Your Android experience is about to get a lot more personal with six exciting new features in Android 16, released alongside the June Pixel Drop. Google is rolling out these updates to make your device feel less like Google’s and more like yours. Whether you’re customizing your group chats or making your smart home setup smoother, these features are designed to move with you from your phone to your TV to your smartwatch.
First up, Google Messages is getting a big upgrade for group chats. Soon, you’ll be able to customize RCS group chats by adding a unique name and a custom icon.
This is a welcome change for anyone who’s tired of the usual bland group chat experience. Plus, you’ll be able to see which contacts are using RCS, and mute specific group chats for however long you want
. These changes might seem small, but they add a level of personalization that makes messaging feel much more individual.
Next, Google Photos is introducing a revamped image editor, now with AI-powered suggestions that automatically bring up the right tools for the job.
The “Reimagine” feature allows you to describe what you want to change, and the AI will create it for you. There’s also a new Auto frame tool that lets you expand your photo’s scene or crop it perfectly with minimal effort. These upgrades make photo editing easier and more intuitive.
Google Home also gets an update with device-specific shortcuts for your Favorites
. You can now pin shortcuts exactly where they make the most sense for your devices. Want to view your security camera feed on your Google TV? No problem. Need to adjust your thermostat from your Wear OS smartwatch? Done. This update makes managing your smart home faster and more efficient, helping you save time throughout your day.
Safety Check in the Personal Safety app is another major addition.
If you’re running, hiking, or out on your own, you can set a check-in timer to make sure you return safely
. If you don’t respond when the timer ends, your location is shared with your emergency contacts. The new feature lets you extend the timer from your phone or smartwatch without restarting, perfect for those times when you want to take a longer route or stop for a break.
Emoji Kitchen is also getting some fresh sticker combos, allowing you to create new emoji mashups like a praying carrot or a pointing pig. Whether you’re aiming for humor or just want to spice up your conversations, these new Gboard combos are a fun way to express yourself.
Finally, if you’re a public transit user with a Wear OS smartwatch, you’ll now be able to tap to pay with your city transit card without opening the Google Wallet app. This update makes commuting a little bit smoother, especially when you’re rushing through a station or have your hands full.
While these updates may not be revolutionary, they’re the kind of small changes that make everyday life easier. With Apple also rolling out subtle improvements in iOS 26, it’s clear that both tech giants are focused on enhancing the user experience in ways that may not grab headlines, but certainly make a difference.