After releasing two developer beta variations final yr, Google launched the primary public beta for Android 16 on Thursday. New options embrace reside updates on the lock display (like Stay Actions on iOS), Superior Skilled Video (APV) codec for high-quality video recording, and a framework for builders to make their apps adaptable for various display sizes and facet ratios.
For shoppers, assist for reside updates would be the most seen change. Apple launched Stay Actions to point out ever-changing updates reminiscent of supply standing, exercises, or sports activities scores with iOS 16 in 2022. Android is now adopting that format to let builders push real-time updates natively with Android 16.
Google can also be including frameworks and instruments to make apps extra responsive relating to design. The corporate is phasing out dimension restriction controls for builders, so their apps can look and work higher on giant screens reminiscent of tablets and foldable gadgets.
Android 16 additionally will get a brand new Superior Skilled Video (APV) codec for high-quality video recording and post-processing. The corporate stated that this codec will assist creators with quicker modifying capabilities and options like multi-view video and auxiliary video. That is probably a direct reply to Apple’s ProRes and ProRes Uncooked codecs.
With APV, the corporate says that customers can anticipate a “perceptually” lossless high quality, which is nearer to uncooked footage. Plus, the codec will assist a excessive bitrate vary of footage for up to a couple gigabits per second for 2K, 4K, and 8K.
Google can also be including a means for apps to know if the digicam inside their app ought to swap to nighttime mode for better-quality low-light photos. The corporate labored with Instagram to deliver this characteristic to customers of choose gadgets final yr.
Android 16 may even deliver enhancements on the accessibility entrance, with a brand new required area indicator within the APIs. Because of this new characteristic, apps can inform the person {that a} particular area is obligatory. Google stated this is also helpful for conditions the place customers must test the phrases and circumstances field.
Google took a unique method with Android 16 by releasing the primary developer preview in November as an alternative of Q1 2025. The corporate wished to speed up the replace cycle of the Android launch by transport the ultimate model in Q2 somewhat than Q3 and transport a minor replace later within the yr. That is Google’s effort to make sure that system makers have sufficient time to subject updates and scale back the fragmentation of software program variations throughout totally different gadgets.
