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Android 16 Public Beta Unveiled: Features Sleek Live Notifications and Advanced Video Codec

Google has just released the first public beta for Android 16 following two developer beta versions introduced last year. This new version introduces live updates on the lock screen, akin to the Live Activities feature in iOS, an Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec for high-quality video recording, and a new framework that allows developers to create apps adaptable for various screen sizes and aspect ratios.



Live Notifications: Bringing Real-Time Updates to Your Lock Screen

One of the most noticeable changes for consumers will be the support for live updates on the lock screen. When Apple introduced Live Activities in iOS 16, it allowed users to view real-time updates such as delivery tracking, fitness stats, or sports scores directly on their lock screens. With Android 16, Google is adopting a similar approach, enabling developers to push real-time updates natively. This means users will be able to see constantly updating information without unlocking their phones, making the experience both more seamless and efficient.

New Developer Tools: Enhancing App Responsiveness

Google is also adding new frameworks and tools to make apps more responsive and adaptable. The company is phasing out size restriction controls, allowing apps to look and work better on larger screens such as tablets and foldable devices. This update is particularly significant given the increasing popularity of devices with larger displays. Developers will now have the flexibility to create applications that are optimised for different screen sizes and aspect ratios, ensuring a consistent and superior user experience across devices.

Advanced Professional Video (APV) Codec: A New Era of Video Recording

An exciting addition to Android 16 is the introduction of the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, designed for high-quality video recording and post-processing. Google has stated that this codec will help creators with faster editing capabilities and features like multi-view video and auxiliary video. APV is seen as a direct response to Apple’s ProRes and ProRes Raw formats, offering "perceptually" lossless quality that is closer to raw footage. The codec will also support a high bitrate range of footage up to several gigabits per second for 2K, 4K, and 8K resolution videos.

Camera Improvements: Night Mode for Low-Light Photography

Google is also adding a useful feature for photography enthusiasts: the ability for apps to determine if the camera should switch to night mode for better-quality low-light pictures. This feature, initially developed in collaboration with Instagram last year, will now be available to users of select devices. This enhancement aims to improve the overall quality of photos taken in low-light conditions, ensuring that users can capture clearer and more vibrant images even in challenging lighting situations.

Accessibility Enhancements: A New Required Field Indicator

Android 16 brings several improvements on the accessibility front, one of which is the introduction of a required field indicator in the APIs. This feature notifies users when a specific field is mandatory, which can be particularly helpful in situations such as when users need to check a terms and conditions box. This addition aims to make the user experience more intuitive, ensuring that important steps are not missed during form submissions and other interactions with apps.

Accelerated Update Cycle: Google’s New Approach

Unlike previous versions, Google released the first developer preview of Android 16 in November, aiming to accelerate the update cycle. By shipping the final version in Q2 rather than Q3, and planning a minor update later in the year, Google intends to provide device manufacturers with sufficient time to issue updates. This move aims to reduce software version fragmentation across different devices, ensuring a more uniform and up-to-date user experience.

Overall Impact: A Step Towards a More Integrated Mobile Future

With the introduction of Android 16, Google is setting the stage for a more integrated and cohesive mobile experience. The combination of real-time updates, enhanced app responsiveness, high-quality video capabilities, and improved accessibility features demonstrates Google’s commitment to innovation and user satisfaction. As the public beta rolls out, users and developers alike will have the opportunity to explore and provide feedback on these exciting new features, shaping the future of Android in the process.

Source: techcrunch.com

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