4 exciting features Google just announced for Android phones (and why they're a big deal)

Android 16 is officially here, and Google has some big upgrades on the way. 

Instead of releasing a new OS and a new phone lineup at the same time, Google is making the same move it did with Android 15 and giving both software and hardware their time to shine.

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This is the earliest Google has launched a major Android release in a while (for comparison, Android 15 was released on Oct. 15, 2024, and Android 14 was released on Oct. 4, 2023). 

Here's a look at four of the biggest upgrades in Android 16. All of these features will drop for Pixel devices first and other devices later in the year. 

1. Streamlined updates and lock screen app updates:

Don't want to unlock your phone every ...