Android 16 Developer Preview 2 Released for Pixel Devices

Google has released the second developer preview of Android 16, marking the latest step in its testing of the next Android version.

Android 16 Developer Preview 2 (DP2) focuses on improving app performance, battery life, and overall system optimization, with many changes aimed at developers.

Key features in this release include:

• Haptic Controls: New haptic APIs for better control over device vibrations.
• Cloud Media Search: Search functionality within cloud media providers via the photo picker.
• Health Connect Updates: A new “activity intensity” data type to track the intensity of physical activities.

While these changes are developer-focused, users may notice some backend improvements, such as better profiling and job execution optimizations.

How to Install

• Over-the-Air Update: If you’re already using Android 16 DP1, DP2 will be delivered via an OTA update.
• Factory Images: For those not yet on DP1, you can flash the factory images to your Pixel device, but Google recommends this only for developers at this stage.

Release Details:

• Release Date: December 18, 2024
• Build: BP21.241121.009
• Security Patch: December 2024
• Google Play Services: 24.46.30

Android 16 Beta is expected to launch in January 2025, with enrollment available through the Android Beta Program.