Android 16 developer Preview 2 unveiled: what’s New for Developers?
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Google has released the second developer preview of Android 16, bringing more behind-the-scenes improvements for developers. While this build might not have important changes noticeable to average users, it sets the stage for exciting new features arriving in the public beta next month.
Android 16 is slated for a second-quarter 2024 release, earlier than previous Android versions. The testing program started earlier this year with the first developer preview in October.
Exciting Updates Under the Hood
This new beta focuses on developer-facing changes. One notable addition is a modified media selection dialog. Thanks to a new API, apps can now select photos from cloud services in addition to local data. Currently,developers need to implement this API in their applications. Imagine, in the future, you could directly choose a photo from OneDrive when posting to a social network!
Health connect, the platform for sharing health data with apps, has been updated to distinguish between moderate and vigorous physical activity according to World Health Institution guidelines. Updated APIs allow app developers to read health records in FHIR format.
Android 16 will also offer richer haptic feedback. A new API empowers developers to define the amplitudes and frequency curves of haptic effects, creating a more immersive user experience.
Public Beta on the Horizon
the second developer preview marks the end of developer testing for Android 16. The first public beta is expected next month, bringing exciting new features for everyone to try.
Supported devices for testing Android 16 include a wide range of Pixel smartphones and tablets, from the Pixel 6 series to the latest Pixel 8 and 9 models.
Android 16: A Sneak Peek at What’s Coming
We’re joined today by [Alex Reed Name], a prominent developer in the Android community, to discuss the recent release of android 16 Developer Preview 2. Welcome to Archyde [Alex Reed Name]!
[Alex Reed Name]: It’s great to be here!
Focusing on Developers
Let’s dive right in.the latest Developer Preview focuses more on under-the-hood improvements than user-facing features. Can you tell us about some of the key additions that are exciting developers?
[Alex Reed Name]: Absolutely. One standout feature is the updated media selection dialog. Developers can now integrate cloud services into their apps, meaning users could soon select photos directly from OneDrive or Google Drive, for example. This streamlined approach offers greater adaptability and convenience. There are also significant upgrades to Health Connect,particularly concerning activity tracking and data sharing protocols.
A More Immersive Experience
you mentioned enhanced haptic feedback. How exactly will this manifest for the average user?
[Alex Reed Name]: Android 16 introduces a new API that gives developers granular control over haptic feedback. Think of it as taking the “vibrate” function to a whole new level. Apps will be able to create more nuanced and intricate haptic experiences,
adding another dimension to interaction and immersion.
The Road to Public Release
With the second Developer Preview out, what’s the timeline looking like for the public beta and the full release?
[Alex Reed name]: The public beta is expected next month, offering a wider audience a taste of Android 16. The full release is slated for the second quarter of 2024. This is actually ahead of schedule compared to previous Android versions, which is exciting.
What are your early thoughts on these changes? Do you think the updated Cloud integration for media selection and the refinements to Health Connect will be significant for Android users?**
[Alex Reed Name]: [Response from Alex Reed]
## Archyde Interview: Android 16 Developer Preview 2 with [Alex Reed Name]
**[Host Name]:** Welcome back to Archyde! Today, we have [Alex Reed Name], a leading Android developer, joining us to discuss teh latest news surrounding Android 16 Developer Preview 2. [Alex Reed Name], thank you for being here!
**[Alex Reed Name]:** It’s my pleasure to be here. I’m always excited to talk about the latest developments in Android.
**[Host Name]:** Let’s jump right in. The second developer preview of Android 16 has just launched. What are some of the key takeaways for developers from this release?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** This preview is very much focused on under-the-hood improvements targeted towards developers like myself. One exciting addition is the revamped media selection dialog. This new API allows apps to directly access photos stored in cloud services, not just local galleries. Imagine selecting a picture from your OneDrive account to share on a social media platform directly from the app – that’s the kind of seamless integration this enables.
**[Host Name]:** That sounds incredibly useful! Are there any other significant changes that stand out?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** Absolutely. Health Connect, Android’s platform for sharing health data with apps, has been updated to conform with World Health Organization guidelines for identifying moderate adn vigorous physical activity. This is huge for developers building fitness and health-related apps.
**[Host name]:** Developers are also getting more control over haptic feedback, right?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** That’s correct.You can now define the amplitude and frequency curves of haptic effects, giving developers much finer control over the vibrations and creating richer, more immersive experiences for users.
**[Host Name]:** When can we expect to see these changes in action for regular Android users?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** The public beta for android 16 is expected to launch next month.This will be the first chance for users to experience these new features and provide feedback before the full release in the second quarter of 2024.
**[Host Name]:** That’s exciting news! Any final thoughts for our viewers who are interested in learning more about Android development?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** I’d encourage everyone, whether they’re experienced developers or just curious about the world of Android, to explore the Android developer documentation and community forums. There’s a wealth of information and support available to help you get started.
**[Host Name]:** [Alex Reed Name],thank you for sharing your expertise with us today!
**[Alex Reed Name]:** My pleasure.
