Google is making progress towards the release of the stable Android 16 update. The tech company is rolling out the Beta 3 update. It marks the platform stability of the upcoming OS, meaning app-facing behaviors and internal/external APIs are finalized. Developers are now expected to update their applications.
As expected, there are no major user-facing changes. However, there are a few additions and optimizations.
Auracast Broadcast Audio
Google has introduced support for Auracast broadcast audio with compatible LE Audio aids. The feature was first spotted in Developer Preview 1, and good to see that Google is going ahead with the development. In Android 16, it will be possible to set up connections between hearing aids and public audio broadcasts.
“Auracast enables compatible hearing aids and earbuds to receive direct audio streams from public venues like airports, concerts, and classrooms.”
Outline Text
Google is replacing High-contrast text with “outline text” in Android 16 beta 3. The idea is to enhance contrast further by dropping a large opaque background under the text.
Local Network Protection
With APIs finalized, developers can start testing Local Network Protection (LNP). The idea is to give “users more control over which apps can access devices on their local network.”This is launching with a “future Android major release” and is a “significant change.”
Other changes and fixes
- Fixed various issues that were causing excessive battery drain in some cases. (Issue #396603519, Issue #396757426, Issue #400066003, Issue #397088375)
- Fixed issues that sometimes caused devices to reboot unexpectedly. (Issue #400003800)
- Fixed an issue that caused the At a Glance widget to display out of date information on the always-on-display. (Issue #392132215)
Other resolved issues
- Fixed various other issues that impacted system stability, performance, and Bluetooth pairing
How to download Android 16 beta 3 update
Google is rolling out the update to all eligible Pixel owners. It has a build number BP22.250221.01.0 and is available via OTA. You can access it from Settings>>System>>Software updates>> System update. Fortunately, the OTA is available on the source link. You will also learn how to install the build from there.
