- Android 16 beta 2 takes place to select pixel devices
- The new beta version reveals the features of the camera, a new shortcut for Google Wallet, and more
- There is still no release date for Android 16, although it will probably get much later this year
Although Android 15 seems only recently takes place at the handsets of various phone manufacturers, Google is already growing with Android 16 – The second beta version is currently making its way to select Pixel smartphones (Google Pixel 6 or more recent) .
We already see advice and versions of demonstration of new features which suggest that Android 16 will be a major update for the most popular mobile operating system in the world, with new camera tools, live notifications and A new practical tip for Google Wallet.
Google’s Android Developers blog has published two articles on the first and second versions of the beta version, listing new features for users and new tools focused on developers.
The internal code name for Android 16 is Baklava, which makes sense for me – it already looks like an update with layers of new features to dig. Read the rest for a summary of the five best new features so far.
Android 16 brings a variety of new camera tools, many of which are intended for professionals.
There is a new hybrid automatic exposure mode which allows users to manually control the ISO and the exposure time while the phone manages the exhibition, offering a half-pas between the current and current manual modes.
Some smaller updates also go to the Android 16 camera application: the management of ultra HDR images is included, and there is a new API that allows
The support of the advanced professional video codec also comes on Android with this update, as is the precise temperature and control of the shades for video recording.
A new Google Wallet shortcut
With Android 16 Beta 2, Google has added a new practical shortcut for Google Wallet users, which is sure to save time when you pay things with your smartphone.
The Google Wallet application can now be opened with double pressure from the power button, which opens the default camera to most Android handsets.
So having access to this new function means saying goodbye to a long -standing favorite shortcut, but it’s good to have the option.
Personally, I hate the feeling of remembering a queue or groping on my home screen looking for the Google Wallet application when I pay something with my phone, so I can’t wait to try this feature .
Best resizing of applications
As a long -standing fan of folding phones, I am happy to see Google take measures to facilitate the resizing of applications for larger screens.
Android 16 presents the possibility for applications to limit the size of their screen and orientation on larger screens, such as those found on tablets or the interior screen of folding phones. This should allow applications to better use large panels and give users of these devices a better experience in a wider range of applications.
Although it always comes down to application developers to ensure that their applications work on several screen sizes, this is a positive step from Google so that tablets and foldable devices feel like a Portal to real Android experience.
Live updates
A new type of notification arrives on Android with its next version – live updates are designed to help users keep an eye on events and other live events when they take place, via a notification that has priority On the others and takes a place on the locking screen.
It is a similar idea – well, the same – that the live activities of Apple, the main difference being that the Android implementation was not based on the dynamic island or another version of it, like the Dynamic cloud found on modern OnePlus phones.
As Android Authority notes, Google suggested that live updates could be used for carpooling, food delivery and navigation, among other use cases. The function of live updates includes the management of progression bars and text reminders to, for example, the turns up when using navigation applications.
Gemini extensions
This one is a little more mysterious, because Google did not give us much to leave, but it seems that the extensions of the Gemini which have been launched with the Samsung Galaxy S25 series will soon make their way to more android phones.
The Android developer’s blog simply indicates that Google “works to make this functionality available on factors even more forms”.
The Gemini extensions available on the Galaxy S25 and its larger brothers and sisters The Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy S25 Ultra, allow the AI assistant to Google to access and use other applications on the phone.
In theory, this allows Gemini to finish more complex tasks, such as the creation of a shopping list and save it in Samsung notes.
So, there, you have it – five of the best new features to come on all the best Android phones via Android 16. What do you think of these new features? What do you want to see Android 16 coming? Let us know in the comments below.
