Google rolls out Android 16’s first public beta, launches dynamic notifications, AI assistants, foldable optimisations

Google has released the first public beta of Android 16, offering a sneak peek at the next iteration of the operating system. This update brings some exciting changes, including dynamic notifications for live activities, improved support for foldable devices and tablets, and an increased focus on making apps more versatile across different screen sizes. As more devices incorporate larger and foldable screens, these enhancements aim to provide users with a smoother experience when switching between different screen types.

The public beta introduces several notable features that will change the way users interact with Android. Live Updates, a feature similar to Apple’s Live Activities, allow users to track real-time activities like ride-sharing, food deliveries, and navigation directly from their notifications. Android 16 focuses on specific app activities, keeping users updated with relevant, progress-tracking information. This approach contrasts with Apple’s broader support for various live activities, but Android’s solution stays aligned with its cleaner, more streamlined notification design.

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Dynamic notifications

Android 16 introduces a dynamic notification feature called Live Updates, designed to keep users informed about ongoing activities in real-time. Whether it’s a food delivery, a ride-sharing update, or a navigation tracker, these notifications will sit at the top of the notification panel, providing quick and relevant information without overcrowding the screen. Unlike Apple’s Live Activities, which caters to a wide range of live updates such as sports scores or shopping alerts, Android’s Live Updates focus on progress-tracking notifications that give users only the essential details.

In addition to this, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 also introduced a similar feature called the Now Bar, which shows live updates as a floating bar on the lock screen. Android’s version, however, opts for a simpler approach by positioning Live Updates directly in the notification stack for easier access.

Improved support for foldables and larger screens

Android 16 brings significant improvements to how apps function on foldable devices and tablets. The new update requires developers to make their apps resizable, ensuring they function well on large screens. This means apps will open in full-screen mode on larger devices, giving users a seamless experience when using tablets or foldable phones.

Currently, developers can opt out of this requirement, but by Android 17, this will become a mandatory feature, with the exception of games. This move is designed to make multitasking easier and improve the overall performance of apps on larger screens.

New features and Gemini AI assistant

Android 16 also introduces several other notable features. The APV (Advanced Professional Video) codec is now supported, which improves video quality, particularly for professional content. There’s also better vertical text rendering, scene detection for automatic night mode in camera apps, and more refined haptic controls. Additionally, the Health Connect app now enables users to securely share medical data across apps, providing better integration for health tracking.

Google is also expanding its Gemini AI assistant, which now supports multi-app prompts. While Gemini currently works with a limited number of Google and third-party apps like Spotify and WhatsApp, Google plans to roll out broader support in the near future.

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The Android 16 public beta is available for Pixel 6 and newer devices, as well as the Pixel Tablet. For those who prefer to wait, the stable version is expected to launch by Q2 this year, ahead of Google’s usual late-summer release timeline.