Android 16 Beta 2 Arrives with Enhanced Camera Controls and Increased Customization Options
The second beta of Android 16 has been released, featuring enhanced camera controls and more customization options to improve the user experience.
Android 16 Beta 2 is Here, and It Looks Promising
Just under a month following the release of its first beta, Google has unveiled the second iteration of Android 16. This update is particularly exciting as it introduces new features and addresses several bugs.
Significant Camera Improvements
Google has made substantial upgrades to the camera system, with the highlight being the new hybrid auto-exposure system. This system aims to blend the ease of auto mode with the useful functionalities of the Pro version, which can be cumbersome. The hybrid setup promises the best of both worlds for casual users, offering options to adjust ISO levels and exposure times, while leaving auto-exposure and other advanced settings to be managed by the algorithm. As a result, achieving artistic shots should become easier without the complexity of myriad Pro user options.
You can also tweak the image’s temperature and tint thanks to a new color correction system, allowing you to fix lighting irregularities in your photos and experiment with more artistic styles.
Enhancements have also been made for capturing photos in motion, those shots that retain a bit of movement before freezing in their final position.
Support for HEIC File Format and New Widget
The beta also introduces support for the HEIC file format, which delivers high-quality images without using as much storage. Google has also announced upcoming support for AVIF and UltraHDR formats.
Beyond camera improvements, Android Authority has spotted a new feature that will delight those who toggle between personal and professional use of their device: a new widget for switching accounts, saving you from diving into the quick settings panel.
Bug Fixes and Limited Compatibility
In addition to these new features, expect bug fixes, including one that caused crashes when interacting with certain elements in web view. Another bug causing Google Home to crash, and random phone restarts during calls, have also been addressed.
Like the previous version, Android 16 Beta 2 is only available to Pixel devices, specifically Pixel 6 and later versions, or the Pixel tablet. If eligible, you can enroll in the Android 16 beta program and apply the update by going to Settings > System > Software Update.