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Seattle, along with other cities, is struggling to balance the need for more housing with the preservation and growth of trees that help address the impacts of climate change.

(Image credit: Parker Miles Blohm)

Home insurance is getting pricier as hurricanes and wildfires get worse. States are trying new incentives, encouraging homeowners to retrofit homes against disasters to get an insurance discount.

(Image credit: Stephan Bisaha/Gulf States Newsroom)

If the law passes, new paperwork requirements and other logistical hurdles could lead to millions of people on ACA plans becoming uninsured, according to Congressional Budget Office.

(Image credit: Anna Moneymaker)

• T-Mobile is introducing satellite coverage to its plans in July
• The T-Satellite service is now in beta and free to try
• Most modern phones are compatible

T-Mobile has launched a nationwide beta for its new satellite phone service, allowing users to stay connected in areas without traditional cell coverage.

Called T-Satellite, the feature connects automatically when you're out of range of cellular networks, enabling basic connectivity in remote locations. The beta is currently free to join and open to anyone, regardless of carrier, through the end of July.

During the beta, users will be able to send and receive texts, make calls, and access data via satellite. You can sign up for the beta now by providing an email address with no special hardware required - according to the T&C's, most modern smartphones will be eligible.

T-Mobile is planning on rolling out the T-Satellite service at no extra cost with the carrier's high-end Experience Beyond and Go5G Next plans at some point in July this year. Customers who opt into the Experience More plan now will receive satellite coverage for free through the end of the year.

Also available on other carriers

(Image credit: T-Mobile)

Interestingly, the carrier's T-Satellite service will also be available to customers on other networks, including both Verizon and AT&T.

While the initial beta period is free to all, the service will be available at an introductory price of $10 per month. According to the FAQ, that will equate to a $5/mo saving in total. Note, as of writing, the carrier has not confirmed how long the introductory pricing will be available.

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• Vivo says its next foldable will offer Apple Watch support
• The syncing seems to work through an iCloud connection
• It's not clear if Apple will ultimately allow this to function

We didn't have Apple Watch support for Android phones on our tech bingo card for 2025 – or for any year, for that matter – but Vivo has announced that the upcoming Vivo X Fold 5 is going to be the first Android phone to work with Apple's wearable.

As per an official post on Weibo (via 9to5Google), you'll be able to answer calls and read texts on your Apple Watch when it's connected to your X Fold 5, as well as sync health data between the two devices.

Based on subsequent posts from Vivo, it sounds as though this is going to work through some kind of iCloud connection through the web. I'm relying on Google Translate, but there are mentions of syncing data to and from an iPhone as well.

It's going to be interesting to see how this works, when it arrives – because presumably it could be set up on other Android phones too. As you might already know, Apple executives did consider adding Android support to the Apple Watch, but abandoned the effort because of "technical limitations".

I hope this happens, but I'm not convinced

The X Fold 5 is following on from the X Fold 3, shown here (Image credit: Vivo)

The obstacle to trying to add Apple Watch support to an Android phone is similar to the problem of trying to build a third-party app to access your iMessages: Apple won't let you do it, which is a pretty big stumbling block.

For now at least, Apple wants its smartwatches to be accessories to its iPhones, and so doesn't want a device like the Apple Watch 10 lowering itself to connecting to an Android phone – even if it might sell more wearables as a result.

Whatever the hack is that Vivo has in mind, then, it's pretty much a given that Apple will block it with a software update. If the Apple Watch ever gets official Android support, it'll be because Apple allows it – perhaps as a result of the continuing antitrust pressure it's under.

While I'm a dedicated Android user when it comes to my primary phone of choice, I'd like the option to use an Apple Watch on my wrist – it certainly compares well to the best Garmins and the best Android watches out there.

However, that's not a choice Apple wants to give me right now, and I'm not sure Vivo is going to be able to do much about it.

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• I switched to a folding phone – and I'm not going back

• Vivo says its next foldable will offer Apple Watch support
• The syncing seems to work through an iCloud connection
• It's not clear if Apple will ultimately allow this to function

We didn't have Apple Watch support for Android phones on our tech bingo card for 2025 – or for any year, for that matter – but Vivo has announced that the upcoming Vivo X Fold 5 is going to be the first Android phone to work with Apple's wearable.

As per an official post on Weibo (via 9to5Google), you'll be able to answer calls and read texts on your Apple Watch when it's connected to your X Fold 5, as well as sync health data between the two devices.

Based on subsequent posts from Vivo, it sounds as though this is going to work through some kind of iCloud connection through the web. I'm relying on Google Translate, but there are mentions of syncing data to and from an iPhone as well.

It's going to be interesting to see how this works, when it arrives – because presumably it could be set up on other Android phones too. As you might already know, Apple executives did consider adding Android support to the Apple Watch, but abandoned the effort because of "technical limitations".

I hope this happens, but I'm not convinced

The X Fold 5 is following on from the X Fold 3, shown here (Image credit: Vivo)

The obstacle to trying to add Apple Watch support to an Android phone is similar to the problem of trying to build a third-party app to access your iMessages: Apple won't let you do it, which is a pretty big stumbling block.

For now at least, Apple wants its smartwatches to be accessories to its iPhones, and so doesn't want a device like the Apple Watch 10 lowering itself to connecting to an Android phone – even if it might sell more wearables as a result.

Whatever the hack is that Vivo has in mind, then, it's pretty much a given that Apple will block it with a software update. If the Apple Watch ever gets official Android support, it'll be because Apple allows it – perhaps as a result of the continuing antitrust pressure it's under.

While I'm a dedicated Android user when it comes to my primary phone of choice, I'd like the option to use an Apple Watch on my wrist – it certainly compares well to the best Garmins and the best Android watches out there.

However, that's not a choice Apple wants to give me right now, and I'm not sure Vivo is going to be able to do much about it.

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• Does your Apple Watch support watchOS 26?
• These are the best foldables you can buy
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• Three in five organizations are adopting GenAI faster than workers are happy with
• 66% of leaders say taking risks adopting AI is an important step
• Few workers will actually need retraining or upskilling

IBM's latest research supports the notion that companies are shifting from AI experimentation to implementation, with two in three (65%) UK & Ireland CEOs saying they are actively adopting AI agents at scale.

However, growth could be outpacing worker readiness, with the report finding over half (58%) are pushing their organizations to adopt GenAI faster than some are comfortable with.

It's a tricky one to balance, though, with many leaders believing their organizations' competitive edge could rely on how they approach artificial intelligence.

Organizations are going all-in on AI

Two-thirds (66%) say they must take more risks than their competitors to stay ahead, with nearly as many (62%) admitting to investing in technology before fully understanding its value, simply to avoid falling behind.

A further two-thirds (64%) of the 2,000 CEOs surveyed from 33 countries believe the productivity gains they could unlock from AI justify the potentially significant risks.

The success of generative AI has spurred on a whole new era of agentic AI – proactive non-human agents are said to be highly effective in decision-making, delivering predictive insights, and other automation and productivity metrics across HR, finance, IT, and customer service in particular.

"As expectations around AI shift towards competitive advantage and quantifiable ROI, CEOs are embracing risk as an opportunity to drive business performance," noted IBM Consulting's UK&I Managing Partner Rahul Kalia.

While speed is important – both in terms of adoption rates and AI performance – IBM says that companies should also emphasize trust by using explainable AI models, forming strong data privacy and security principles, and adhering to ethical guidelines.

However, AI's effects on the workforce might not be as drastic as some had previously anticipated. Only 30% of the current workforce will require retraining or upskilling over the next three years, the CEOs said.

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• Three in five organizations are adopting GenAI faster than workers are happy with
• 66% of leaders say taking risks adopting AI is an important step
• Few workers will actually need retraining or upskilling

IBM's latest research supports the notion that companies are shifting from AI experimentation to implementation, with two in three (65%) UK & Ireland CEOs saying they are actively adopting AI agents at scale.

However, growth could be outpacing worker readiness, with the report finding over half (58%) are pushing their organizations to adopt GenAI faster than some are comfortable with.

It's a tricky one to balance, though, with many leaders believing their organizations' competitive edge could rely on how they approach artificial intelligence.

Organizations are going all-in on AI

Two-thirds (66%) say they must take more risks than their competitors to stay ahead, with nearly as many (62%) admitting to investing in technology before fully understanding its value, simply to avoid falling behind.

A further two-thirds (64%) of the 2,000 CEOs surveyed from 33 countries believe the productivity gains they could unlock from AI justify the potentially significant risks.

The success of generative AI has spurred on a whole new era of agentic AI – proactive non-human agents are said to be highly effective in decision-making, delivering predictive insights, and other automation and productivity metrics across HR, finance, IT, and customer service in particular.

"As expectations around AI shift towards competitive advantage and quantifiable ROI, CEOs are embracing risk as an opportunity to drive business performance," noted IBM Consulting's UK&I Managing Partner Rahul Kalia.

While speed is important – both in terms of adoption rates and AI performance – IBM says that companies should also emphasize trust by using explainable AI models, forming strong data privacy and security principles, and adhering to ethical guidelines.

However, AI's effects on the workforce might not be as drastic as some had previously anticipated. Only 30% of the current workforce will require retraining or upskilling over the next three years, the CEOs said.

You might also like

• Check out the best AI tools and best AI writers
• Prepare for the future with the best online learning platforms
• Developers aren't thrilled about having to add AI into everything they build, study shows

• Nine in ten workers handle spreadsheets daily, says Canva
• Formulas and complex sheets are the biggest hurdles
• Data visualization is important for storytelling

New research from Canva has highlighted how much data companies are using, however workers' competence and confidence are lagging behind, with "data dread" becoming increasingly common.

Most workers (89%) now handle spreadsheets daily, yet more than one in four (27%) would go as far as avoiding them if they could, with Canva's research accusing training efforts of being ineffective.

Nearly half (44%) of UK organizations already provide data literacy training, however four in five (78%) professionals still claim to experience data anxiety that relates to incompetence, not just a dislike.

Canva says most workers feel "data dread"

Three-quarters (77%) of the 2,400 marketing and sales professionals surveyed stated that their reliance on data has increased over the past two years, with a similar number (74%) wanting to be more effective with data in their day-to-day work.

Although there appears to be some confidence with analyzing data, some key areas were highlighted as lacking, including formulas (46%) and understanding overly complex spreadsheets (42%).

Canva Head of EMEA Duncan Clark said: "Working with data shouldn't be confined to specialists. When you give teams the right tools and training to turn numbers into narratives, you can unlock so much potential in an organisation."

Although data can be powerful, Canva highlighted the importance of framing it correctly with effective storytelling. Four in five (82%) said they feel more confident when they're presenting with visualized data, with even more workers (89%) believing visualizations boost the credibility of their presentations.

"The goal isn't to make everyone a data scientist, but to empower teams to confidently make sense of the data at their disposal and turn it into compelling, engaging stories," Clark added.

Looking ahead, it's clear that training efforts have failed workers to date. Canva advocates for the provision of more intuitive tools that make handling data slicker and more user friendly.

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• Some employers won't like this: the most productive staff are working shorter sprints and taking longer breaks

• Nine in ten workers handle spreadsheets daily, says Canva
• Formulas and complex sheets are the biggest hurdles
• Data visualization is important for storytelling

New research from Canva has highlighted how much data companies are using, however workers' competence and confidence are lagging behind, with "data dread" becoming increasingly common.

Most workers (89%) now handle spreadsheets daily, yet more than one in four (27%) would go as far as avoiding them if they could, with Canva's research accusing training efforts of being ineffective.

Nearly half (44%) of UK organizations already provide data literacy training, however four in five (78%) professionals still claim to experience data anxiety that relates to incompetence, not just a dislike.

Canva says most workers feel "data dread"

Three-quarters (77%) of the 2,400 marketing and sales professionals surveyed stated that their reliance on data has increased over the past two years, with a similar number (74%) wanting to be more effective with data in their day-to-day work.

Although there appears to be some confidence with analyzing data, some key areas were highlighted as lacking, including formulas (46%) and understanding overly complex spreadsheets (42%).

Canva Head of EMEA Duncan Clark said: "Working with data shouldn't be confined to specialists. When you give teams the right tools and training to turn numbers into narratives, you can unlock so much potential in an organisation."

Although data can be powerful, Canva highlighted the importance of framing it correctly with effective storytelling. Four in five (82%) said they feel more confident when they're presenting with visualized data, with even more workers (89%) believing visualizations boost the credibility of their presentations.

"The goal isn't to make everyone a data scientist, but to empower teams to confidently make sense of the data at their disposal and turn it into compelling, engaging stories," Clark added.

Looking ahead, it's clear that training efforts have failed workers to date. Canva advocates for the provision of more intuitive tools that make handling data slicker and more user friendly.

You might also like

• We've listed the best data visualization software
• Need to show the figures to an audience? Check out the best presentation software
• Some employers won't like this: the most productive staff are working shorter sprints and taking longer breaks

The crackdown on the video game and its users is just the latest in what democracy and human rights advocates say is an erosion of Hong Kong's civil rights and freedoms.

(Image credit: Ryland Barton)

Insta360 Link 2C: review

The Insta360 Link 2C is a webcam that has pretty large shoes to fill. When the Chinese camera company released its predecessor a few years back, it was lauded as a top-tier, premium option, thanks to its excellent 4K video and smart use of AI. So now comes the Insta360 Link 2C, which aims to offer even more AI capabilities and superior noise cancellation among other things. So, does it deliver?

Well, before I answer that definitely, I want to start by exploring picture and video quality on the Insta360 Link 2C. Now, whether I was taking a video call on Google Meet or simply messing around with the camera app on my Windows laptop, I always looked ultra clear, with finer details – including individual hair strands, facial hairs, and markings on my face all bubbling to the surface.

That’s largely thanks to the Insta360 Link 2C offering up 4K resolution – something we always look for in our hunt for the best webcams. Of course, that premium quality isn’t going to come through on all video calling software, but if you’re a content creator or simply want top-tier performance, 4K support is going to be a must-have. For reference, this webcam also supports lower resolutions, such as 1080p, 720p and 360p, at varying frame rates.

Yes, if you’re taking a video in 4K, for example, you’re going to get 30fps – more than enough for some, but 4K 60fps is available on models like the pricey Elgato Facecam Pro. 60fps is available on the Link 2C, though you’ll have to drop the resolution to 1080p or 720p.

When holding up objects like an earbuds charging case or a piece of paper, the webcam was also excellent at shifting focus onto them. That’s thanks to enhanced Phase Detection Auto Focus, which speedily captures details on anything you want to highlight to your colleagues, students, or family on a video call.

And there are so many more features to uncover too, many of which can be found on the free-to-download Insta360 Link Controller software. Here, you’re able to mess around with a range of picture settings like exposure and white balance, as well as try out different filters – stuff like blur, bokeh, and even a makeup tool. I felt that the Link 2C could be a bit better in low-light conditions, but this doesn’t have to be the case if you drill into the settings in this companion. Simply jump in and activate HDR while also flicking brightness up and you’ll see a big improvement.

Insta360 Link Controller also lets you toggle gestures on and off – something I was really looking forward to using. If you hold your hand up – you know, like those big red hands on crossing lights – you can frame the shot to you. There’s also a whiteboard option, which will keep whatever you’re writing on squared and in focus. Both of these work well, and I found them useful when making a video call or just having a bit of fun in the companion software.

But one option that didn’t work so seamlessly for me, was the zoom in and zoom out gesture. You have to make an ‘L’ shape with your hand, which will make the webcam’s green LED light flash. After this, you can move that L shape up or down to zoom in or out respectively. But I found this to work a little more sporadically than I’d hoped. A good amount of the time, it worked well, but I often found that I had to make the L shape multiple times before it was registered, or the zooming would end a little prematurely.

Still, the vast majority of features worked without question on a very consistent basis. Stuff like auto-framing and AI tracking followed my movements with ease – ideal for an especially fidgety person like myself. Meanwhile, the 2C adds pause-track areas, which help the webcam to recognize areas that it shouldn't track you – perhaps if you don’t want to show under your desk, say.

(Image credit: Future)

One of the improvements that the Link 2C is intended to bring is superior noise cancelling. That’s something you’re gonna want if you’re taking calls in a busy office environment, for example. I asked a colleague to make some noises while I called my friend and the results were decent, all things considered. Clapping, for instance, was still very much audible, but stuff like typing and light chatter was dulled nicely.

There are three modes: Voice Focus, Voice Suppression, and Music Balance – but none of these are going to offer the clarity you’ll get from the best microphones for streaming. Ultimately, my voice didn’t sound ultra-crisp on the 2C, but it will plate up clear enough quality for more casual users.

Still, audio is handled pretty well by webcam standards. But something that’s truly fantastic about the Link 2C is its design. It has a real premium metallic feel and finish, diminutive magnetic clip-stand and discreet detailing around the lens. It’s also ultra practical thanks to its compact size, slider for covering the camera and USB-C connectivity. There’s no gimbal or tripod for the 2C model, but if you’re after that, you can grab the standard Link 2 model.

There’s only one way I can tie all of this together and that’s by talking about price. Now, my mind was genuinely blown by the price of the original Insta360 Link – it was almost $300 / £320 / AU$570! But the Link 2C is far more affordable, while still offering some improvements over its predecessor, including better noise cancelling and a sleeker look. This newer webcam will set you back just under $150 / £150 / AU$250, and given the overall performance and quality of the product, I’d say that’s strong overall value for money.

So, at the end of it all, would I recommend the Insta360 Link 2C? Yes, definitely! You get super sharp video, responsive auto-frame adjustment, decent audio (well, by webcam standards), and really neat companion software for fine-tuning everything to your liking. In honesty, the Link 2C has given my setup the facelift I didn’t even know it needed – I’m seeing more detail and fluidity than ever, in each video call. And that’s something I’ve really grown to appreciate.

Sure, the zoom in/out gesture could be a little more reliable and I’d still be inclined to purchase a separate mic for the best speech clarity. But from the upgrade I’ve seen to my work the Insta360 Link 2C is still a fantastic all-round package.

(Image credit: Future)Insta360 Link 2C review: price & availability

• $149 / £149 / AU$249
• Launched in September 2024

The Insta360 Link 2C launched alongside the Link 2 in September 2024, two years after its predecessor. The Link 2C carries a list price of $149 / £149 / AU$249, which is drastically, and I mean drastically, cheaper than the original model cost at launch. Yep, the original Insta360 Link released with a list price of $299 / £319 / AU$569 – woah. But don’t be fooled: the 2C has made some improvements over its predecessor, with better noise cancelling, AI features and a prettier build. I know which one I’d pick!

It’s worth noting, by the way, that the Link 2C comes in two color variants: Arctic White; or the version I tested, Graphite Black. The version you pick should have little to no bearing on the price you pay.

Insta360 Link 2C review: specs

Supported resolutions

4K at 30fps, 1080p / 720p at 60fps, 360p at 30fps

Sensor

1/2-inch

Lens

Not specified

Focal length

26mm

Aperture

f/1.8

Focal length

26mm

Field of view

79.5 degrees

(Image credit: Future)Should you buy the Insta360 Link 2C?Insta360 Link 2C webcam report card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Practical, diminutive and premium-feeling build, sleeker than original.

5/5

Performance

Great video quality, plenty of settings to play with, some gesture issues.

4/5

Value

Huge price-cut over original, not too pricey against competition.

4.5/5

Buy it if...

You need quality video for online work or education
I found picture quality to look detailed and lifelike throughout my entire time testing the Insta360 Link 2C. If you’re an online teacher, content creator, or someone that takes a lot of video conference calls, this webcam can take your on-screen presence to the next level.

You want a highly customizable user experience
If you download the Insta360 Link Controller software, you’ll be able to adjust all kinds of picture settings, use filters and toggle gestures on and off. If you want a highly tuneable webcam experience, the Link 2C offers just that.

Don't buy it if...

You need 4K at 60fps video
OK, so I was impressed by the 4K at 30fps video offered by the Insta360 Link 2C. But for some, that may still not be enough. If you’re a content creator, for instance, who wants to unlock true peak performance, it could be worth checking out a webcam that supports 4K at 60fps video, such as the Elgato Facecam.

You’re on a tight budget
Although the Link 2C is great value, especially considering the launch price of its predecessor, its still fairly pricey at $149 / £149 / AU$249. If you’re on a budget but want to improve video on your setup, I’d recommend checking out the Osbot Meet SE, which I’ll discuss a little more down below.

Insta360 Link 2C: also consider

Insta360 Link 2C

HP 960 4K Streaming Webcam

Obsbot Meet SE

Price

$149 / £149 / AU$249

$219.99 / £180 / AU$295

$69 / £65 / AU$119

Supported resolutions

4K at 30fps, 1080p / 720p at 60fps, 360p at 30fps

4K at 30fps, 1080 / 720p at 60fps

1080p at 100fps, 720p at 150fps

Sensor

1/2-inch

Not specified

1/2.8-inch

Lens

Not specified

18mm

Not specified

Focus range

0.1m to ∞

0.1m to ∞

0.1m to ∞

Aperture

f/1.8

f/2.0

f/1.8

Focal length

26mm

Not specified

26mm

Field of view

79.5 degrees

78 / 90 / 100 degrees

78 degrees

HP 960 4K Streaming Webcam
The HP 960 4K Streaming Webcam currently stands as the number one pick in our guide to the best webcams. Why? Well, you get incredible image and audio quality, a premium design and top-tier software features. It’s fairly pricey and may be a little heavy for smaller laptops, say, but it’s a great webcam all the same. Read our full HP 960 4K Streaming Webcam review.

Obsbot Meet SE
Meanwhile, our top overall pick is the Obsbot Meet SE, which is a fair bit cheaper than the Insta360 Link 2C. You’re not going to get 4K video – though a huge portion of video calling platforms won’t support that anyway. So, what you do get is fluid 1080p, 100fps video and a cute, compact design at an excellent low price. Again, gesture controls aren’t perfect and this isn’t the most high-end option, but we love what the Meet SE has to offer. Read our full Obsbot Meet SE review.

How I tested the Insta360 Link 2C

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested in a one-week period
• Made video calls and experimented with photo and video independently
• Exhausted range of features and settings in companion software

I had the Insta360 Link 2C connected to my work setup across a one-week period, testing out its various features and functions. Well, actually, I’ve kept it in my setup beyond initial testing – I’ve enjoyed using it that much!

In order to assess the Link 2C’s quality I tried making a number of video calls, taking photos, and playing around with picture settings in the Insta360 Link Controller software. I compared it to my laptop’s inbuilt camera, tried out gesture controls and also tested quality in both natural and low-light conditions.

Speaking more generally, I’ve tested a huge quantity of products here at TechRadar as a resident Reviews Writer. That covers everything from the latest TVs through to electric shavers – I’ve got experience right across the board.

• First reviewed: June 2025
• Read more about how we test

• Android 16 is out now, with new features like live updates and security tools
• Many other Android 16 features – along with its visual overhaul – aren't present, and are rumored to be landing on September 3
• This initial rollout is just for Pixel phones, with other brands set to roll out Android 16 later this year

Android 16 has now landed, and if that seems unusually early to you, you’re right, as the last few versions of Android have all landed towards the end of their release years, with Android 15 only launching back in October.

So this is a quick turnaround for Google’s latest Android version – which perhaps explains why the most anticipated and substantial feature is absent.

Specifically, Android’s visual overhaul – dubbed Material 3 Expressive – which Google showed off not so long ago, isn’t here yet. That will be landing as part of Android 16’s QPR1 (quarterly platform release 1), which according to a source speaking to Android Authority will roll out to Pixel devices on September 3 – that's around the time we’d typically expect to see new numbered versions of Android.

Android's Material 3 Expressive overhaul isn't here yet (Image credit: Google)

September 3 is reportedly also when we'll see Android 16's desktop mode, which lets you connect your phone to a monitor and interact with a desktop interface, much like Samsung has been offering for years with its DeX mode.

And we'll probably also see smaller updates then, like a more organized sound settings screen, which has been spotted by Android Authority in the latest Android 16 QPR1 beta.

Still, that doesn’t mean this first version of Android 16 isn’t worth downloading. It includes various new features, such as live updates that give you real-time updates on things like food deliveries and Uber requests on your lock screen.

You can also activate Advanced Protection mode to help keep your phone protected from unsafe websites, scam calls, harmful apps, and other threats. Not all of the features within Advanced Protection are new, but now you can activate all of these safeguards with a single tap.

(Image credit: Google)Grouped notifications and accessibility improvements

Android 16 will also group notifications from a single app to keep things organized, and there are improvements for users of hearing aids, as you can now choose to use your phone’s microphone for audio input during calls (rather than the hearing aid’s microphone), and natively control your hearing aid’s volume from your phone.

There are also smaller updates, like a trade-in mode that provides quicker access to key device details, thereby speeding up the trade-in process when you're selling your phone.

These features and others are rolling out now to supported Pixel phones (meaning the Google Pixel 6 and up). If you’re using another phone brand then you’ll have to wait a bit longer, with Google saying updates for handsets from other brands will arrive “later this year”.

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• Android 16 is out now, with new features like live updates and security tools
• Many other Android 16 features – along with its visual overhaul – aren't present, and are rumored to be landing on September 3
• This initial rollout is just for Pixel phones, with other brands set to roll out Android 16 later this year

Android 16 has now landed, and if that seems unusually early to you, you’re right, as the last few versions of Android have all landed towards the end of their release years, with Android 15 only launching back in October.

So this is a quick turnaround for Google’s latest Android version – which perhaps explains why the most anticipated and substantial feature is absent.

Specifically, Android’s visual overhaul – dubbed Material 3 Expressive – which Google showed off not so long ago, isn’t here yet. That will be landing as part of Android 16’s QPR1 (quarterly platform release 1), which according to a source speaking to Android Authority will roll out to Pixel devices on September 3 – that's around the time we’d typically expect to see new numbered versions of Android.

Android's Material 3 Expressive overhaul isn't here yet (Image credit: Google)

September 3 is reportedly also when we'll see Android 16's desktop mode, which lets you connect your phone to a monitor and interact with a desktop interface, much like Samsung has been offering for years with its DeX mode.

And we'll probably also see smaller updates then, like a more organized sound settings screen, which has been spotted by Android Authority in the latest Android 16 QPR1 beta.

Still, that doesn’t mean this first version of Android 16 isn’t worth downloading. It includes various new features, such as live updates that give you real-time updates on things like food deliveries and Uber requests on your lock screen.

You can also activate Advanced Protection mode to help keep your phone protected from unsafe websites, scam calls, harmful apps, and other threats. Not all of the features within Advanced Protection are new, but now you can activate all of these safeguards with a single tap.

(Image credit: Google)Grouped notifications and accessibility improvements

Android 16 will also group notifications from a single app to keep things organized, and there are improvements for users of hearing aids, as you can now choose to use your phone’s microphone for audio input during calls (rather than the hearing aid’s microphone), and natively control your hearing aid’s volume from your phone.

There are also smaller updates, like a trade-in mode that provides quicker access to key device details, thereby speeding up the trade-in process when you're selling your phone.

These features and others are rolling out now to supported Pixel phones (meaning the Google Pixel 6 and up). If you’re using another phone brand then you’ll have to wait a bit longer, with Google saying updates for handsets from other brands will arrive “later this year”.

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Protests of President Trump's immigration policies grew across the U.S. on Tuesday, with rallies held in New York City, Chicago and Seattle.

(Image credit: Sergio Martínez-Beltrán)

Despite its fishy name, the bacteria salmonella has no connection to the underwater creature.

(Image credit: Mayra Beltran)

A study from JAMA Pediatrics compares states that have permissive gun laws with others that have strict regulations. The states with tougher rules did not see a rise in gun deaths among children and teens.

(Image credit: Travis Long/The News & Observer)

Wednesday's hearing is another attempt by the president's legal team to have a hush money case moved from New York state court to federal court, in an effort to get the criminal charges dismissed. Trump was found guilty of all 34 charges last year, and sentenced in January.

(Image credit: Spencer Platt/AP)

Federal law grants students experiencing homelessness a right to extra support and protections. Advocates say President Trump's proposed budget would strip that law of its power.

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In dropping veteran correspondent Terry Moran, ABC News said his post calling President Trump "a world-class hater" was "a clear violation of ABC News policies."

(Image credit: Nick Ut)