Between betas, patches and new features, Android 16 continues to take shape with changes visible to users and developers. In the last few hours, Google has stabilized its testing program on the Pixel, Nothing has extended its open beta based on Android 16 to more models, and Google Wallet is preparing to offer real-time notifications.
For those who use Android in Spain and Europe, the most relevant thing is critical fixes on the Pixel, a beta with visual and camera updates on the Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro, and the arrival of Live Updates to Google Wallet, in addition to security improvements such as Identity Check and Advanced Protection.
Google fixes Pixel bootloop with QPR2 Beta 3.1
After detecting a problem that caused reboot cycles When enabling the Desktop Experience developer option in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3, Google temporarily retired that build and has released Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.1 with the fix.
The update is arriving via OTA to devices that remained in QPR2 Beta 2For the Pixel 6 family, the firmware is BP41.250916.010, while for newer models, it's BP41.250916.010.A1. In Europe, as usual, the rollout is staggered and may take several days.
If your Pixel is stuck in a boot loop after installing Beta 3, Google suggests several recovery paths that shouldn't erase data in the first instance: let the system return to the security partition (Beta 2) after several failed boot attempts, or manually install Beta 3.1 via ADB if you had USB debugging enabled. Only if none of these work would a factory reset be necessary.
Live Updates land on Google Wallet
Android 16 introduce live updates, persistent notifications with real-time information (sports, deliveries, or travel), and Google Wallet is rolling out support for key journeys like flights, trains, and events. To view it on your phone, you need to have the ticket saved in Wallet; the app extracts the pass data and displays relevant notifications.
Activation comes through Google Play services, so it may take weeks to roll out to all users in Spain and the rest of Europe. Wallet also adds the option to add cards from supported issuer apps without re-entering data, and alerts when importing loyalty cards from Gmail (on Android 12 or higher). Live Updates now work in Google Maps for navigation when you're in other apps or when your phone is locked.
Nothing OS 4.0 (Android 16): open beta on Phones (3a)
Nothing has released the Open Beta Nothing OS 4.0, based on Android 16, for the Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro. The update brings a lighter icon redesign, the “Stretch” camera preset developed with photographer Jordan Hemingway, and the new Lock Glimpse with high-quality wallpapers and “timely updates” on the lock screen.
- Check that your Phone (3a) or (3a) Pro is on the latest stable version (V3.2-251013-1406).
- Download the beta program APK from the official Nothing community.
- Install the APK and go to Settings > System > Nothing Beta Hub.
- Click Join Beta and then Go to Update to complete the installation.
Remember to make a backup: it is test software and may contain bugs that affect daily use. Nothing has set a November 7th deadline for sign-up; after that date, you won't be able to join the open beta in this round.
More security: Identity Check and Advanced Protection
With Android 16, Google is pushing default protection with Identity CheckThis feature requires biometrics to change sensitive settings or access sensitive data when your phone is outside of trusted locations. You can find it by searching for "Identity Check" in Settings and add a secure location if you wish.
Also highlights Advanced Protection, which groups several active defenses. When activated (it's enabled by default in Android 16), safeguards are applied against threats on several fronts:
- Device: measures in case of loss, theft or confiscation.
- Apps: Mitigation of memory bugs and malware.
- Social: Blocking insecure connections.
- Navigation: warnings about dangerous websites.
- Phone and Messages: filters against spam and scams.
In addition, from the same section you can activate Account Protection for your Google account and increase your defense against targeted attacks: access the settings, authenticate, and select the option to sign up.
Availability in Spain and how to update
If you have a Pixel enrolled in the beta program, look for the OTA to QPR2 Beta 3.1 from Settings > System > System Update; if you were affected by the bootloop, let the system revert to the safe partition or use ADB to load 3.1. On Nothing, the OS 4.0 beta is requested from its Beta Hub and requires the indicated stable version. For Live Updates in Google Wallet, make sure you have Google Play services up to date and a compatible wallet.
The ecosystem of Android 16, including layers such as OxygenOS 16, is making progress on three fronts: patches that stabilize the Pixel, a Nothing beta that adds personality, and a boost to Wallet's real-time notifications—all accompanied by new layers of security that are worth activating as soon as possible.