There are new features for pro photographers in Android 16's next public beta

Andrew Liszewski, a seasoned tech journalist who has been reviewing the latest gadgets since 2011, has always had a passion for electronics from a young age.

Google is rolling out the second public beta of Android 16 today, bringing new tools for professional photographers who seek greater control over their images and videos. This update introduces enhanced manual settings for auto-exposure, precise adjustments for color temperature and tint, and support for Ultra HDR images in the HEIC format. Following this release, two additional public beta versions are expected before the full version of Android 16 arrives in Q2.

Previously, Android’s camera app required users to choose between full manual exposure control or relying entirely on auto-exposure. With Android 16, a hybrid mode is being introduced, allowing photographers to manually tweak either ISO or exposure time while the app’s AE algorithms manage the remaining settings. This feature will be particularly useful for photographers who want to limit image noise by avoiding high ISO settings, offering a better balance between control and automation.

Additionally, white balance adjustments, which were previously limited to a handful of presets such as cloudy, incandescent, or twilight, are now getting a major upgrade. Android 16 will allow users to fine-tune both color temperature and tint, giving them the ability to adjust for difficult lighting conditions and achieve accurate color representation straight from the camera. This update not only aids in correcting unwanted color casts but also provides photographers with creative freedom to stylize their shots in real time.

Another key improvement in today’s beta is the inclusion of Ultra HDR support for HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) files. Compared to JPEG, HEIC offers superior image quality while taking up less storage space, thanks to advanced compression methods. Like Ultra HDR JPEGs, Ultra HDR HEIC files will feature an embedded “gain map” in their metadata, ensuring compatibility with older devices that have standard dynamic range (SDR) screens. On modern HDR-compatible screens, these images will display enhanced color depth, brightness, and contrast.

The Android 16 public beta is now available for Google Pixel devices, starting from the Pixel 6 and including the Pixel Tablet. Users interested in testing the update can opt in via the designated enrollment page on their chosen device.