Google has unveiled a bunch of Android related features and changes at the Android Show, and there’s a lot that’s new this year. Well, if you’re interested in knowing what’s new with Android 16, here are the 7 new features in Android 16 and Google products announced at The Android Show.
1. Material 3 Expressive Redesign
The biggest, most observable change by far is obviously the UI redesign that Android has gone through. It’s not so much a redesign as it is completely redone fundamentals.
Android 16 comes with what Google is calling the Material 3 Expressive design language, which features bolder colors and design elements. There are fresh, updated dynamic color themes, responsive components, and better font styles. Basically, it’s taking customizability to a whole new level.
It’s not just in the looks of things, it’s also in the feel of things. The new Material Three Expressive design will make elements react more naturally to each other, and to your inputs. Dismissing a notification will now cause the notifications around it to also move subtly. Plus, Android will provide a satisfying haptic feedback when you swipe notifications away.
2. Live Notifications Updates
Apple’s Live Activities feature is truly a wonderful thing to have, and with Android 16, Google is making a similar feature available on the largest smartphone operating system in the world — Live Updates.
True, this feature isn’t entirely new, and apps like Uber have been sending live-updating notifications on Android phones for a while. However, that involved a lot of work-arounds, and with Android 16, Google has basically standardized the thing and developers can easily implement Live Updates on their Android apps without jumping through the proverbial hoop.
We even got to take a peek at what these updates will look like on the Lock Screen and Always on Display. Plus, there will be a pill in the left side of the taskbar which you can tap to display the Live Update in an expanded form. Take a look at the screenshots below.
These notifications will definitely come in handy with timers, food-delivery notifications and more. Plus, this can make it a lot easier for sports fans to keep a track of their favorite teams’ matches straight from the notifications.
3. New Scam Protection Features
Google is also taking scam protection to the next level. Android will now prevent users from sideloading apps from a web-browser and other services while they are on a phone call. This is good because scammers usually try and convince people to install dangerous apps on their smartphones.
Android will also stop users from giving apps Accessibility permissions while they’re on a call. Plus, it will not let you adjust these settings while you’re on a call either.
4. Find Hub
Google also announced changes coming to “Find My Device”. For starters, it’s now called “Find Hub” and it’s a lot better than it was before. The new Find Hub app on Android will allow you to track your belongings with the plethora of Bluetooth trackers available out there. Moreover, it will also let you keep a track of your loved ones.
The company also announced that it will bring Ultra Wideband (UWB) support to Find Hub later this month! That means you will be able to find nearby items easily. This is the same tech used by Apple’s AirTags for precision finding with UWB compatible iPhones, and I’m excited to see it implemented on Android as well.
Find Hub is also getting support for satellite connectivity later this year. And, just like AirTags, Google is also working with airline partners to allow Android users to share their Bluetooth trackers with airlines to help find lost luggage.
5. Advanced Protection
Google’s Advanced Protection Program has been available for individuals like journalists, public figures, and others for a while now. However, with Android 16, Google is making it easier for anyone to enable Advanced Protection on their smartphones.
Android 16 will bring a toggle to enable or disable Advanced Protection on the go. So if you’re just concerned about your privacy and security, you can enable the feature with just a toggle on your smartphone.
Advanced Protection enables a whole host of protections for your Android device, and if you’re interested in learning all about it, you can check out Google’s official blog post on Advanced Protection (link).
6. More Gemini!
Google is working on bringing Gemini to more devices. Like I mentioned in my article on what to expect from Google I/O 2025, Gemini is already integrated with most Google services we use, and the company will undoubtedly get it even more deeply intertwined with our lives.
Well, it’s happening! Gemini is coming to wearOS watches, Google TV, and even the Android XR headset expected to launch later this year. That means you will be able to do everything from finding new movies and TV shows to watch on your TV, to tracking your workouts by asking Gemini to do it for you.
7. Gemini in Cars!
Google also announced that it is bringing Gemini to your car. And it’s not just coming to the 50-odd car models with the Google-built-in dashboards; it’s also coming to cars with Android Auto.
With Gemini, Google says you will be able to have even more fun while driving. For example, you will be able to ask Gemini to find restaurants along the way, including specific types of restaurants if you’re in the mood for something like tacos. Gemini will also remember if you prefer texting a friend in a different language, so you can easily text your friends in English, or whichever language they prefer.
There’s also Gemini Live, which will bring a live conversation with Gemini straight to your car. So you can just say “Hey Gemini, let’s talk” and start having a conversation with your AI passenger. Whether you want to brainstorm ideas, have a little chat about the weather, or even prepare for meetings, Gemini Live will be right by your side.
Well those are the 7 most important and exciting things that Google talked about during The Android Show: I/O Edition. It wasn’t really a very long event, and the company said a lot more will be talked about during the I/O keynote, so definitely get hyped for that! Meanwhile, let us know what you think about the Android Show and the features Google announced.
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