Elite. The CPU clock speeds are similar to those of the S25 Ultra’s “For Galaxy” branded Snapdragon 8 Elite chip.

    While specific details regarding display or camera enhancements are not yet available, the emphasis on Android 16 and a top-tier chipset suggests a competitive advantage. Galaxy enthusiasts should keep an eye out for more updates as we get closer to the launch.

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    Galaxy Z Fold 7 Appears on GeekBench with One UI 8 and Android 16

     

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  • Android 16 Beta Now Available for These Devices

    Android 16 Beta Now Available for These Devices

    Key Takeaways

    1. Android 16 is in testing since November 2024, with a public beta available from January 2025.
    2. Only select Google Pixel devices, along with Xiaomi and OnePlus models, can participate in the beta testing.
    3. Users should be cautious as early versions may have bugs and could risk bricking devices; it’s advised not to install on main phones.
    4. New features include Live Updates for high-priority notifications, an expanded photo picker for cloud media, and support for health records in Health Connect.
    5. The stable version of Android 16 is expected to be released in Q2 2025, marking an earlier launch than previous Android updates.

    While a lot of Android brands are finishing their Android 15 updates, Google is already pushing forward with Android 16. This marks the earliest release of an Android OS in a long time.

    Testing and Early Access

    Android 16 has been in the testing phase since November 2024, when Google launched the first Developer Preview. The public beta version became available in January 2025. Initially, only Google Pixel devices could participate in this testing, but now other brands like Xiaomi and OnePlus are also part of the early access program, letting a few users explore Android 16 before it officially rolls out.

    Here’s a list of devices that can join the Android 16 beta testing:

    Google Pixel:
    – Pixel 9
    – Pixel 9 Pro
    – Pixel 9 Pro XL
    – Pixel 9 Pro Fold
    – Pixel 8
    – Pixel 8 Pro
    – Pixel 8a
    – Pixel 7
    – Pixel 7 Pro
    – Pixel 7a
    – Pixel 6
    – Pixel 6 Pro
    – Pixel 6a

    Xiaomi:
    – Xiaomi 15
    – Xiaomi 14T Pro

    OnePlus:
    – OnePlus 13

    Caution for Users

    These early versions are mainly for developers and expert users. If you aren’t comfortable with installing custom ROMs, it’s better to steer clear of these. Installing them could risk bricking your device. Moreover, these builds come with known bugs, and more issues could remain hidden. It’s highly recommended not to flash beta versions on your main phone.

    Exciting Features Ahead

    One significant feature in Android 16 is Live Updates, which will be clearly visible on the lock screen and status bar to avoid getting lost among other notifications. This is reminiscent of Live Activities on iOS, but Google’s version focuses on high-priority notifications for things like navigation, food delivery, and ride-sharing.

    The photo picker has been a fantastic privacy improvement in Android, limiting apps’ access to your entire media library when uploading images or videos. Now, in Android 16, this feature will expand, allowing users to search from cloud media providers within the photo picker.

    Google is also testing support for certain health records in Health Connect, which might be included in the final version. Additionally, the new OS will introduce Adaptive Refresh Rate (ARR), helping to save battery by adjusting the screen refresh rate based on usage.

    Arrival and Stability

    Android 16 will feature deeper integration with Gemini AI, though specific details remain undisclosed. Lock screen widgets are set to return for the first time since Android 5.0 Lollipop in 2014. Android 16 brings many small yet practical changes, making it an exciting update overall.

    The platform stability milestone for Android 16 has already been achieved, and the stable version is set to be released in Q2 2025, before the end of June. This is earlier than most previous Android OS launches, which usually come out in August or later.

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  • Xiaomi May Allow Smartphone SoC Overclocking with Android 16

    Xiaomi May Allow Smartphone SoC Overclocking with Android 16

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi may introduce overclocking features for CPUs and GPUs in Android 16.
    2. Users can adjust parameters like voltage and frequency, but there’s a maximum limit for safety.
    3. A “Chip performance dashboard” will likely facilitate access to these features without needing a rooted phone.
    4. Users can optimize performance or underclock for better battery life, but caution is advised for inexperienced users.
    5. These features may debut with Xiaomi’s in-house SoC, potentially limiting Qualcomm’s influence on user modifications.

    While PCs and laptops allows users some flexibility in adjusting their hardware, doing the same on smartphones is much more complex. Xiaomi might change this with Android 16, if the latest information from Kacper Skrzypek is included in the final version.

    Potential Overclocking Features

    Xiaomi could allow users to overclock their CPU and GPU. It appears that some adjustable parameters may include voltage and frequency. However, you can’t just crank it up as much as you want because there’s a limit to how high you can go. After setting the parameters, the device will restart to check if it can actually handle the new settings.

    If it can’t, the settings will go back to the original defaults. These options are likely to be located in a new “Chip performance dashboard.” Until now, accessing these features generally needed a rooted phone, so it would be great if that requirement is removed.

    Fine-Tuning Performance

    This should ideally allow tech enthusiasts to optimize their smartphones even more and gain better performance when required. On the flip side, underclocking the SoC for enhanced battery life will also be available. But if you’re not experienced with over/underclocking, it’s wise to leave these settings alone.

    There’s a strong possibility that this feature could launch with Xiaomi’s long-anticipated in-house SoC, as Qualcomm may not be thrilled about users tinkering with clocks and possibly damaging their phones in the process.

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  • Xiaomi 15 and 14T Pro Launch Android 16 Developer Preview Program

    Xiaomi 15 and 14T Pro Launch Android 16 Developer Preview Program

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi has launched a global beta preview for the HyperOS 2 update based on Android 16.
    2. The Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 14T Pro are the first devices to receive this beta preview.
    3. Users can install the beta version without needing an unlocked bootloader.
    4. To install, devices must be running the latest version of HyperOS, and ROMs must be downloaded from provided links.
    5. The beta versions may contain bugs, so users should proceed with caution during installation.

    While certain OEMs are still facing challenges with the rollout of Android 15, Xiaomi is already focusing on the future with Android 16, as the company has launched its Developer Preview program for the HyperOS 2 update.

    Beta Preview Launched

    Official sources have confirmed that Xiaomi has started its global beta preview for the HyperOS 2 update, which is based on Android 16. The Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 14T Pro are at the forefront of this initiative. Public versions of the software have been made available for both devices; although these versions are primarily for developers, adventurous users can install them without needing an unlocked bootloader.

    Installation Process

    To install these updates, users must have their devices running the most recent version of HyperOS. The necessary ROMs can be downloaded from the provided links in the sources section. After downloading, the ROM package will undergo verification, and then the installation can begin. While this process is fairly simple, it’s important to note that these are beta versions and may contain several bugs—proceed with caution.

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    Xiaomi 15 and 14T Pro Launch Android 16 Developer Preview Program
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  • Free Google Pixel Update Boosts GPU Performance for All Phones

    Free Google Pixel Update Boosts GPU Performance for All Phones

    Key Takeaways

    1. Android 16 will introduce a long-awaited desktop mode and may reduce boot times by up to 30%.
    2. Fingerprint authentication will be possible even when the Pixel’s screen is off.
    3. Significant GPU performance improvements have been observed in Pixel devices during benchmark tests.
    4. The performance boosts are primarily due to new GPU drivers from Android 15 QPR2, not Android 16.
    5. Performance increases will mainly benefit apps optimized for the Vulkan graphics API.

    The stable release of Android 16 is still a few months away. However, public beta versions have shown some exciting features that are on the horizon. For instance, it looks like Google’s long-awaited desktop mode may finally come with Android 16, along with a potential improvement that could cut boot times by as much as 30%. Additionally, the tech giant is also working on allowing fingerprint authentication even when a Pixel’s screen is off.

    Performance Improvements Spotted

    In addition, users on Reddit have found significant enhancements in the Geekbench 6 GPU benchmark tests for various models, from the Pixel 6a all the way to the newest Pixel 9 Pro, which is currently priced at $849 on Amazon. Notably, the modest Pixel 7a has been seen performing on par with Google’s flagship devices. At first, this was credited to the advancements made in Android 16.

    New Findings Regarding Performance Gains

    That being said, Android Authority and others have found that these performance improvements are not actually linked to Android 16. Instead, this boost in performance appears to come from new GPU drivers that were reportedly released with Android 15 QPR2, which Google made available earlier this month. As a result, any Pixel device powered by Tensor should see a performance increase. However, this will mainly apply to apps that are optimized for the Vulkan graphics API, like Geekbench 6’s GPU benchmark test.

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    Free Google Pixel Update Boosts GPU Performance for All PhonesFree Google Pixel Update Boosts GPU Performance for All Phones
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  • Unlock Pixel Phones Without Waking Screen: Google Update

    Unlock Pixel Phones Without Waking Screen: Google Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fingerprint Unlocking Improvements: Android 16 Beta 3 allows Pixel users to unlock devices using the fingerprint scanner with the screen turned off, eliminating the need to wake the display first.

    2. Enhanced User Experience: The ultrasonic fingerprint sensor now enables authentication directly from a dark screen, streamlining the unlocking process for users with the Always-on Display turned off.

    3. Easy Activation: Users can enable the new screen-off fingerprint unlock feature through Settings > Security and privacy > Device unlock > Fingerprint Unlock.

    4. Wider Compatibility: The screen-off fingerprint unlocking feature is now available on all compatible Pixel devices starting from the Pixel 6 series, after its initial release in Android 16 Developer Preview 2.

    5. Significant for Users: While it may seem like a minor update, the streamlined unlocking process is a significant improvement for Pixel users who have been looking forward to this enhancement.

    Google’s new Android 16 Beta 3 update may not seem to bring significant changes at first, but it appears that the company has addressed one of the most bothersome issues with Pixel fingerprint unlocking.

    Fingerprint Scanning Improvements

    With the release of Android 16 Beta 3, users of Pixel phones can now unlock their devices using the fingerprint scanner even when the screen is turned off. This new feature, noted by Mishaal Rahman from Android Authority, allows Pixel users to skip the step of waking the display prior to using the fingerprint sensor.

    Enhanced User Experience

    Since the Pixel 6 series, Google has employed an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which previously required users to activate the screen before unlocking. However, with Android 16, users can now authenticate directly from a dark screen. To enable this feature, go to Settings > Security and privacy > Device unlock > Fingerprint Unlock, where a new toggle for Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock will be available under “When using Fingerprint Unlock.” Once this is turned on, simply placing your finger on the sensor area will both wake and unlock the phone in one motion.

    This change is particularly beneficial for those who have their Always-on Display (AOD) turned off. If AOD is active, the scanner already functions without fully waking the device, so the difference may not be as noticeable for those users.

    Compatibility and Testing

    As reported by Android Authority, the screen-off fingerprint unlocking feature was first introduced in Android 16 Developer Preview 2 but was initially exclusive to the Pixel 9 series. Now, with Beta 3, it is available on all compatible Pixel devices, starting from the Pixel 6 series. Rahman has tested this on both the Pixel 6a and Pixel 7 Pro, and confirmed that it operates as intended.

    This may seem like a minor update, yet it holds significance for Pixel users who have long anticipated a more streamlined unlocking process.

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  • All Pixel Phones Now Support Fingerprint Unlock with Screen Off

    All Pixel Phones Now Support Fingerprint Unlock with Screen Off

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Android 16 update allows users to unlock Pixel smartphones using the under-display fingerprint scanner even when the screen is off.
    2. The feature, called ‘Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock,’ is found in the Security and Privacy settings under Device unlock.
    3. This capability was previously exclusive to the Pixel 9 series but is now available for older models, excluding foldable phones.
    4. There is no indicator for the fingerprint scanner’s location when the screen is off, which may create challenges for some users.
    5. Android 16 Beta 3 is available for Pixel 6 and later models, but foldable devices do not support this specific fingerprint feature.

    The newest Android 16 update for Pixel smartphones now enables users to unlock their devices using the under-display fingerprint scanner even with the screen off. Currently, Android 16 is in its Beta phase, and Beta 3 was launched this month for Pixel devices starting from the Pixel 6 series. Previously, this feature was exclusive to Pixel 9 phones, but it has now been extended to older models, though foldable phones are not included.

    Accessing the Feature

    The feature known as ‘Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock’ can be located within the Security and Privacy settings, specifically in the Device unlock menu. After enabling it, users of Pixel phones can unlock their devices by placing their fingers where they normally would for the fingerprint scanner. This change allows users with the ‘Always-on’ display turned off to quickly access their phones without needing to tap the screen or press the power button first.

    Limitations of the Feature

    Interestingly, there’s no clear indicator showing where the fingerprint scanner is when the screen is off, which might make it tricky for some users.

    Originally, this feature was restricted to the Pixel 9 series, but Android specialist Mishaal Rahman demonstrated that he could unlock a Pixel 6a using this capability. Rahman also mentioned that another tester confirmed this feature on the Pixel 7 Pro. It’s important to highlight that this is still a beta version, and the final Android 16 update may not include this functionality.

    Availability of Android 16 Beta 3

    Android 16 Beta 3 is accessible for Pixel 6 and later models, including the Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. However, since foldable devices lack under-display fingerprint scanners, this specific feature will not be available for them.

    This update is just one of many improvements in Android 16, as noticed by Android Authority and Android Developers.

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  • Google Pixel 10 Boosts Speed with Android 16 Performance Mode

    Google Pixel 10 Boosts Speed with Android 16 Performance Mode

    Key Takeaways

    1. Expensive hardware isn’t the only way to improve device performance; software optimizations can also make a significant difference.
    2. Changes in Android 16, particularly the “Parallel Module Loading: Add Performance Mode,” aim to enhance speed by improving how kernel modules load.
    3. Loading times for modules have reportedly decreased by 30% on the Pixel 10 and 25% on the 2023 Pixel Fold.
    4. These performance improvements are part of the AOSP code, suggesting that other Android devices may benefit from them as well.
    5. Overall, software advancements in Android 16 could lead to a smoother and faster experience for users, highlighting the importance of continuous software development.

    Expensive hardware isn’t always the key to getting better performance from a device. Sometimes, improving the operating system or the apps that run on it can lead to notable speed enhancements. This might be the case for Android 16 users, as noted by Android expert Mishaal Rahman, who found some interesting code changes in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), as reported by Android Authority.

    Changes Indicating Performance Boost

    One notable change is titled “Parallel Module Loading: Add Performance Mode,” which involves enhancing the parallel loading of kernel modules after the Linux kernel has started. The title hints at a significant boost in speed, and the description (shown in the screenshot below) cites some impressive percentage improvements. Interestingly, it also references a Google phone that hasn’t been released yet.

    Reduced Loading Times on Specific Models

    The loading time for modules is said to have dropped by 30% on a Pixel 10 and 25% on the 2023 Pixel Fold. However, these numbers should be approached with skepticism, as they apply only to a segment of the entire boot sequence. Since this modification is part of the AOSP code, it’s likely that other Android devices will also see advantages from this update in the near future, not just Google’s Pixel lineup. Consequently, smartphones running Android 16 should experience a faster reboot process compared to those with Android 15 and earlier versions.

    General Implications for Android Users

    In conclusion, while hardware upgrades can certainly enhance performance, software optimization plays a crucial role too. The advancements found in Android 16 could lead to a smoother and quicker experience for users across various devices, demonstrating the importance of ongoing improvements in software development.

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    Google Pixel 10 Boosts Speed with Android 16 Performance Mode

     

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  • Samsung Dex-Style Desktop Mode for All Android 16 Phones

    Samsung Dex-Style Desktop Mode for All Android 16 Phones

    Key Takeaways

    1. Desktop View Feature: Android 16 is testing a new Desktop View feature that allows smartphones to operate in a desktop format and connect to external displays.

    2. Existing Alternatives: Similar features are already available in some Android devices, such as Samsung’s DeX and Motorola’s “Ready For,” enabling a desktop-like experience.

    3. Developer Options: Android has a developer option for desktop mode, but many phones do not support it or allow external display connections.

    4. Launch Timeline: Desktop View is currently in Android 16 Beta 3, with a tight timeline for completion before the official launch in June; it may be delayed to Android 17 in 2026.

    5. All-in-One Device Vision: There is a growing aspiration among tech enthusiasts for smartphones to function as all-in-one devices with full desktop capabilities.

    A new test feature might allow users to swap out their laptop for their smartphone.

    Desktop View in Testing

    Desktop View, which enables Android smartphones to operate in a desktop format, is currently being tested in Android 16. This feature will let users interact with their phone in a more conventional desktop style. It can also connect to external displays, turning an Android 16 smartphone into something resembling a standard computer.

    Existing Similar Features

    Some Android devices already offer comparable functionalities, like Samsung’s DeX and Motorola’s “Ready For” modes. When these phones are linked to an external display, they can create a windowed desktop environment that functions more like Windows or desktop Linux, rather than relying solely on a touchscreen interface.

    Developer Options and Limitations

    It’s important to mention that Android does have a developer option for desktop mode, but most phones either lack support for it or don’t allow for external display connections.

    According to Android Authority, Desktop View is reportedly available in Android 16 Beta 3. Google is working hard to finalize the feature, but there’s a tight timeline for it to be ready before the official launch of Android 16, which is anticipated in June this year. If not, it might be included in a future update or pushed back until Android 17 arrives in 2026.

    The Dream of All-in-One Devices

    As smartphones have grown more powerful and efficient, the vision of using a smartphone as a genuine “all-in-one” device with a desktop environment has been a long-held aspiration for many tech fans.

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