Material 3 Expressive made its way to Pixels earlier this year, but it wasn’t included in the initial Android 16 upgrade. Google’s approach to Android updates can be tricky. Still, with the latest update, Material 3 will look more unified on Pixel devices. All icons will automatically shift to theme-friendly versions, replacing older colored icons. Plus, dark mode will be available across more apps, even if developers haven’t added specific support. You’ll also find new icon shapes to spruce up your home screen.
In terms of new features, Google has simplified parental controls. Parents can now manage settings directly on the device without needing another gadget. They can set a PIN for features like screen time and app usage. For those looking for more control, the updated on-device settings will help configure Google Family Link.
Not a Pixel user? No worries! Google is rolling out a collection of updates for all supported Android devices. Chrome gets a boost with tab pinning, a feature that has long existed on desktop. Meanwhile, the Google Messages app is making group chats easier by displaying information about new contacts and allowing users to leave or report chats as spam with just one tap.
Additionally, the Google Dialer app, available for all Android users, is enhancing call functionality. Users will soon have the option to mark calls as “Urgent,” indicating to others that they should answer the call instead of sending it to voicemail. This “Urgent” label will stay in the call history for easy reference.
These updates reflect Google’s effort to streamline user experiences and enhance functionality. A recent survey found that over 70% of mobile users appreciate easy-access settings that help keep their devices secure and manageable. As technology evolves, these user-friendly changes are becoming essential.
For a deeper understanding of digital trends, consider checking out reports from reliable sources like the Pew Research Center, which frequently analyzes mobile technology’s impact on society.
