Material 3 Expressive arrived on Pixels earlier this year, yet it wasn’t included in the initial Android 16 upgrade—Google’s association with Android versions is rather intricate at the moment. Nonetheless, Material 3 will become slightly more unified on Pixels after this update. Google is now set to automatically implement Material theming for all icons on your device, substituting outdated colored icons with ones that align with the theme. In addition, dark mode will be available across a broader range of apps, even if the developers have not incorporated support. Google is also introducing a few additional icon shape choices if you’re looking to enhance your home screen.
Credit:
Regarding functional updates, Google has implemented a more user-friendly method for managing parental controls—you can directly use the managed device. Parents will now have the ability to establish a PIN code for accessing features such as screen time and app usage without needing a different device. For those seeking additional options or control, the new on-device settings will also facilitate the configuration of Google Family Link.
Android for Everyone
No Pixel? No worries. Google has also compiled a series of app and system updates that will start rolling out today for all compatible Android devices.
Chrome for Android is receiving an upgrade that includes tab pinning, mirroring a feature that has long existed in the desktop version. The Google Messages app is likewise addressing some straightforward enhancements. When you’re added to a group chat by a new number, the app will showcase group information and provide a one-tap option to exit and report the chat as spam.
Google’s official dialer app is pre-installed on Pixels, but it’s also available on the Play Store for anyone to download. If you and your contacts utilize Google Dialer, you will soon be able to make calls with a “reason.” You can label a call as “Urgent” to signal to the recipient that they should not send you to voicemail. This urgent label will also persist in the call history if they miss the call.
