On April 17, 2025, Google released Android 16 Beta 4, the last major beta update before the anticipated stable release in May or June 2025, as reported by Android 16 Beta 4 release. This update is significant as it nears the end of the development cycle, focusing on refining features and addressing bugs for Pixel devices, including the newly supported Pixel 9a.
The update is available for a comprehensive list of Pixel devices, from Pixel 6 to Pixel 9a, ensuring broad testing coverage. This expansion, particularly the inclusion of Pixel 9a, was highlighted in various tech reports, suggesting Google's intent to gather extensive feedback before the final rollout.
Detailed New Features
Android 16 Beta 4 introduces several enhancements aimed at improving user interaction and customization:
Dynamic Color on AOD Clocks
This feature allows some Always On Display (AOD) clocks to adapt colors dynamically, matching the device's wallpaper for a cohesive aesthetic. This was noted in detailed breakdowns by tech journalists, enhancing visual personalization.
App Long-Press Menu Updates
The app long-press menu now includes "Screenshot" and "Select" options, previously accessible only via the Recents menu. This change, as reported, streamlines access to these functions, improving usability.
Darker Media Player Artwork
The media player interface now features darker artwork, potentially improving visibility in low-light conditions, a subtle yet user-focused enhancement.
Gesture Navigation Demo
A new demo for gesture navigation is added under Settings > Display & touch > Navigation mode > Gesture navigation settings, aiding users in understanding and customizing navigation, as detailed in user reports.
'Apps List' Shortcut
Long-pressing the Pixel Launcher now offers a quick shortcut to the apps list, enhancing navigation efficiency, a feature noted for its practicality in daily use.
All above images from Google
Changes and Removals
Beta 4 also includes notable changes that may affect user experience:
Battery Health Removed
On some devices, battery health information is no longer visible, with reports indicating inconsistency—some users still see it. This change, potentially controversial, might reflect Google's focus on simplifying UI or addressing privacy concerns, as discussed in tech forums.
Themed Icon 'Beta' Badge Removed Again
The "Beta" badge on themed icons has been removed, continuing a pattern from previous betas. This could indicate a move towards a cleaner interface, though it may confuse users expecting beta identifiers.
Stability and Performance Fixes
Google has addressed numerous user-reported issues, enhancing system reliability:
- Fixed the radar map disappearance in the Pixel weather app, a critical fix for weather-dependent users.
- Improved haptic performance and feedback, resolving delays that affected user interaction.
- Reduced excessive power drain on some devices, addressing a common battery life concern.
- Fixed system restarts when answering calls in certain situations and with screen magnification enabled, improving call reliability.
- Ensured the screen saver starts properly and fixed restarts when using the ranging API, enhancing overall system stability.
- Various other fixes for system stability, performance, and a launcher crash, as detailed in the release notes, ensuring a smoother beta experience.
Editor’s Comments
Compared to previous betas, Beta 4 focuses less on major new features and more on polishing, aligning with its role as the final beta. For instance, Beta 3 marked platform stability, while Beta 4 builds on that with incremental improvements.
The inclusion of Pixel 9a in the beta program is a strategic move, broadening the testing base and likely leading to a more robust final product. The extensive bug fixes indicate responsiveness to user feedback, crucial for a smooth transition to the stable version, expected potentially at Google I/O 2025 or shortly after, as per the development timeline.
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