Android 16: Google announces beta versions from hardware partners
With Beta 4 of Android 16, Google has announced the first smartphones from hardware partners on which the pre-release version can be tested.
Android smartphone receives an update.
(Image: Andri wahyudi/Shutterstock.com)
As expected, Google released the fourth beta version of Android 16 on Thursday. According to the manufacturer, the update is the last planned update in the Android 16 beta program. Similar to beta 3, it is nevertheless conceivable that smaller point updates may follow to fix any bugs.
Android 16: Slightly older betas from partners
With the announcement of beta 4, Google has officially opened up its pre-release program to other smartphone manufacturers. This means that the new Android version can no longer only be tested on Google models from the Pixel 6 onwards, but also on selected devices from some hardware partners. Even before Google's announcement, the first manufacturers such as Xiaomi and Oneplus had already announced their entry into the Android 16 beta.
(Image:Â Google)
According to Google, manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Oneplus, Oppo, Honor, Lenovo and others are on board, primarily offering pre-release versions of Android 16 for their current top models. Unlike Google, however, the partners' test versions are not based on the current fourth beta, but on older versions.
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Installation is also more complicated than with Google. As the builds are primarily aimed at developers, the additional effort should not be a major hurdle.
Android 16 beta 4 with minor visual changes
Beta 4 does not contain any major innovations. Google has only made a few cosmetic changes here and there: According to 9 to 5 Google, for example, the clock in the status bar has become slightly larger and some clocks on the always-on display have been given dynamic colors. Google has also made the media player a shade darker both on the lock screen and in the quick settings. Android 16 has achieved platform stability with beta 3.
If Android 16 receives further major innovations, Google is likely to show these at the I/O developer conference on May 20. However, the focus is likely to be on AI functions.
The final version of Android 16 is due to be released in June. As part of this, the update will not only be released for Pixel devices, but will also be available in the AOSP.
(afl)
