Normally, new versions of Android are released in the third quarter. However, Google recently announced a new schedule, in order to align with smartphone manufacturers’ agendas. And instead of being released in the third quarter, Android 16 will therefore be available from the second quarter of 2025. As a result, preview tests of this new version have already started, on compatible Pixel smartphones. Additionally, Google also just announced an Android 16 feature that should improve the quality of images you share on social media.
Currently, there are two ways to share a photo on platforms like Facebook or Instagram. The first is to take the photo on the smartphone’s photo application, then upload this image to the social network. The advantage of this method is that it allows you to take advantage of all the features of the smartphone to improve photos. The second, quicker method consists of using the photo functionality integrated into the social network. But when you take photos directly on a social network, the quality may be less good, since you do not have access to all the camera settings and improvements provided by the manufacturer.
But Google has been working on a solution to this problem for a while. It already offers a tool called Camera Extensions API which allows Android application developers to take advantage of the photo features of a smartphone on their apps, such as night mode or portrait mode. And the good news is that this tool is supported by more and more smartphone manufacturers. “Over 120 different devices already support camera extenders, representing over 75 million monthly active users”indicates Google.
And on Android 16, the firm will further improve this integration, in order to improve the quality of images captured in low light environments. Indeed, Google will offer a feature that will indicate to apps when the user takes a photo in a poorly lit place. This will allow apps to adjust settings to capture better photos. For their part, the user will also be informed, since the application’s photo interface will display a Moon icon.
Amazing results
In any case, this feature should make a huge difference. Indeed, Google has published a series of comparisons between photos taken on Instagram without night mode, photos with the night world, and photos taken with the smartphone camera application.
But what makes things complicated is that you will have to use an application and a smartphone that will be compatible with all these new features. But these are already offered to Instagram users, on certain Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices. “Now, when Instagram users on Android take a photo in a low-light environment, they will see a moon icon that will allow them to activate night mode for better image quality. This feature is currently available to users of any Pixel device from Series 6, a Samsung Galaxy S24Ultra, or a Samsung Flip6 or Fold6, with more devices to follow.indicates Google.
- Google improves the quality of images taken on social network applications, thanks to better integration between these applications and the photo functionalities of smartphones
- On Android 16, the firm offers new tools that allow apps to know when to activate night mode
- The results shown by Google are impressive
