Google Android 16
Google’s Android 16 Developer Preview 2 (DP2) lets users test new features and APIs. In addition to boosting functionality from the first preview last month, the latest update should improve battery life. Furthermore, it has a brand-new feature that is exclusive to Pixel smartphones. Pixel owners will be able to use the fingerprint unlocking sensor even while the screen is off whenever it becomes available.
According to an Android Authority article, the Android 16 Developer Preview 2 adds a new setting called Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock. At the moment, the in-display fingerprint sensor needs the phone’s screen to be active in order to work. There are some solutions, such turning on the always-on display or tapping to wake, even though there isn’t a direct way to activate it.
However, it might change with the new feature in Android 16 DP2. According to its description, it may be configured to use fingerprint unlock even while the screen is off.
The option was reportedly located in Settings > Security & privacy > Device Unlock> Face & Fingerprint Unlock > Fingerprint Unlock on the Google Pixel 9 Pro. According to sources, it is only compatible with devices that feature an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner integrated into the screen.
The Android Authority confirms that the Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock functionality was not functional on older Pixel devices running Android 16 DP2, which do not have the aforementioned fingerprint sensor.
Google also confirms that its latest Android 16 version improves battery life. The official changelog claims that it enhances battery life, performance, and the app experience while reducing incompatibilities.
Furthermore, according to Google, Android 16 DP2 makes it simpler for apps to utilise the configurable refresh rate capability, which was initially offered in Android 15. This is made feasible by the introduction of two new APIs and the restoration of an existing one. It is also claimed to offer richer haptics with new haptic APIs. Regardless of changes caused by device capabilities, applications will be able to define the frequency and amplitude curves of a haptic effect.
Integrated picture selector
Instead of giving your app access to their whole media bank, the photo picker offers a secure, integrated method for customers to allow access to certain photos and videos from both local and online storage. It is compatible with Android 4.4 (API level 19) and uses a combination of Modular System Components via Google System Updates and Google Play services. Only a few lines of code with the related Android Jetpack library are needed for integration.
Apps can incorporate the photo picker into their view hierarchy by using the new APIs included in the developer preview. While still utilising process isolation, which enables users to choose media without the app requiring too broad permissions, this makes it feel like a more integrated component of the app. If you want to integrate the integrated photo picker, you’ll want to use the upcoming Android Jetpack framework to make your integration easier and maximise compatibility across platform versions.
Health records
Health Connect’s developer preview includes an early version of the health record-supporting APIs. With express user authorisation, this enables apps to read and write medical records in FHIR format. There is presently an early access program for this API. Join early access program by registering.
Privacy Sandbox on Android
As part of continuous efforts to provide technologies that give users peace of mind, Android 16 includes the most recent version of the Privacy Sandbox on Android. To assist you get started,it provide further information about the Privacy Sandbox on Android developer beta program on website. Take a look at the SDK Runtime, which gives SDKs the ability to operate in a different runtime environment from the app they are supporting, enhancing security measures for user data sharing and gathering.
App compatibility
November 2024 marks the start of the Android 16 Preview program, which ends the following year with the official public release. It will provide updates for your testing and development environments at significant development milestones. System images, emulators, SDK tools, API references, and API diffs are all included in every release. Important APIs will be highlighted in blogs and on the Android 16 developer website as soon as they are prepared for testing in the preview program.
Google platform stability milestone is set for late Q1 of 2025. Google will offer final internal APIs, app-facing system behaviours, and SDK/NDK APIs at this milestone. You will have a few months before the official release to complete your final testing once anticipate reaching Platform Stability in March 2025.
Start using Android 16
Update the tools and flash a system image to begin using Developer Preview 2 right now. Please use the feedback page to report problems and seek features as would appreciate your input. It can incorporate more of your feedback into the final release the earlier receive it.
Using the most recent Android Studio Ladybird feature drop preview for the optimal Android 16 development experience. Following your setup, you should complete the following:
Test in CI environments, compile against the updated SDK, and report any problems in tracker on the feedback page.
Check for compatibility issues with your present app, find out if it is impacted by Android 16 updates, and install it on an Android 16 device or emulator to conduct thorough testing.
Throughout the Android 16 release cycle, will consistently upgrade the SDK and preview system images. They are only making this initial preview edition available by manual download because it is only meant for developers and is not meant for everyday or consumer use. You will automatically receive updates for all subsequent previews and betas over the air after you have manually installed a preview build.
You will not be able to switch to the Android 16 Developer Preview program without deleting your device if you have already installed Beta 1 from the Android 15 QPR2 Beta program. If you want to switch to the next developer preview release without wiping your data, think about not installing any more betas.
