Google has launched the Android 16 QPR2 update for supporting Pixel series devices, an update that includes a set of new features and bug fixes, in addition to including the December security patch.
The update introduces the AI-based Notification Summaries feature, which summarizes long messages and group conversations directly from the notification panel, while improving the ranking of alerts by categorizing them by priority.
Google also expands interface customization options in this version, as users get new shapes for home screen icons, improvements to custom icons, as well as an expanded Dark Mode that can dim applications that do not support Dark Mode by default.
The update adds a low-light mode in the screen saver settings, where the system can automatically dim the watch based on ambient light. Google also added a new option under the Display and Touch section called Enhanced HDR Brightness, which allows for reducing the brightness of HDR content.
Android 16 QPR2 sees improvements to parental controls within settings, now secured with a PIN. Parents can limit screen time, set downtime, and manage application usage through timers and more.
The update also introduces the new Expressive Options feature, which displays instant labels for ambient audio and emotional expressions while watching video messages, live broadcasts, and stories on social media platforms. Users also get new Emoji Kitchen sticker combinations within Gboard.
On the other hand, Google is adding the Call Reason feature in the phone application, which allows the caller to specify the reason for the call as “emergency” to help the recipient respond quickly.
Users can now leave and report groups with fewer steps, and can scan messages for scams via Circle to Search. Chrome also now supports pinned tabs.
The Android 16 QPR2 update is gradually rolling out to Pixel 6 devices and later.
