Google has finally released the stable version of Android 16 QPR2. This second quarterly update of the operating system is slowly starting to spread to users and is currently available exclusively to Pixel owners - from the Pixel 6 series to the Pixel 10. Other mobile manufacturers will gradually incorporate it into their builds and bring it later (some will keep its new features for the big update to Android 17). Android 16 QPR2 brings a lot of changes, so let's take a look at them clearly.
One of the most visible changes in Android 16 QPR2 is the ability to unification of icon appearance. The so-called themed icons adapts the appearance to the system colors, even for applications that do not offer the change themselves. Google's algorithm turns them into monochrome and the entire screen will suddenly be aesthetic and unified instead of a colorful parrot. In addition, you can now customize the home screen in the application Wallpaper and style icon shape, with the menu showing circle, square, four-sided cookie, seven-sided cookie and arch.
Another novelty is Enhanced dark mode, which forces a dark background even on apps that don't support it. You can find it in Settings > Display & touch > Dark theme, where you can adjust it to your needs and even schedule it in advance. This is somewhat related to the adjustment to the screensaver feature in Android 16. Google is introducing a new mode Low light mode, which automatically reduces the brightness of the watch when there is less light around you. And the function Improved HDR brightness on the contrary, it will allow you to reduce the brightness when playing HDR content, which will be especially appreciated by your eyes.
As for practical features, you will certainly appreciate Android 16 QPR2 Notification OrganizerThis is a complement to the previously announced tool Notification Summaries, which allows you to get summaries of conversations that are too long. This add-on will sort your notifications into categories and make everything clearer.
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Also worth noting is the new split-screen option, namely in a ratio of 90:10. One open application can take up nine-tenths of the screen, another only one-tenth – and you can switch them by tapping. And the practical function is also increasing for parents – the possibilities are expanding parental controls (for example, about blocking devices at night or managing application limits).
Google also in Android 16QPR2 brings new security features. Identity Check is now extended to third-party applications, the RECEIVE_SMS broadcast is suppressed (this prevents applications from intercepting codes) and Secure Lock Device It allows you to remotely lock your phone or disable notifications if your phone is lost or stolen.
Then there are some minor changes in Android 16 that the average user probably won't even notice. For example, the addition of Tracking steps in Health Connect, smoother picture-in-picture (PiP) display, time zone change notification, or improved infomacabout the printer. But you might be interested in new normacclock on lock screen or recommended widgets.
Android 16 QPR2 is currently rolling out to users. The update is not as big as the first quarterly package, but it will still take some time to install. Device owners Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8, Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 Samsung mobile phone owners can now download it and try out the new features. Galaxy will probably receive news in One UI 9 (of One UI Samsung won't have time to include them in 8.5.) Other manufacturers will probably choose only some features and bring them later.
That's great, but I would much rather have more freedom in terms of visibility, for example, the battery percentage on alwais on