Google has recently introduced a redesigned Settings panel for Android 16, aiming for a more cohesive and user-friendly experience. This visual overhaul organizes similar settings into shared containers, employs contrasting backgrounds to differentiate them, and adds colorful icons for key functions such as Network and Internet, Connected devices, and Notifications.
In addition to the initial redesign, Google is testing an update for subsequent menus, specifically for tools like Live Caption, Live Translate, At a Glance, and Now Playing. However, this revamp currently applies only to Pixel devices powered by Android System Intelligence.
The changes are being rolled out to users who are part of the Android 16 QPR1 beta program. The updates align with Google’s broader Material 3 Expressive philosophy, which emphasizes rounded UI elements, larger buttons, and bolder headers.
For instance, the Now Playing feature has introduced a significantly larger magnifying glass icon to enhance song identification visual cues, with clear indicators for enabled and disabled toggles. Similarly, Live Translate has revamped its layout, featuring a bolder header and visually distinct containers for various options.
Notably, while some elements like Apps in search have not yet incorporated the new toggles, it is anticipated that these features will evolve before the widespread rollout. Moreover, the Expressive Captions feature has seen a rebranding of its word duration toggle, which now provides a more descriptive label.
Although these changes may seem minor, they contribute to a more consistent and cohesive Android settings experience. Users running stable Android 16 can anticipate the new features to be fully operational with the first quarterly update scheduled for September.
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