Google releases Android 16 Beta 2 update for compatible Pixel smartphones: Here is what’s new

Android 16

Google has officially rolled out the second beta of its latest operating system, Android 16, for supported Pixel devices, and it succeeds last month’s Beta 1 update. The latest testing version of Google's smartphone operating system arrives with features designed to improve the camera performance of handsets running on Android. New privacy improvements have also been introduced with this beta update.

Android 16 Beta 2: All new additions

After updating to the latest Android 16 Beta 2, developers will have access to hybrid auto-exposure modes in Camera2, allowing manual control over ISO and exposure time while maintaining auto-exposure adjustments. Further, Google has unveiled Professional-grade video recording perks, which allow multiple fine-tuned color temperature and tint adjustments from the camera app.

Eligible Pixel smartphones running on Android 16 will now have support for UltraHDR images encoded in the High Efficiency Image Format (HEIC) file format. Google has also confirmed that it is working on adding the same capability for AV1 Image File Format (AVIF) images. New Intent actions that allow motion photo captures are now enabled. This would also allow third-party apps to take motion photo captures.

Android 16 will also include new protections against intent redirection attacks, which can enable an unknown third-party app to gain access to private files or components to steal confidential data. Google also says apps designed for Android 16 will need to request granular permissions to read data from Health Connect, instead of body sensor permissions.

Further, Android 16 also adds a key sharing API that enables sharing access to keys in the Android Keystore, with other Android devices. As for its stable availability, Android 16 is expected to be launched by Q2 2025, or the end of June.