Google announced it will abandon its annual major version update cycle, rolling out new features of Android 16 to Pixel devices first, and simultaneously introducing several general Android and accessibility features.

AI-Driven Notification Management

- Notification Summary: Using on-device large models to condense long messages and group chats into a "scannable" summary

- Notification Organizer: Automatically categorize promotions, news, and social updates as low priority and silently push them, users can archive them with one tap

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Personalization and Privacy

- Custom icon shapes and theme icons are now available, the system can force apps without native dark mode to enable global dark mode

- The Parental Control Center now includes screen time, app limits, and bedtime schedules, no need to download Family Link separately

Calling and Messaging

- Call Reason Preview: When dialing, you can mark "emergency," the recipient gets a full-screen prompt, missed call records retain the label

- Group Chat Protection: When an unknown number adds you to a group, an information card pops up, allowing users to quickly leave, block, or report

- Circle to Search Upgrade: Select suspicious messages to trigger AI Overview, which identifies potential scams in real-time

Accessibility Improvements

- Guided Frame can now read details like "a girl in a yellow T-shirt sitting on a sofa watching a dog," without touch

- Voice Access supports voice activation: "Hey Google, start Voice Access" allows full hands-free operation

- Fast Pair extends to hearing aids for the first time, initially supporting Oticon, Sonic, and Bernafon brands under Demant

Google stated that these features will be rolled out in phases to the Pixel 9 series with Android 16, and plans to cover more OEM devices by Q1 2026.