Today brings some encouraging, albeit unremarkable, news for the future of Android smartphones. Google has officially begun rolling out Android 16 Beta 3 to compatible devices. This release is what Google refers to as a “platform stability” version, allowing developers to start coding their apps with this update in mind. With Google I/O just around the corner, less than two months away, it’s likely that the full release of Android 16 is imminent.

This update may seem dull because it primarily consists of underlying improvements, security enhancements, and minor interface tweaks. Unlike the Material You launch with Android 12 in 2021, there’s nothing particularly attention-grabbing or marketable about this release. However, there are still some notable aspects of the upcoming Android 16 update.

One feature that stands out in Android 16 is the support for broadcast audio through Auracast. After experiencing a demonstration of the technology at CES a few years ago, I was impressed by the concept of tuning into a collective audio stream, like an announcement channel, using my Bluetooth headphones. Android 16 Beta 3 enables Auracast for Pixel 9 devices, although it currently only works with LE Audio hearing aids. Google positions this as part of its effort to “enhance audio accessibility” on the platform. (Auracast is also available on Samsung’s Galaxy devices with One UI 7 and Android 15.)

It’s worth noting that the anticipation surrounding Android 16 isn’t as impressive as it once was. In the past, a new Android version would bring a plethora of exciting features to look forward to, similar to Apple’s iOS updates. However, as Google shifts its focus away from Android as a flagship experience, Gemini and Google’s AI endeavors have taken center stage. Google I/O will likely focus on Gemini’s capabilities on phones and other hardware rather than Android itself.

If you’re using a Pixel device and feel adventurous, now is a good time to consider running Android 16 in beta on your daily device. You can visit the developer’s site for more information. The process is straightforward, requiring only the registration of your Pixel device and waiting for the over-the-air update.