About a calendar month ago , Google surprise us byreleasing the first Android 16 developer previewbarely a calendar month after the stableAndroid 15update add up out . It began a much libertine growth timeline than we ’re used to , and it ’s continue today with Android 16 ’s second developer preview .
compare to the first developer preview , Android 16 makes some small ( but of import ) changes . Google calls out improved battery life and increased functioning as two primary improvements . It always take aim a while for developer prevue and genus Beta to hit the acceptable battery life and performance of a final / stable update , so it ’s skillful to see progress made here with the second developer prevue .
Also new is an update to Android ’s native pic picker . Android 16 ’s second developer trailer introduces a hunting function , allowing you to search for specific photos saved in the swarm , not just ones on - equipment . Google sound out this hunting functionality is “ coming shortly . ”
Google is also adding a new haptics program programming user interface ( API ) that will appropriate apps to “ define the amplitude and frequency curves of a haptic burden while cabbage away differences between machine capableness . ” In short , developer will have more granular control over gadget haptics and should be able-bodied to create good experience with them .
There are a caboodle of smaller change , too . This latest developer prevue elaborate Android ’s adaptive refresh rate ( ARR ) that was introduce in Android 15 . Android 16 makes it comfortable for apps to use ARR , which reduces display power consumption when enabled . There ’s also a fresh Activity Intensity metric add to Health Connect , which is base on guidelines for moderate and vigorous activity from the World Health Organization .
standardised to the first developer trailer , Android 16 ’s 2nd developer preview does n’t have much in the way of significant drug user - facing modification . rather , it ’s focused on behind - the - scenes updates to help developer get their software ready for the public rollout later next year .
Per its going timeline , Google will establish the first genus Beta release of Android 16 in January , with additional ones get in February , March , and April . Google expects to attain platform stability with the March genus Beta , with Android 16 ’s public rollout likely come in May or June .
You candownload the Android 16 betaon your earpiece if you ’re interested , though we ’d recommend waiting until the public beta to ensure the tight bugs and glitches are fixed before making the plunge . However , if you ’re a developer or have a petty equipment to tinker with , you may grab the Android 16 developer beta 2 as of today .