The new Android OS will have more decorations and a little Gemini.

      Android OS has entered a period of its development when, instead of increasing functionality, new versions and updates are a set of new colorful and shiny backgrounds, fonts, icons and other pleasant trinkets. So, the main innovation that will appear in Android 16 and Wear OS 6 is the new Material 3 Expressive design. However, Gemini AI will also be present there.

       Google has decided to make Android more "human" — that is, user-friendly, smooth, and customizable. The new Material 3 Expressive style builds on the old Material You, but offers more freedom. Interface colors now automatically adjust to the selected wallpaper, fonts are more expressive, and elements are softer and lighter.

       Animations have been updated: movements on the screen look natural and respond to user actions. For example, when you close a notification, the neighboring ones "adjust" to this movement, and the background is slightly blurred — all this creates a sense of depth and liveliness of the interface.Image: blog.google

       The Quick Settings panel can now be customized to add more necessary buttons, such as "Flashlight" or "Do not disturb". And the new Live Updates feature allows you to monitor what is happening right in the status bar. For example, if you ordered food, Android will show you where your order is without having to open the app.

      Smart watches: a new look at the round screen

       Wear OS 6 has received a redesigned interface, especially for devices with round screens. Now the interface elements take into account the bending of the display, scrolling and transitions have become smoother, and the list of notifications is more user—friendly. The buttons and tiles have been updated — they take up less space, are easier to click, and provide quick feedback. Thanks to improved optimization, the watch can last up to 10% longer without recharging.Image: blog.google

       The color theme of the watch face is now synchronized with the rest of the system, making the watch look complete and thoughtful.

      Gemini — assistant on all devices

       Google has confirmed that Gemini AI artificial intelligence will be available on all Android devices. On smartphones and in Android Auto, it will help to control the system by voice, and on smart watches, it will search for information on the Internet without having to use a keyboard.Image: blog.google

      

       The Material 3 Expressive update is already available in the beta version of Android 16 for Pixel smartphones. The final release of Android 16 and Wear OS 6 is expected to take place later in 2025. Until then, developers of third-party applications will be able to adapt their products to the new design.

       As Google emphasizes, "Personalization is the foundation of Android. We want your device to be unique, just like you." And judging by the announcements, the company really calculates its updates based on the needs of the average user.

       Meanwhile, Huawei has officially launched its own HarmonyOS operating system. The new system was created from scratch, without using Android or Windows components.