Google’s next major mobile operating system, Android 16 Beta 3 has come. This latest beta release is important for developers and early adopters. This brings us close to the final version. This gives us a preview of the work to be done on Android 16. 

A critical step in the platform stability phase is when Google begins signaling the start of the Beta 3 phase. This is where all APIs and hardware behaviors are taken on as final. The version is ready for more very real users on day one.

New Features

Auracast Bluetooth Technology

The Android 16 Beta 3 brings a groundbreaking Bluetooth broadcast audio technology called Auracast. It enables a Bluetooth audio source like a smartphone. This aims to send audio to an infinite number of Bluetooth audio devices simultaneously.

Auracast is also a significant accessibility improvement for hearing-impaired people. Auracast broadcasts over the public venue, handing clear and direct audio out of hearing aids or Bluetooth equipment. This negates the headaches from background noise and distance. It means that we are providing more inclusive and accessible audio in places where real-time audio systems cannot be heard.

Outline Text for Accessibility

In Android 16 Beta 3, we bring “Outline Text for Accessibility.” This is a feature that gives an outline around onscreen text to help make it more readable. It does so by separating the text from the background with a clear line. 

While Outline Text takes a slightly different approach from the previous 'High Contrast Text'. It characteristics a physical delineation between text and surrounding elements via a visual border. 

Particularly useful for low-vision users it greatly improves text distinctness and reduces eye strain. It is better at helping you process written text enhancing the user experience.

Local Network Protection (LNP)

As we are on Android 16 Beta 3 let's break down the Local Network Protection (LNP) feature.

Local Network Protection (LNP) is a new Android 16 Beta 3 security feature. It is designed to increase user privacy and local network control by protecting user network connection data from apps.

This feautre includes show advertisements, anti-malware services, personal GPS sharing, health monitoring, and other similar cases.

It introduces tighter permissions and controls for apps wishing to interact with the same local network’s devices.

How It Enhances User Privacy and Security:

App access to the local network is under the control of LNP. This deploys more granular control over what apps can get to it. It stops apps from quietly scanning or accessing devices on the local area network without the owner’s consent. 

It protects against such privacy-related abuse as unauthorized device discovery or data sharing. Additionally, it enhances network security by ruling out the probability of app malversation. It aims to create havoc with vulnerabilities in local network devices.

Compatibility and Availability

 Most of the Android 16 Beta 3 is released for Google’s Pixel devices. It should check the latest Android developer site for the minute list. 

Eligible Pixel owners can enroll on Google’s official website, log in with a Google account, and choose a device. They will then receive over-the-air updates. 

Google offers new Android versions and multiple beta versions before the final stable version. So if we stick to the historical approach, Android 16 will be available in late summer or early fall.

The Wrap Up

Overall, the Android 16 Beta 3 brings in many notable improvements. It includes the awesome Auracast Bluetooth feature for better audio sharing, the outlook-oriented Outline Text feature, and the safer Local Network Protection. 

Together, the individual updates here try to make the Android experience more accessible and secure. With these new features and, we encourage our users with supportive devices to experience these new features in our beta. 

More Reading: What’s New in Android 16 Beta 1