Google has introduced the third quarterly release of the open mobile platform Android 16 (QPR3). The source code related to this release will be hosted in the project's Git repository in the branch android-16.0.0_r5. Firmware builds have been prepared for Pixel devices from series 6 to 10. Additionally, universal GSI (Generic System Images) builds suitable for various devices based on ARM64 and x86_64 architectures have been created. In the coming months, firmware with the new version is expected for smartphones from Samsung, Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, vivo, and Xiaomi.
Key innovations of Android 16 QPR3 (1, 2, 3, 4):
- A desktop mode has been added, activated when the device is connected to an external large screen. Similar to a traditional desktop environment, the new mode allows simultaneous work with multiple application windows, resizing windows, and using a taskbar to navigate, showing active applications and allowing pinning shortcuts to the most frequently used programs.
It is possible to connect a keyboard and mouse and assign custom key combinations. On the external screen, a new desktop session is created while the phone can continue working in the mobile interface. The capability to enable desktop mode when connecting to an external screen is announced for Google Pixel smartphones of series 8, 9, and 10, as well as Samsung devices S26, Fold7, Flip7, and Tab S11.
When using the mode on tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11, desktop mode can also be applied on the device's main screen, while the external monitor can be used as an extension of the tablet screen. In this case, a multi-monitor configuration is created with a single virtual screen, allowing the cursor and application windows to be moved between the main and external screens.
Mobile applications built using adaptive interface construction mechanisms appear as standard desktop applications in desktop mode. Key features for creating adaptive applications include the Display object (which tracks changes in screen settings and moving the application to another screen) and the API for handling keyboard and mouse events. The Jetpack WindowManager window manager has introduced new screen classes—Large and Extra-large. Navigation 3 and Compose Material 3 Adaptive libraries have been added to create interfaces that adjust to screen size.
- Integration of the Google Messages messenger with Find Hub has been implemented, enabling users to share their location during chats and track friends on a map in real-time. There is an option to limit access time to the location and to terminate location sharing early.
- Find Hub has added a feature for locating lost airline baggage by tracking the position of an Android device placed within the baggage and sending a link to the airline's support service, allowing the information to be viewed in any browser.
- Google Play now supports displaying videos while browsing the application catalog for a more visual exploration of program capabilities.
- The ability to create a business card with a photo and text, which will be shown to the recipient of an outgoing call, has been added.
- A set of teacher-approved educational games for children aged 3 to 12 has been added to Android Auto, launching on the car's information system panel.
- The notification area now includes the ability to show a brief summary of unread chat messages and to place less important notifications into a separate group.
- The ability to change the shape of icons on the home screen and apply a monochrome theme to all icons has been added.
- The firmware for Google Pixel devices includes innovations such as support for recognizing multiple objects simultaneously in Circle to Search, the use of the AI assistant Gemini to perform everyday tasks (for example, ordering groceries and interacting with applications on the smartphone), a new Now Playing app for recognizing nearby music tracks, displaying information about stock prices, traffic, and sports scores in the At a Glance widget, and AI-generated custom icon styles for the home screen.
Source: opennet.ru
