Get Exclusive Access to Android 16 Beta 1: Google Unleashes Latest Pixel Update

The Next Chapter in Android: Android 16 Beta 1 Arrives with Impressive Features and Updates
The wait is over! Google has finally released Android 16 Beta 1, and it’s packed with exciting features and updates that will revolutionize the way you use your Android device. This new version is now available for Pixel devices, and we can’t wait to dive into the details.
What’s New in Android 16 Beta 1?
Android 16 introduces Live Updates, a new class of notifications that allow users to monitor and quickly access important ongoing activities, such as ride sharing, food delivery, and navigation. The new ProgressStyle notification template provides a consistent user experience for these updates, making it easier for developers to build seamless user journeys.
In addition, Google is phasing out the ability for apps to restrict screen orientation and resizability on large screens, a move that will significantly improve the user experience. This change only affects apps and not games, so game developers can breathe a sigh of relief.
Android 16: What You Need to Know
Here are some key changes and updates in Android 16:
- Live Updates: A new class of notifications that allow users to monitor and access important ongoing activities.
- Phasing out app restrictions on screen orientation and resizability on large screens: A change that will improve the user experience for non-gaming apps.
- Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec: Support for high-quality video recording and post-production with the APV 422-10 Profile.
- Generic Ranging APIs: Enabling BLE channel sounding, BLE RSSI-based ranging, Ultra-Wideband, and WiFi round-trip time for determining distance and angle.
- Predictive back: Default on for apps targeting Android 16, enabling a more seamless user experience.
- Other updates: Low-level support for rendering and measuring text vertically, setFieldRequired for accessibility, and more.
How to Get Android 16 Beta 1
If you’re already part of the Android Beta program, you’ll receive an over-the-air update to Beta 1. If you’re on Android 15 QPR2 Beta, you’ll need to ignore the update and wait for the final stable release of QPR2.
System Images and More
The Android 16 Beta 1 (XXXX) system images with the January 2025 security patch are available for:
- Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel Pro Fold.
- Android Emulator
Stay tuned for more updates and insights on Android 16 Beta 1. In the meantime, share your thoughts and feedback with the Android Beta community on Reddit.
Remember, the Android 16 Beta 1 is the "initial beta-quality release" and is available as an over-the-air update for those enrolled in the Android Beta Program. It’s an exciting time for Android fans, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!