Android 16: 4 game-changing features coming to your phone

Google hosted its Android event on Tuesday, and with it came a number of exciting new features that will soon be available on your devices with Android 16.

Here are the major Android updates Google shared at the event.

1. A totally new look, dubbed Material 3 Expressive

Perhaps the biggest update for Android 16 is an overhauled look, a design Google is calling Material 3 Expressive.

"It's a UI tailored to you," Android's VP of Product Management and User Experiences Mindy Brooks said during the presentation. The idea is that doing things on your phone should feel simpler and more intuitive.

"Material 3 Expressive feels even more fluid and introduces a system of more natural, springy animations meant to bring a moment of delight to everyday routines," Android wrote in a blog announcing the news. "For example, when you dismiss a notification, the others next to it subtly respond to your drag. And when you snap it off the stack, you feel a satisfying haptic rumble."

The new design will also feature more customizable options for color, font, and other visual components on your phone. Google shared a video previewing what the new design will look like.

2. Live updates

Google also announced a live updates feature that should help you stay on task. It effectively surfaces important updates from an app, meaning you don't need to navigate through other open apps or distractions. Google used the example of tracking an order from Uber Eats; Live updates should allow you to track your food with just a glance.

Credit: Android

3. Gemini everywhere, including Gemini Live

Google, like pretty much every other tech company, promised to further integrate AI into Android 16. That means Gemini everywhere. It even seemingly took a shot at Apple in the process.

"It isn't just an app, like on some other phones," said Rohan Shah, senior product manager at Android, during the event. "It's a powerful assistant, just one press away."

So, what does Gemini everywhere look like? It means it'll be on your Android watch, in Android Auto, and all over your phone. During the event, Google imagined folks using Gemini to set reminders, find stops on road trips, and summarize messages.

A big update for Android 16, in particular, is that all users have access to Gemini Live. That means everyone will be able to share their screen and camera with Gemini. This could prove especially helpful to folks using Android Auto, since Gemini Live should be able to help drivers perform hands-free tasks.

4. Find Hub

People are using device tracking for way more than finding their phone. In response, Android 16 comes with Find Hub, which is basically an app for all the things you track. It's effectively a hub for all the people, devices, tags, and more that you track. Android also said it will roll out satellite connectivity soon, meaning you should be able to locate your friend even as they hike in the middle of nowhere.

We received a lot of news about Android on Tuesday, but we expect even more Google news with its I/O keynote next week.