On Thursday, Google launched the first public beta for Android 16, following the release of two developer beta versions last year. The new operating system introduces several exciting features, including live updates on the lock screen—similar to Apple’s Live Activities on iOS—an Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec that enhances video recording quality, and a framework enabling developers to create apps that adapt seamlessly to various screen sizes and aspect ratios.
Consumers will primarily notice the integration of live updates, a feature that Apple first rolled out with iOS 16 in 2022 to display real-time information such as delivery statuses, workout progress, and sports scores. With Android 16, developers can now incorporate these real-time notifications directly into their applications.
Google is also enhancing the design capabilities of apps through new frameworks and tools, removing size limitation controls for developers. This change aims to improve app functionality and appearance on larger screens, including tablets and foldable devices.
Additionally, Android 16 introduces the new Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, intended for superior video recording and post-production. Google asserts that this codec will provide creators with quicker editing capabilities, allowing for features such as multi-view and auxiliary video. This move seems to be a direct response to Apple’s ProRes and ProRes Raw formats.
With the APV codec, users can anticipate “perceptually” lossless quality, closely resembling raw footage. The codec will facilitate a high bitrate for video recording, accommodating up to a few gigabits per second for resolutions of 2K, 4K, and 8K.
Furthermore, Google is implementing a feature that enables apps to determine if the camera should switch to night mode to enhance low-light photography. Last year, Google collaborated with Instagram to provide this capability for select devices.
Android 16 will also enhance accessibility with a new required field indicator in the APIs, allowing apps to inform users of mandatory fields. Google suggests this feature could be particularly beneficial for scenarios requiring users to agree to terms and conditions.
In a strategic shift, Google opted to release the first developer preview of Android 16 in November, rather than in the typical first quarter of 2025. This change aims to speed up the Android update cycle, with the final version expected in the second quarter instead of the third. The company is also planning a minor update later in the year to allow manufacturers ample time to roll out updates and tackle software fragmentation across various devices.
Compiled by Techarena.au.
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