Overview
- Android 16 QPR3 introduces a native Desktop Mode for Pixel 8 and newer that enables multi‑window work on external monitors via USB‑C, with mouse and keyboard support; Pixel Tablet gains overlapping app windows and dual‑screen expansion.
- Circle to Search now explores specific details within images, launching first on the Pixel 10 series and Samsung Galaxy S26.
- Now Playing becomes a Pixel‑only Play Store app that consolidates recognized song history and links tracks to preferred music services.
- Scam Detection rolls out to Pixel 9 and newer in countries including Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico and Spain, warning users when calls exhibit common fraud speech patterns.
- Android‑wide updates begin distributing features such as Google Play Shorts in the Play Store, Live locations in Messages, teacher‑approved games for Android Auto, and developer tools like Jetpack WindowManager 1.5.0 to better adapt apps to large and desktop screens.