3 Android 16 modifications that simply do not impress me in any respect

Abstract

Android 16 is a welcome improve, however a few of its modifications do not actually matter as a lot as Google would possibly need you to imagine.
Materials 3 Expressive is extra daring, however only a new coat of paint with out the OS’s accompanying interface enhancements.
The Discover Hub’s location sharing might not be as invaluable as you’d suppose, and Gemini’s usefulness on watches, TVs, and AR headsets stays to be seen in observe.

Upfront, I am going to admit that I am on file as preferring iPhones today. My every day driver is an

iPhone 16 Pro
. However I’ve owned a number of Android telephones through the years, and I nonetheless recognize the platform to today. There are issues that it does higher than iOS — resembling voice instructions — and I like the truth that it is open-source, even when {hardware} makers haven’t got a lot selection however to license Google companies. It might be unusual to purchase an Android telephone with out Gmail able to go, in spite of everything.

I am trying ahead to making an attempt gadgets with

Android 16
pre-loaded. Nonetheless, the interface impresses me as a lot as

iOS 18
did — which is to say, not very a lot. Enhancements are all the time welcome, but primarily based on what Google’s proven to date, its newest OS nonetheless appears like a minor evolution. Let’s discuss a couple of examples of what I imply.

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1

Materials 3 Expressive

A brand new coat of (physics-based) paint

Hyperlink Picture

Android 16 actually seems good. There are up to date dynamic coloration themes, new font types, and much more interface animations, together with bounces and ripples for actions like swiping away your notifications. New aesthetics are literally certainly one of my favourite issues about updating any OS, since I get pleasure from personalizing my telephone as a lot as attainable — with out severe modding work, anyway.

For all of the hype round Materials 3 Expressive, it is not a radical leap past what you see in Android 15.

My grievance is simply that, for all of the hype round Materials 3 Expressive, it is not a radical leap past what you see in Android 15. If something, what issues extra are Google’s sensible interface modifications, resembling the flexibility to each resize and reorder Fast Settings icons (a la iOS 18’s Management Heart), or observe deliveries and rideshares by way of Stay Updates (one other factor borrowed from Apple). A 12 months from now, individuals are going to care much more about checking how quickly their

Uber
goes to reach than what widget colours they’ve out there.

I may very well be stood corrected down the road. Typically, a minimum of, these types of interface modifications have a cumulative impact that may’t be conveyed by movies or screenshots. If Android 16 feels genuinely higher to make use of day-to-day because of its visible tweaks, that may rely for one thing.

The Smart Stack on the Apple Watch Series 9 over a yellow background.

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Helpful in concept, however how about in observe?

Sharing personal location via Android 16's Find Hub. — Google

Google

As an entire, I approve of the Discover Hub, a rebrand/redesign of Android’s Discover My Gadgets app. One in all its signature options is best sharing of your real-time location with different individuals, in concept, serving to family and friends reunite after they get misplaced, or test in on one another’s security — say if somebody’s doing a sundown jog or coming again late from a street journey. Sharers can select to time-limit this monitoring or depart it on indefinitely.

Mockingly, I believe Discover Hub’s expanded merchandise monitoring is an even bigger deal.

I am certain some individuals will profit drastically, however that is one other function copied from Apple, particularly the Discover My app. And let me say — on my iPhone, my spouse and I nearly by no means use Discover My for following one another, regardless that I am out on the gymnasium three nights every week, and our travels typically take us to the other facet of North America. A telephone name or textual content message is normally a pleasant method of updating somebody on what you are doing, and a few individuals are inherently uncomfortable with sharing their exact location over the web, irrespective of any Google assurances about encryption. To essentially make the most of Discover Hub, you will additionally want the individuals you are sharing with to have it, too.

Mockingly, I believe Discover Hub’s expanded merchandise monitoring is an even bigger deal. Assist for UWB (ultra-wideband) will make some gadgets and tag equipment less complicated to seek out, and Google is increasing its accomplice record, as an example, including the flexibility to share Bluetooth tag information with choose airways, beginning in 2026. That is one other transfer copied from Apple.

An AirTag with an iPhone 13 Pro on a wooden table.

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3

Gemini coming to extra gadgets

The place’s my Google Nest assist?

Google

Gemini does belong in additional locations, notably automobiles. Typically it is troublesome sufficient to decide on music or a preset vacation spot whereas driving, by no means thoughts the belongings you’d usually do in your telephone. With Gemini,

Android Auto
(and the confusingly-named

Android Automotive
) will allow you to use your voice for duties like unearthing an deal with buried in Gmail, or finding an EV charging station that additionally has a restaurant close by. In the event you’re bored or curious, you’ll ask questions on every part from the Grand Canyon to the Spanish Inquisition.

I need to like Gemini, however I am not going to be impressed by its wider footprint till I see it in real-world conditions.

The AI assistant is coming to Put on OS, Google TV, and

Android XR
as properly, however I am skeptical of the way it’ll work on these platforms. Smartwatches typically really feel underpowered for what they’re already operating, and I do not know that I belief Gemini for film and present suggestions, not to mention answering questions by displaying me YouTube movies. Even well-meaning YouTube channels typically get their details incorrect.

Android XR, in the meantime, is an unknown amount, since there are no appropriate glasses or headsets out there to the general public but. After they do arrive, Gemini goes to must show superb object recognition to be helpful, and that is on prime of minimizing the “hallucinations” (botched solutions) it typically offers. Google suggests utilizing Gemini on Android XR for duties like dwelling enchancment — however there’s some severe hazard potential if it makes errors about issues like electrical energy or plumbing.

I need to like Gemini, however I am not going to be impressed by its wider footprint till I see it in real-world conditions. And Google has but to replace any of its Nest audio system or shows with the expertise, which you’d suppose could be a pure match. It might be an easier method of making sensible dwelling automations, and a dialog is loads simpler with out having to carry a telephone or distant in entrance of your face.

Heck, think about your Nest Hub with the ability to inform you that it is a mailman on the door, not your pal who’s imagined to be dropping by.