Android 16 Beta 4 brings new features and adds support for Pixel 9a

Google has started rolling out Android 16 Beta 4, and it comes with a few noticeable changes and updates. One of the biggest highlights is that the Pixel 9a is now officially part of the Android 16 Beta program. If you own this device, you can now enroll and try out the latest beta version.

In this beta, the media player on the lock screen and notification panel has been updated. It now uses a darker color style, making it easier on the eyes and better suited for dark mode. The background shade becomes even darker when the album art has a black or dark tone, giving the media player a cleaner look.

Another small but nice change is seen in the Always-on Display (AOD) clocks. They now show a new color for the time when your phone is locked. For instance, in Beta 4, the clock on the lock screen now appears in blue, while the AOD clock changes to a yellowish shade. This helps make the time more readable at a glance and adds a bit of style.

Android 16 Beta 4 is available for a wide range of Pixel devices, including Pixel 6 and newer models, as well as the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet. Google is expected to release more updates leading up to the final Android 16 release later this year.

If you’re using a Pixel phone and want to test out the new features, this beta might be worth trying.