Google confirms 'biggest' free Android upgrade in years and here's your first look

Android is getting a massive refresh in one of Google’s "biggest updates" in years. The US technology giant has just given fans of this hugely popular operating system their first look at what's to come later this year, including something called Material 3 Expressive.

This blockbuster addition will allow Android users to change the look of their devices in totally new ways with Google boasting that it make things 'feel unique'.

"Material 3 Expressive is all about making your device feel unique to you," the company explained.

"It gives you new ways to show your style and personality, delivers smooth interactions and surfaces glanceable, helpful information."

Once the new version of Android is installed, smartphone fans will be able to jazz-up their home screens, tweak the appearance and dig into the settings to make things look and feel far more distinctive.

It's also been confirmed that Android is getting updated dynamic colour themes, responsive components and emphasised typography - this all means users can customise their phone to their style and preferences.

Improved animations are also being added, with Google promising everything will appear more natural and springy. For example, when a notification is dismissed, any other message on the screen will subtly react to the swipe. New haptics have also been added to make things feel more interactive.

They are subtle additions but Google says it hopes to, "bring a moment of delight to everyday routines."

Other changes coming in this release include an update to the Quick Settings, which let you squeeze in more of those favourite actions like Flashlight and Do Not Disturb

There's also an all-new Live Updates feature that helps users easily track progress notifications from select apps. For example, after placing an Uber Eats order, a glanceable Live Update to track delivery progress is shown. These real-time updates from top delivery, rideshare and navigation apps are front and center so they can't be missed.

There's no word when this will be released, but expect more news later this year. It's also likely that Pixel phones will be the first to see the changes.