Discover the New Features of Android 16 Beta: Live Updates & More
On January 24, 2025, Google rolled out the first public beta of Android 16, allowing developers and enthusiasts to experience upcoming features ahead of the full release expected in Q2 2025.
This beta introduces several significant enhancements, including Live Updates, improved app resizing for larger screens, and advanced video capabilities.
Android 16 makes apps more adaptable to any screen
It’s no surprise that Google is focusing on screen adaptability in Android 16, especially as foldable phones gain traction and Android tablets see a partial resurgence.
The latest update introduces major optimizations to improve how apps scale across large-format screens.
Google acknowledges that many developers cut corners by releasing apps without optimizing them for tablets, often leading to an inconsistent and even frustrating experience.
To address this, Android 16 will phase out an app’s ability to lock screen orientation between portrait and landscape, as well as restrictions on aspect ratios when resizing on larger displays.
Samsung and other manufacturers have been ahead of the curve for years, with their custom Android versions allowing apps to run in any window size.
Still, Google is urging developers to test their interfaces across different screen sizes and implement responsive layouts where possible.
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The only exception is games, which will retain the ability to define aspect ratios based on the developer’s preferences.
Live Updates bring iOS-style persistent notifications to Android
Another major addition in Android 16 Beta 1 is Live Updates, a feature similar to Apple’s Live Activities on iOS. These high-priority notifications stay visible on the lock screen, ensuring users don’t miss important updates like upcoming flights, food deliveries, or navigation directions.
The goal is to cut through the clutter of endless notifications—an area where Apple has historically done better than Android. Some manufacturers, like Samsung with its Now Bar and OnePlus with Live Alerts, have already introduced similar features, but Android 16 now bakes it in at the system level.
Developers will be able to integrate Live Updates more easily using a standardized template that supports custom colors, icons, and real-time progress tracking.
Android 16 natively supports Samsung’s Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec
Google and Samsung’s deep collaboration continues with Android 16’s native support for Advanced Professional Video (APV), a high-end video codec originally developed by Samsung.
The APV 422-10 profile in Android 16 brings YUV 4:2:2 color sampling, 10-bit encoding, and a target bit rate of up to 2 Gbps, enabling professional-grade video recording and editing. Samsung first introduced this at its 2024 annual conference, and now Google is integrating it directly into Android.
Key Features of Android 16 Beta
1. Live Updates
One of the standout features of Android 16 Beta is the introduction of Live Updates. This functionality allows apps to provide real-time notifications for ongoing activities such as food delivery and navigation. Notifications are pinned at the top of the notification stack for quick access to time-sensitive information, similar to features offered by Apple’s Live Activities
2. Enhanced App Resizing
Android 16 Beta enhances compatibility for foldable devices and tablets by improving app resizing capabilities. Developers are now required to ensure their apps can dynamically adjust to various screen sizes and orientations, promoting a seamless user experience across devices
3. Advanced Professional Video (APV) Codec
The new APV codec supports high-quality video recording up to 8K resolution at a bitrate of 2Gbps. This feature is designed for professional-level video production, enabling advanced functionalities like HDR support and multi-view recording
4. Dynamic Notifications
Dynamic notifications allow users to receive real-time updates directly on their lock screens. This feature is particularly beneficial for applications that require immediate attention, such as ride-sharing or food delivery services
5. Camera Enhancements
Android 16 Beta introduces significant improvements in camera functionality, including scene detection for low-light conditions and enhanced support for vertical text rendering. These updates aim to improve photography experiences on compatible devices
Compatibility
The Android 16 Beta is currently available for Google Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 onwards. Users enrolled in the Android Beta Program can access this update via an over-the-air (OTA) update.
What are your thoughts on the new features of Android 16 Beta? Share in the comments below!
