Android 16: Google distributes Pixel update with Material 3 Expressive

In May, Google presented Material 3 Expressive, the first redesign for Android in four years. Now the manufacturer is distributing it for its Pixel 6 to 9 models, after the Pixel 10 series already had it installed ex works. The Pixel Drop (Android 16 QPR1 (Quarterly Platform Release)) brings a few more functions to the Pixel devices in addition to the design refresh.

More color and design freedom

With Material 3 Expressive, Google is building on the "Material You" introduced in 2021, which is intended to be a continuation of the Material Design from 2014. The refreshed design language is initially moving into Pixel smartphones and smartwatches with Android 16 QPR1 and Wear OS 6. Google has already been preparing for the system-side changeover for several weeks by giving numerous in-house apps the new look. This includes larger buttons and new colors.

In addition to the Gmail app, the new design can already be seen in the Google Phone app, Wallet, Drive and others. The company has also made the first visual adjustments to its Pixel Watch models, which reflect Material 3 Expressive. In addition, users can now add live effects such as shapes and weather effects to the background image of the lock screen.

At system level, Material 3 Expressive introduces changes to the quick settings, whose individual tiles can now be displayed in different sizes. Google is also using a partially transparent background for quick settings, notifications and the app drawer, which looks like frosted glass. New animations have also been introduced, which appear "more natural and springy" and are intended to "break up everyday routines". For example, when a notification is hidden, the adjacent notifications react to the interaction. The new animations are accompanied by haptic feedback and sound.

What else?

According to Google, further functions for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 such as "Adaptive Audio" will be released later in September. This will allow the headphones to adapt "intelligently" to their surroundings so that wearers can "stay alert while listening to music or podcasts". Furthermore, there is also protection against loud noises, which can protect hearing.

Users can also use the Pixel Buds Pro 2 to hold conversations with Gemini, for example when the TV is on or people are talking around the wearer. With the update, it should be possible to accept or reject incoming calls without using your hands, similar to Apple's Airpods – with just a nod or shake of the head, according to Google. It will also be possible to initiate navigation for pedestrians or cyclists on the smartphone, and Google Maps will be automatically displayed on the Pixel Watch.

Part of the update should actually still be the live updates, which Google does not mention in the announcement. It is therefore uncertain whether they are now on board or not. With the live updates, progress notifications from selected delivery, ride-sharing and navigation apps can be tracked in real time on the lock screen or in the status bar. It is somewhat reminiscent of Apple's Live Activities, but the feature is more limited in terms of functionality on Android.

The new Android version can be installed on Google smartphones from the Pixel 6 upwards. The Pixel Fold, 9 Pro Fold and Pixel Tablet are also compatible.

(afl)