Whereas Samsung nonetheless hasn’t launched the steady model of Android 15 (One UI 7.0) to its telephones, Google has already launched the second Developer Preview of Android 16. The primary Developer Preview model was launched a number of weeks in the past, and the steady model is anticipated to be launched in mid-2025.
Android 16 Developer Preview 2 replace launched, brings some UI adjustments and options
The Android 16 Developer Preview 2 replace, which was launched yesterday, brings not solely bug fixes however some new options and UI enhancements. The brand new options embrace an adaptive refresh charge, improved haptics (vibration suggestions), predictive again animation enhancements, Well being Join updates, and cloud search in Picture Picker.
Adaptive refresh charge, which was launched in Android 15, permits the refresh charge to adapt to the content material on the display screen on supported {hardware} utilizing discrete VSync steps. That is extra superior than mode-switching, which is how the refresh charge is modified presently. VSync saves extra energy and reduces jank.
Improved haptics on Android 16 permit telephones with superior haptic modules to alter and outline the amplitude and frequency curves of haptic suggestions.
Predictive Again animation enhancements in Android 16 deliver a number of new APIs that permit OEMs or builders to fine-tune again gesture animations. For instance, they’ll fine-tune back-to-home animation. All of this implies smoother transitions whereas switching between apps, going to the house display screen, and going backwards and forwards between screens of an app.
Well being Join, which is co-developed by Google and Samsung, manages the move and storage of health-related knowledge between apps, gadgets, and companies. With Android 16, Well being Join has new APIs to detect the depth of an exercise or exercise, and it’s based mostly on the World Well being Group’s pointers. It brings increased exercise monitoring accuracy to apps.
Google has additionally added the Well being Information function to Well being Join. This function permits apps to learn and write a person’s medical information in FHIR format after their consent.
The centralized Picture Picker in Android, launched final yr, now has a strategy to seek for photos and movies which can be saved on the cloud. For instance, you’ll be able to seek for an individual’s identify or location on photographs saved in Google Images whereas selecting photos or movies.
These are the user-facing adjustments in Android 16. Google has additionally added extra developer-oriented options that assist apps and video games work easily. You’ll be able to learn extra about them right here.
Google says it is going to launch one other minor replace to Android 16 within the fourth quarter of subsequent yr. For the reason that first steady model of Android 16 is to be launched within the second quarter of 2025, Samsung might launch the steady Android 16 replace to pick Galaxy gadgets within the third quarter of subsequent yr.
