Google Rolls Out Android 16 Beta 2 Update for Pixels: What’s New!

Google has released the second beta of Android 16 for Pixel devices, enhancing features from the previous Beta 1. This update improves camera functions, graphical effects, and performance while refining privacy, security, and task management. Matthew McCullough, VP of Product Management at Android Developer, announced these advancements.

Camera and Graphics Enhancements

Android 16 introduces hybrid auto-exposure modes in Camera2. These allow manual ISO and exposure time control while keeping auto-exposure adjustments. Professional video recording benefits from precise colour temperature and tint adjustments. Additionally, new Intent actions enable apps to request motion photo captures.

The update also enhances UltraHDR image support in the HEIC format with parameters from the ISO 21496-1 draft standard. AVIF support is currently being developed. Advanced graphics capabilities are introduced through RuntimeColorFilter and RuntimeXfermode, allowing developers to create complex visual effects using AGSL.

User Interface and Accessibility Improvements

Apps targeting Android 16 must now support edge-to-edge displays for a seamless UI experience. The BODY_SENSORS permission has been replaced with granular health permissions under android.permissions.health, aligning with Health Connect. A new stop reason-STOP_REASON_TIMEOUT_ABANDONED-has been introduced for jobs abandoned before completion.

Android 16 enforces default security hardening against Intent redirection attacks, with an opt-out API available for testing. The elegantTextHeight attribute is deprecated in Android 16; developers are encouraged to adapt layouts for consistent text rendering in various languages.

Performance and Compatibility Upgrades

New APIs like WallpaperDescription and WallpaperInstance simplify dynamic wallpaper creation. Apps designed for 4KB memory pages can now run on 16KB memory page devices using a compatibility mode. Users can customize measurement systems in regional preferences.

CPU/GPU optimization is enhanced with new headroom APIs (getCpuHeadroom and getGpuHeadroom) to help apps optimize resource usage. A standardized media quality framework allows streaming apps to dynamically adjust audio and video quality based on device capabilities.

Accessibility Features and Compatibility

The TYPE_DURATION feature enables accurate text-to-speech output for time durations. UI elements now support multiple accessibility labels for better screen reader compatibility. APIs now support expanded/collapsed states, improving navigation for assistive technologies.

The RANGE_TYPE_INDETERMINATE API enhances accessibility feedback for progress indicators. Accessibility APIs now support a "partially checked" state in tri-state checkboxes, improving user interaction.

Android 16 Beta 2 is available for several Pixel devices: Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 9 series including Pro models, Pixel Pro Fold, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel Fold. Google encourages users to provide feedback via the Android Beta Feedback app on their devices.