Tag: Material 3 Expressive

  • Android 16 Launches Today, June 10: What You Need to Know

    Android 16 Launches Today, June 10: What You Need to Know

    Key Takeaways

    1. Android 16 is set to launch on June 10, following hints from the Android Developers account on social media.
    2. The update will first roll out to Pixel smartphones starting from the Pixel 6 and select models from Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Motorola, and Nothing.
    3. New features in Android 16 include Advanced Protection, Live Activities, quick controls for Google Wallet, and battery health indicators.
    4. The significant visual overhaul, known as the Material 3 Expressive update, will enhance various settings and menus but will be released in a few months.
    5. This Android update is being launched three months earlier than previous versions to give manufacturers more time for their flagship devices.

    With Apple updating its branding and improving the software experience across its devices, Google has also shared when the next Android update will come out. Most of the features for this update have already been disclosed in earlier beta versions, and the final version of Android 16 is set to launch later today, June 10. However, the fresh Material design is still expected to be released later in the year.

    Exciting Announcement on Social Media

    The Android Developers account on X shared a brief message on June 9, hinting that the final release of Android 16 is nearly here with a simple note saying, “It’s almost time for the Android 16 final release,” along with “See you back here tomorrow,” and added a winking emoji. This indicates that the final version of Android 16 will be available today, June 10, though the exact timing remains uncertain. The update will be rolled out to Pixel smartphones starting from the Pixel 6 (Buy on Amazon), as well as Samsung S22 and newer models, Xiaomi 13 and newer, OnePlus 11 and newer, Motorola Razr 50 (Buy Razr 2024 on Amazon) and Edge 40 (Buy Edge 2023 on Amazon), plus all Nothing phones.

    A Broader List of Compatible Devices

    This list is just a part of the devices expected to receive the update. Naturally, Pixel models will be the first to enjoy Android 16, with other brands likely following afterwards.

    It’s important to highlight that while the Android 16 update will introduce new features such as Advanced Protection, Live Activities, quick controls for Google Wallet, battery health indicators, and various cosmetic tweaks, the major overhaul is still several months away. The Material 3 Expressive update, which is included in Android 16 QPR1 (Quarterly Platform Release 1), will be coming in a few months, but no specific date has been provided yet.

    Major Visual Changes Ahead

    The Material 3 Expressive update represents the significant visual overhaul associated with Android 16. It will enhance the Quick Settings panel and the Settings menus, introduce new options alongside cosmetic updates to previous ones, and more.

    This Android update is being launched roughly three months earlier than previous versions. Google has previously stated that it is speeding up the release cycle to allow manufacturers additional time to launch their latest flagship devices featuring the most current Android version.

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  • Google Unveils New Android 16 Design for Pixel 9 and More

    Google Unveils New Android 16 Design for Pixel 9 and More

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Timeline: Android 16 will be officially released in June, with Material 3 Expressive UI rolling out later this year, starting with Google Pixel smartphones.

    2. Emotional Engagement: Material 3 Expressive focuses on creating a more emotionally engaging UI with bolder colors and unique shapes for app icons.

    3. Enhanced Animations: The new design includes broader and smoother animations for various user interactions, like adjusting volume or accessing quick settings.

    4. Blurred Backgrounds: A greater emphasis on blurred backgrounds is introduced to add depth to the interface without affecting performance or battery life.

    5. Live Updates Feature: The new Live Updates feature will provide real-time information for delivery and navigation apps on the lock screen, status bar, and quick settings.

    After the recent leak of the new Material 3 Expressive design by Google, the fresh appearance of Android 16 has been officially revealed today. The final version of Android 16 is set to launch in June, while the Material 3 Expressive user interface will be rolled out later this year, starting with Google Pixel smartphones like the Pixel 9. Smartphones from brands that have their own proprietary user interface, such as Samsung’s One UI, will probably not adopt Material 3 Expressive.

    Enhanced Emotional Appeal

    Material 3 Expressive aims to make the Android 16 user interface more emotionally engaging. To achieve this, Google is incorporating even bolder, user-customizable colors, along with unique shapes, such as app icons shaped like stars or diamonds. The video included below displays many animations that are both broader and smoother than they were previously. Whether it’s adjusting a volume slider, deleting an email, or accessing the quick settings, Google is ensuring every feature is refreshed.

    Depth with Blurred Backgrounds

    The greater emphasis on blurred backgrounds is designed to add a sense of depth to the interface. These updates are not expected to impact the performance or battery life of smartphones. While Google is changing the layout of the lock screen and the icons in the menu bar, the core structure and functionality of Android will remain largely the same, meaning users won’t need to relearn how to navigate their Android devices.

    New Live Updates Feature

    There is, however, an exciting new feature: Live Updates for delivery and navigation apps. These live updates will be visible on the lock screen, status bar, and in the quick settings, offering real-time information about takeaway deliveries and tracked packages. The quick settings can be customized in various ways to allow more options to fit onto one screen.

    Google’s innovation continues to impress, making significant strides in enhancing user experience.

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    Google Unveils New Android 16 Design for Pixel 9 and MoreGoogle Unveils New Android 16 Design for Pixel 9 and More

     

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  • Google Pixel Watch Updates: Fresh Design and Longer Battery Life

    Google Pixel Watch Updates: Fresh Design and Longer Battery Life

    Key Takeaways

    1. Wear OS 6 will improve performance and extend battery life by “up to” 10%.
    2. The user interface features a new Material 3 Expressive design with brighter colors and redesigned animations.
    3. Buttons are now aligned closer to the edge of the screen for better space utilization and easier interaction.
    4. Colors can be synchronized between Android 16 and Wear OS 6 for a cohesive look across devices.
    5. Google’s AI assistant Gemini will be integrated into Wear OS, supporting older versions as well.

    Together with the new Material 3 Expressive design of Android 16, Google has just also announced Wear OS 6, the next major operating system update for the Pixel Watch 6 and other selected smartwatches from third-party providers. Wear OS 6 is due to be released later this year and will improve both performance and battery life.

    Enhanced Battery Life

    Google specifically states that the update to Wear OS 6 will extend battery life by “up to” 10%. The revised design is based on Material 3 Expressive with brighter colours, more playful shapes and significantly redesigned animations. The user interface has been further optimized for the Pixel Watch 3’s round display in many places, ranging from app selection, PIN input to incoming notifications.

    Improved Button Layout

    A completely new element is the buttons that are aligned more closely to the edge of the screen so that the available space is used more effectively. This also makes it easier to touch the button for clearing all notifications. As Google demonstrates in the trailer embedded below, colors can be synchronized between Android 16 and Wear OS 6 to match the look of Pixel smartphones and Pixel Watch.

    AI Assistant Upgrade

    Another new feature is that Google’s AI assistant Gemini will also be available on Google Wear OS in future and will support Google Assistant. Gemini will also be released for older Wear OS versions so that users do not necessarily have to switch to the new operating system version to use this feature.

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    Google Pixel Watch Updates: Fresh Design and Longer Battery Life
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  • Android 16 Redesign Teased as New Clock App Images Leak

    Android 16 Redesign Teased as New Clock App Images Leak

    Key Takeaways

    1. Android and iOS are becoming more distinct as they approach the release of Android 16 and iOS 19.
    2. Apple is rumored to introduce rounded app icons and new user interface features in iOS 19.
    3. Google is implementing a ‘Material 3 Expressive’ design for Android 16, based on extensive user studies.
    4. The redesign of the Clock app in Android 16 reflects Google’s latest design guidelines but is not as radical as previous concepts.
    5. Android 16 is expected to be available for devices powered by Google Tensor, starting from the Pixel 6.

    In the past few years, the looks of Android and iOS have started to look more similar. But as we get closer to the launch of Android 16 and iOS 19 later this year, these two operating systems are expected to stand apart even more. Apple hasn’t formally announced any specifics about its upcoming iPhone OS yet, but rumors suggest that they’re planning to add rounded app icons and new user interface features, among other updates.

    Google’s Design Tweaks

    On the flip side, Google has offered a sneak peek at some of the design changes coming with Android 16, which is anticipated to be released this season. Although the details were shared online prematurely, Google’s ‘Material 3 Expressive’ design approach is based on 46 studies involving over 18,000 participants. It seems that the more playful aesthetic of Android is not just for looks, but also aims to enhance user experience.

    Future Changes in Android

    It’s important to note that the Material 3 Expressive design might not fully represent what Android 16 will ultimately look like. However, this year’s operating system is likely to incorporate aspects of Google’s latest design approach in certain areas. For instance, Google has revamped the Clock app for Android 16 using the Material 3 Expressive guidelines. In reality, though, the redesign is not as radical as some of Google’s earlier concepts. Currently, all devices powered by Google Tensor, starting from the Pixel 6, are expected to get Android 16 (priced at $299.99 on Amazon).

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