Google's latest Android 16 Beta 2 is out, and it's packed with new features and fixes.  Let's dive right in and explore what's new.

        First up, if you're eager to try out Android 16 Beta 2, you'll need a compatible Pixel device.  The list includes the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.  If you're not sure how to install it, there are step-by-step guides available online.

        One of the standout features in Android 16 Beta 2 is the new "Switch users widget. "  This handy addition lets you quickly switch between user profiles on your device.  It's a small but useful tweak that can make multitasking a breeze.  The double press power button feature is also a game-changer.  It lets you launch Google Wallet with just a double press, making transactions faster and more convenient.

        The settings app has also seen some changes.  The background is now darker, giving it a sleeker look.  Additionally, the "Extra dim" feature, which was initially called "Even dimmer" in the Developer Preview 1, has been tweaked.  Unfortunately, the customization options for "Extra dim" have been removed from the accessibility settings.  This might be a bummer for users who liked the extra control, but it's a small price to pay for a more streamlined experience.

        Google has also been busy fixing bugs and issues reported by both developers and users.  One notable fix is for an issue that sometimes caused the system UI to crash when interacting with certain elements in WebViews.  This should make browsing a smoother experience.  There were also fixes for issues that caused devices to freeze and restart during calls, and for intermittent crashes in the Google Home app.  Google has also addressed an issue where the language picker menu was causing problems in certain apps.

        Another important fix is for an issue with the Java LazyValue ClassLoader.  This should help prevent apps from crashing with a ClassNotFoundException.  Overall, Android 16 Beta 2 seems to be a solid update with a good mix of new features and important fixes.  It's great to see Google continuing to improve the Android experience.

What's New in Android 16 Beta 2: A Fresh Look

Actions