Android 16 beta 2 launches with better camera controls and more customization

android 16 logo on a samsung galaxy smartphone
(Image credit: Future/Google)

Last month, developers (and those prepared to be Google guinea pigs) got their first taste of Android 16 with the first beta. Now, just under a month after release, the second beta is here, complete with bug fixes and some nice new features to enjoy.

Google outlines all the changes in a post on the Developer’s Blog and while many aren’t user-facing and will thus go largely unnoticed, there are some promising developments that you will spot straight away.

Firstly, Google is making changes to the camera. The most exciting of these is a new hybrid auto-exposure system, which aims to combine the simplicity of the auto mode with the useful functionality of the somewhat cluttered Pro version.

The hybrid system aims to offer the best of both worlds to casual users, with options to finetune ISO levels and exposure times while leaving auto-exposure and other more advanced tweaks to the algorithm. The upshot of this is that you should be able to easily get more artistic shots without getting lost in the myriad of options that Pro users revel in.

You’ll also be able to adjust frame temperature and tint levels via a color correction system. This will let you adjust for irregularities in the lighting of your shots, as well as allowing you to play with more arty styles.

Android 16 Beta 2

(Image credit: Google)

Additionally, there’s added support for capturing motion photos — pictures that capture a bit of movement before freezing in their final position, like this:

Android 16 Beta 2

(Image credit: Google)

Finally, there’s support for the HEIC file format, which promises high-quality images without taking up as much space. Google says that AVIF and UltraHDR support is also on the way.

Away from the camera improvements, and unmentioned in the Developer Blog post is something that will delight those who have a device they split between work and home use. Android Authority has spotted the introduction of a new widget for switching accounts, saving you from diving into the Quick Settings panel.

And users of Google Wallet can make it easier to access too, as 9to5Google has spotted that opening it up can be bound to the power button. Simply open the Settings app and head to the Gestures page, and you’ll be able to tie it to Google Wallet with two taps of the power button (just make sure the double press function is enabled).

Android 16 Beta 2

(Image credit: 9to5Google)

Beyond these changes, you can expect some bug fixes too. The most prominent of these mends one that caused a crash when interacting with certain elements in webview. Another bug which crashed Google Home has also been resolved, and if you found your phone randomly restarting during phone calls, you’ll be pleased to hear that one has been fixed too.

The Android 16 Beta 2 is, like the previous version, only open to Pixel devices — specifically the Pixel 6 and newer, or the Pixel Tablet. If eligible, you can enrol in the Android 16 Beta program here, and then apply the update by heading to Settings > System > Software update.

More from Tom's Guide

TOPICS
Alan Martin

Freelance contributor Alan has been writing about tech for over a decade, covering phones, drones and everything in between. Previously Deputy Editor of tech site Alphr, his words are found all over the web and in the occasional magazine too. When not weighing up the pros and cons of the latest smartwatch, you'll probably find him tackling his ever-growing games backlog. Or, more likely, playing Spelunky for the millionth time.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Read more
android 16 logo on a samsung galaxy smartphone
Android 16 beta just arrived — here are all the new features
android 16 logo on a samsung galaxy smartphone
Android 16 beta 3 arrives today — all the newest features
android 16 logo on a samsung galaxy smartphone
Android 16 developer preview 2 is live — all the biggest changes
android 16 logo on a samsung galaxy smartphone
Android 16 could come with this key navigation change — and another new volume slider
Google Maps
Google Maps just got a huge iPhone-inspired upgrade with Android 16 beta — here's how it works
OnePlus Open held in the hand.
Android 16 could bring triple-app multitasking — what you need to know
Latest in Android Phones
The Find my People feature
Android Find My can now track your friends and family — here's how to use it
Google Pixel 9 Pro in hand
Epic Google sale on Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel Watch and more — 9 deals I’d buy with up to $400 off
samsung galaxy s25 edge mockup at galaxy unpacked
Galaxy S25 Edge is overhyped — I want Samsung to make this phone thinner instead
CAD renderings of the Google Pixel 10 Pro
Latest Google Pixel 10 leak could make you want to skip it altogether
android 16 logo on a samsung galaxy smartphone
One of Apple’s most controversial AI features could be coming to Android phones
Google Pixel 9a render
Google Pixel 9a pre-orders could come with a free Google TV Streamer — what we know
Latest in News
Gemini screenshot image
Gemini just became the ultimate collaborator — everything you need to know about this huge new upgrade
HP OmniBook
HP’s new OmniBook lineup looks set to smash AI laptop price barriers — that’s a good thing if the company keeps up its end of the deal
Roku Pro Series on living room wall
Roku is adding the worst part of Fire TV to its streaming devices
Adam James and Christina Hendricks in The Buccaneers
'The Buccaneers' season 2 gets release date — here's our first look at this season's new star character
Adam Sandler in Happy Gilmore 2
Netflix sets 'Happy Gilmore 2' release date with a brand new trailer — and it's looking good
nvidia presenting
Nvidia GTC 2025 live — Jensen Huang on what's next in AI, robotics and accelerated computing