Google unveils Android 16 Developer Preview with enhanced photo picker & health APIs

Google has announced the release of the first developer preview of Android 16, marking the beginning of more frequent API releases aimed at accelerating innovation in apps and devices. This preview introduces enhancements to the photo picker, allowing apps to embed it into their view hierarchy. This integration maintains process isolation, enabling users to select specific media without granting broad permissions.

Additionally, the developer preview includes an early version of Health Connect APIs, which support reading and writing medical records in FHIR format with user consent. This feature is part of an early access program. Android 16 also integrates the latest version of the Privacy Sandbox, reflecting Google's commitment to user privacy protection.

The Android 16 Preview program will continue from November 2024 until the final public release next year, with updates provided at key development milestones for testing and development purposes.