Google has released the second developer preview version of Android 16, Android 16 Developer Preview 2. The first version was released a few weeks ago.
Google yesterday Android 16 Developer Preview 2 released the update. This update brings not only bug fixes but also some new features and UI improvements. New features include adaptive refresh rate, improved haptic feedback, predictive back animation improvements, Health Connect updates, and cloud search in Photo Picker.
New Features and Improvements with Android 16 Developer Preview 2
Android 16 further improves adaptive refresh rate on supported hardware. In phones with advanced haptic modules, the amplitude and frequency of vibration feedback can be adjusted. New APIs for back animations allow manufacturers and developers to make switching between apps, returning to the home screen, and switching back and forth between in-app screens more fluid.
The Health Connect platform, jointly developed by Google and Samsung, can detect the intensity of an activity or exercise with Android 16. In addition, the Health Records feature was added, which allows medical records to be read and written in FHIR format with the approval of users.
Android’s central Photo Chooser now offers the ability to search for people or locations in cloud-based photos and videos stored in Google Photos.
Google states that it will release another small update for Android 16 in the fourth quarter of next year. Since the first stable version of Android 16 is expected to be released in the second quarter of 2025, Samsung may release the stable Android 16 update to some Galaxy devices in the third quarter next year.