🚨 Android 16 Beta 2 is here!

The second beta brings new media and camera updates like Ultra HDR improvements, behavior changes like the removal of opting out of edge-to-edge more, and more.

Here's everything you need to know 👇

https://www.androidfaithful.com/android-16-beta-2/

⬇️ Android 16 Beta 2 is already available as a Generic System Image (GSI) and will soon roll out for Pixels

The build ID is BP22.250124.009.

If you were hoping for it to include major UI changes like the new Quick Settings panel I found, I'm sorry to say they're not here 😢

This feature is now live in Android 16 Beta 2!

💳 Android 16 Beta 2 lets you double press the power button to open Google Wallet

Android finally lets Pixel users choose between launching the camera app (current default) and Google Wallet when double pressing the power button.

Demo video👇

https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-power-button-wallet-3526104/

👨‍🦱👩‍🦱 This new Android widget makes it easier to quickly switch users

Android 16 adds a new “multiuser” widget that lets you quickly switch between users on a device.

It's simple but should be useful for shared/family devices!

Screenshots👇

https://www.androidauthority.com/android-multiuser-widget-3526110/

💡Android 16 Beta 2 makes dimming the display more convenient for the whole Pixel 9 family

A new version of the Extra Dim feature is available for the Pixel 9 series; instead of manually toggling it, it's now integrated into the brightness slider.

🔗https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-9-extra-dim-android-16-3526204/

🤙 Android 16 will fight scammers by blocking certain features during phone calls

To fight scams, Android 16 will block you from sideloading apps or allowing accessibility access while you’re on a call.

More details👇

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-phone-call-protections-3526068/

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UPDATE: These new anti-scammer protections are actually LIVE in Android 16 Beta 2!

I've added a video to the article that demonstrates this new security feature!

👓Google confirms Android XR will give apps access to your headset's cameras

A Google spokesperson confirmed to me that, with your permission, apps will be able to access the camera on Android XR headsets to create immersive experiences.

More details👇

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-xr-camera-access-3526531/

🔍Google will soon let you access its new AI search mode right from your Pixel’s home screen

As AI Mode in Google Search gets closer to launch, we now have a look at how you'll be able to access it from the Pixel Launcher👇

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/pixel-launcher-ai-mode-shortcut-3526598/

🧲 The Pixel 9 Pro Fold may get a new setting that helps it work better with magnetic cases

Google is working on a new "robust open/close detection" feature that makes it easier for Android to tell when the Pixel Fold has been opened or closed👇

🔗https://www.androidauthority.com/pixel-fold-open-close-detection-3526651/

⌨️ You can now play Android games on PC with only a keyboard

Google Play Games on PC has been updated to let you map your keyboard presses to touch inputs.

Screenshots of this new feature can be found👇

🔗https://www.androidauthority.com/remap-controls-google-play-games-on-pc-3526996/

Found some more info on the new Live Updates feature in Android 16, which lets progress-centric notifications appear prominently on the lock screen/AOD and also show a tiny chip in the status bar for ongoing alerts.

This is the API (setShortCriticalText) that apps can use to set what text to show in the status bar chip. Google suggests a max length of 7 characters, which is not a lot to work with in English but can go a long-way in some other languages.

🔐Android 16's enhanced Advanced Protection will let apps know when you're serious about security

A new API lets apps detect when you're enrolled in Advanced Protection so they can enable extra security restrictions.

More details on this new feature👇

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-advanced-protection-api-3527060/

⌨️ Android 16 now lets you customize keyboard shortcuts — Here's how it works

Starting in Beta 2, Android 16 lets you assign custom key combinations to Android system shortcuts.

More details + a video demo can be found 👇

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/custom-keyboard-shortcuts-android-16-3527394/

🔔Here's your first real look at Live Updates in Android 16

I managed to fully enable and record a demo of Android 16’s Live Updates feature, showing off how these new notifications look.

You can find the video demo 👇

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-live-updates-demo-3528456/

📸 Android 16 lets you take proper screenshots of your beautiful HDR photos

Android 16 is implementing support for true HDR screenshots, enabling you to take screenshots of HDR content.

More details 👇

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-hdr-screenshots-3528355/

🚹 Android 16 could add a new way to trigger your screen saver

Instead of docking your device, the new "postured" trigger will let you simply place your device upright to trigger the screen saver.

More details 👇

🔗 https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-screen-saver-postured-3528345/

Qualcomm just announced that its Snapdragon 8 Elite platform will be supported for "up to eight consecutive years of Android software and security updates."

"What this means is that support for platform software included in this program will be made available to OEMs for eight consecutive years, including both Android OS and kernel upgrades, without requiring significant changes or upgrades to the platform and OEM code on the device (a separation commonly referred as “Project Treble” or the “vendor implementation”). While kernel changes will require updating kernel mode drivers, the vendor code can remain unchanged while the software support is being provided. This software support can lower costs for OEMs interested in supporting their devices longer and can show consumers the advantages of Snapdragon mobile processors and software support."

The company worked with Google on this new program, which also extends to the next five generations of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 and 7-series mobile platforms. It's up to OEMs to take advantage of this program, though meaning 7 years of updates isn't guaranteed for any given device.

FYI: I detailed this new program (called Longevity GRF) in full back in October, in case you want to read more about what Google and Qualcomm have done.