Android 16 Beta 3: Exploring the Latest features and Improvements

Google is actively developing its next-generation operating system, with Android 16 beta 3 now available. The update includes UI changes and new features,and if all goes to plan,a stable release is expected in June 2025.

Android 16 Beta 3: Key Features and Updates

Android 16 Beta 3 introduces several enhancements, focusing on user interface improvements and core functionality upgrades.

• Material You on Pre-Homescreen: the dynamic theming system, Material You, expands its presence to the pre-Homescreen interface, offering a more consistent and personalized user experience.
• “Limit to 80 Percent” Charging Option: To optimize battery health, the “Limit to 80 percent” option will fully charge the device every 1-2 weeks. This feature aims to prolong the lifespan of Pixel device batteries by preventing continuous full charges, which can degrade battery performance over time.
• Live Updates Easter Egg: A playful addition, the Live Updates Easter Egg provides a hidden surprise.
• “Close” Button on Application Menu: Enhancing usability,a “Close” button has been added to the application menu for fast app termination.
• Extra Dim Feature Returns: The extra Dim feature is back, allowing users to further reduce screen brightness in low-light conditions, minimizing eye strain and improving nighttime usability.

Under the Hood: Optimizations and Improvements

Beyond the user-facing features, Beta 3 also brings several optimizations and improvements, including:

• Optimized Search Bar in Settings: The search bar within the settings menu has been refined, making it easier and faster to find specific settings and options.
• Repaired Background of settings Application: Addressing visual inconsistencies, the background of the settings application has been repaired for a cleaner and more polished look.
• Direct Battery Health indicator: Provides users with more direct access to battery health details, allowing them to monitor the condition of their device’s battery.

Flashback: Android 16 Beta 1 and Beta 2

Android 16 Beta 1 and Beta 2 introduced a suite of features designed to enhance both user experience and developer capabilities. These include:

• Adaptive Apps: Intelligent app behavior adapting to user habits and device context.
• Live Updates: Streamlined and efficient system updates.
• Advanced Professional video Support: Support for high-resolution video recording and playback, up to 8K at 2Gbps.
• Detection of Default Night Scenes for Cameras: Improved camera capabilities with automatic night scene detection.
• Hybrid Auto exposure: Beta 2 introduced hybrid auto exposure for better image quality in varying lighting conditions.
• Precise Color Temperature Adjustments: Finer control over color temperature settings for more accurate and pleasing visuals.
• Ultra HDR Support: Enhanced image support for Heic and Avif images,with ultra HDR capabilities.

Device Compatibility and the Google I/O Event

Android 16 Beta 3 is currently available for Pixel 6 to Pixel 9 Pro Fold devices.All the new features of Android 16 will be showcased at the Google I/O event on May 20-21.

Looking Ahead

With Android 16 Beta 3 now in the hands of developers and early adopters,the stage is set for further refinements and improvements leading up to the stable release in June 2025. Keep an eye on Google’s announcements at Google I/O on May 20-21 for a comprehensive overview of all the new features and capabilities coming to Android 16. Explore the beta program to get a sneak peek at the future of android and help shape its development.