While Samsung has yet to begin its Android 15 (One UI 7.0) rollout, Google is here with the second Android 16 beta. Eligible Pixel users can now install Beta 2, which introduces new pro-grade camera features and tons of other enhancements. This update prepares Android 16 for platform stability, with two more stable beta builds expected before the final release.
Android 16 Beta 2 offers better pre-grade camera controls
Android 16 Beta 2 enhances the camera experience with new controls for exposure, color temperature, and motion photos. Users can now manually adjust ISO or exposure time while still relying on auto-exposure for other settings. This gives more flexibility compared to the previous all-or-nothing manual and auto-exposure modes.
Professional video recording apps can now fine-tune color temperature and tint beyond preset white balance options. The new beta build also standardizes motion photo capture, allowing apps to easily take and store motion photos. Additionally, this update adds support for UltraHDR images in HEIC format and improves color accuracy for HDR images.
Elsewhere, Android 16 introduces RuntimeColorFilter and RuntimeXfermode, allowing developers to create custom visual effects like sepia and color saturation adjustments using the Android Graphics Shading Language (AGSL). These enhancements enable more creative and dynamic image processing in apps.
Google has also refined app behaviors and privacy protections in Android 16 Beta 2. Apps must adopt edge-to-edge display and can no longer opt out of full-screen layouts, ensuring a consistent experience across devices. Apps using heart rate and other sensor data also require more specific permissions, while Android now monitors abandoned background jobs more closely, reducing unnecessary system strain.
Additionally, Android 16 lets users set their preferred measurement system, like metric or imperial, independently of their language settings. Developers can create live wallpapers with distinct content for the home and lock screens, while new APIs allow games and performance-heavy apps to check available system resources and adjust performance accordingly.
Streaming apps can also dynamically adjust picture and audio settings based on content type, optimizing brightness, color accuracy, and frame rates. Last but not least, Android 16 Beta 2 enhances privacy and accessibility features. Google is expected to release the stable version in June, with two more beta builds focused on platform stability planned for March and April.
Samsung is struggling to deliver Android 15 to Galaxy users
As Android 16 nears platform stability, Samsung is still struggling to deliver Android 15 to Galaxy users. Recent rumors suggest its One UI 7.0 update may not arrive before April, possibly hitting May. The company plans to release Beta 4 next week, followed by Beta 5 in March and Beta 6 in April. At this pace, delivering Android 16-based One UI 8.0 before the end of 2025 would be an impressive feat for Samsung.
