Android 16 Developer Preview 2 is now available. It boasts exciting features both for developers as well as users. Google has added improvements in performance, security as well as usability.
Pixel users can explore these updates now. This preview offers better app control, new APIs, and enhanced diagnostics.
also read: Google Introduces Android 16 Developer Preview 1: All You Need to Know
Enhanced Performance & Developer Tools
Android 16 Developer Preview 2 brings powerful tools for app developers. Its new ProfilingManager API helps track app performance issues. Developers can monitor cold starts and ANR incidents effectively. Its ApplicationStartInfo API provides better startup diagnostics. It helps developers understand that component triggered app launches.
The JobScheduler API now offers better job management capabilities. Developers can view pending tasks and runtime quotas easily. Such enhancements make app development smoother as well as more efficient. Google is also launching adaptive refresh rate support. Apps can now use the feature without worrying about device compatibility.
Haptic feedback customization is another major improvement of it. Developers can now control vibration strength and duration in apps. This feature eliminates the need to adjust settings for specific devices.
Security & Privacy Enhancements
Android 16 DP2 focuses heavily on improving security. Wi-Fi Ranging now uses AES-256 encryption for better protection. This enhancement prevents man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks effectively. The Wi-Fi Ranging feature offers precise indoor location tracking. It is part of the Wi-Fi 6 standard and supports proximity-based use cases.
The Health Connect app now supports activity intensity measurements. These measurements follow WHO guidelines for moderate and vigorous activities. This update allows users to track their health more accurately.
Predictive back gestures have also received updates. Developers now have APIs to support smooth back navigation animations. This prevents accidental app exits during back gestures. Accessibility announcements are now less disruptive for screen reader users. Google deprecated the announceForAccessibility API to improve user experience.
New User-Facing Features
Android 16 introduces exciting user-facing features to enhance usability. The photo picker now supports cloud search integration. Users can search photos stored in Google Photos easily. This feature will soon be available on older Android versions too.
Android 16 also improves adaptive refresh rate technology. The update ensures smooth transitions between different refresh rates. This feature reduces jank and improves overall user experience. Pixel 9 series devices are the first to support this fully.
Developers can now test new APIs for system-triggered profiling. This helps capture challenging trace scenarios like ANRs. The finishAndRemoveTaskCallback API adds new behavior for back gestures. It lets apps play animations ahead of time for smooth transitions.
Installation & Release Timeline
Installing Android 16 Developer Preview 2 is straightforward. Users with DP1 installed can update via OTA. New users need to manually flash the update on compatible Pixel devices. Supported devices include Pixel 6 to Pixel 9 series, tablets, and foldables.
The Android Flash Tool simplifies manual installation for Pixel devices. Users can also download factory images and flash them manually. Google ensures no data wipe is needed when upgrading from DP1. Developers without Pixel devices can try Android 16 on an emulator.
Google plans to release Android 16 Beta 1 next month. Public beta testing allows more users to explore new features. Android 16’s final release is scheduled for Q2 2025. Google also shared its Android roadmap for 2025. Two major API releases are planned: one in Q2 and another in Q4.
Android 16 Developer Preview 2 brings many exciting updates. Developers get improved tools for performance and security. Pixel device users can explore these features today. Stay tuned for the public beta release next month!
