Google Rolls Out Android 16 And Introduces New AI-Powered Features - 1

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Google Rolls Out Android 16 And Introduces New AI-Powered Features

  • Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

Google began rolling out its latest operating system, Android 16, to supported Pixel devices and introduced new features for Android on Tuesday. Users will soon be able to try the new AI-powered photo editor, audio enhancements, and emoji stickers.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • Google started to roll out Android 16 on supported Pixel devices and expects to expand to more brands soon.
  • Android 16 includes new features such as delivery apps integration, organized notifications, audio enhancements, and advanced protection.
  • The tech giant also announced upcoming AI-powered features for Android, such as photo editing suggestions, new emoji stickers, Safety Check, and more.

According to the official announcement , the new OS will initially be available on supported Pixel devices but will extend to more devices and brands in the upcoming months. The release of Android 16 comes just hours after Apple introduced its new software design at the WWDC .

“This is the earliest Android has launched a major release in the last few years, which ensures you get the latest updates as soon as possible on your devices,” wrote Seang Chau, VP and GM of Android Platform, in the announcement.

Among the new features in Android 16, Google has highlighted integration with delivery apps to offer users notifications with live updates on their orders, reducing the need to open the app on their phones.

To declutter notifications, the new OS will group notifications and provide notes with the most relevant information.

Android 16 includes audio enhancements, such as more control for people who use hearing aids by allowing them to switch the microphone for better listening in noisy places, and integration with external devices to control functions like volume from the phone.

Users will also be able to activate Advanced protection, which includes features to protect users from online attacks, unsafe websites, scams, and more.

In another announcement , published yesterday, Google revealed new upcoming features for Android devices. Users will soon be able to personalize group chats in Google Messages, use new AI-powered editing suggestions for Google Photos, customize Google Home apps, and use a Safety Check feature for solo workouts. Google will also add new emoji stickers and enhance its Wear OS watch payment options by including public transportation cards.

A few days ago, Google also introduced its NotebookLM mobile app , allowing users to enjoy Audio Overviews on the go.

France Considers Social Media Ban For Under 15s - 2

Image by Faces Of The World, from Flickr

France Considers Social Media Ban For Under 15s

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

The French government plans to ban social media access for children younger than 15, while simultaneously banning knife purchases.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • A 14-year-old fatally stabbed a teaching assistant during a school bag check.
  • France plans to ban social media for children under 15.
  • Knife sales to minors will be banned within two weeks.

On Tuesday, a 14-year-old student fatally stabbed 31-year-old teaching assistant Mélanie during a school bag check at Nogent, in eastern France.

“She was great with kids,” said Laurence Raclot, a local who knew her, as reported by France24 . “In a quiet little town, we never would have thought this could happen,” Raclot added. Mélanie, who was employed at the school since September, was the mother of a four-year-old.

President Emmanuel Macron said he will push for an under-15s social media ban. “We cannot wait,” he told France 2. If the EU doesn’t act soon, France will introduce the ban independently. He also posted on X: “I’m banning social media for children under 15. Platforms have the ability to verify age. Let’s do it.”

C’est une recommandation des experts de la commission écrans : je porte l’interdiction des réseaux sociaux avant 15 ans. Les plateformes ont la possibilité de vérifier l’âge. Faisons-le. — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 10, 2025

The government also plans to ban knife sales to people under the age of 18. Prime Minister François Bayrou announced that the new policy will start in two weeks.

“Any knife that can be used as a weapon” will be included, he told TF1, as reported by France24. Online knife sellers will be required to verify buyers’ ages, similar to current laws for adult sites.

Meanwhile, the school set up a psychological support team, while Education Minister Élisabeth Borne requested a national moment of silence throughout the country, as reported by France24.

Some teachers’ unions questioned the effectiveness of the proposed measures. “little by little, we have seen attempts to turn them [Teaching assistants] into security guards,” said Sophie Venetitay of SNES-FSU, as reported by France24.

Remy Reynaud from CGT Educaction criticized bag searches, saying “they increase tensions,” as noted by France24.

Authorities are also considering a pilot program for metal detectors in schools, and measures to protect kids from “overexposure to screens.” Macron insists the time to act is now.

“I’m giving us a few months to get the European mobilisation going. Otherwise…we’ll start doing it in France. We can’t wait,” he said, as reported by Euronews .