The third beta version of Google’s Android 16 has officially been released. As previously announced, Google has made available another beta channel for its major Android 16 OS, specifically beta 3, for all Pixel devices. This milestone marks the platform stability stage, bringing the latest Android OS one step closer to its stable rollout.

At its current stage of development, Google has introduced several notable features, including support for Auracast Broadcast Audio, Outline text for enhanced text contrast, and a local network protection feature.

Notably, Android 16’s newly added Auracast broadcast audio aims to enhance audio accessibility by enabling compatible hearing aids and earbuds to receive direct audio streams from public venues such as concerts, classrooms, and airports.

Additionally, the Local Network Protection feature requires apps to obtain additional permission before communicating with other devices on the phone’s local network via Wi-Fi. In essence, Google is providing users with more control over which apps can access other devices on their local network. However, this feature appears to be for testing purposes with Beta 3 and may not be included in the final Android 16 release.

Furthermore, the update introduces an Outline text feature, which replaces high-contrast text with a largely opaque background under the text.

In comparison, Google’s Android 16 has entered its platform stability stage, suggesting that the next major Android OS is on track for a June 2025 launch. Meanwhile, Samsung needs to accelerate its Android 15-based One UI 7 rollout to match Android 16’s launch timeline, as it will run on top of the One UI 8 software skin.

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