Android 16 enhances accessibility with Auracast support, helping users with hearing aids

Google has unveiled the third beta version of Android 16, continuing its development of the next stable release of the mobile operating system. This update follows two months after the initial beta and a month after the second iteration.

A key feature in this beta is the introduction of Auracast broadcast audio support for Pixel 9 devices, enhancing audio accessibility through the LE Audio standard. This allows compatible hearing aids and earbuds to directly stream audio from public venues such as airports and classrooms.

For users with low vision, Android 16 beta 3 introduces outline text, a feature that replaces high contrast text by providing a larger contrasting area around text for improved legibility. Additionally, new AccessibilityManager APIs are included to allow apps to detect or register listeners for this mode.

The beta also introduces testing for the Local Network Protection (LNP) feature, which aims to provide users with more control over app access to local network devices. While currently any app with the Internet permission can communicate with local devices, LNP will eventually require specific permissions for such access.