Android Updates: Improved cameras, phone app, lock screen, and Gemini performance

Several updates are coming to Android, impacting cameras, the Phone app, lock screen customization, and Gemini’s capabilities.

Enhanced Low-Light Photography with Android 16

Android 16 will introduce a “Night Mode Indicator API,” helping camera and social media apps better detect low-light conditions. This API will provide apps with three states: “Unknown” (if lighting conditions can’t be determined), “Off” (sufficient light), and “On” (low light, suggesting Night Mode). This will allow apps like Instagram to automatically recommend Night Mode when needed, improving photo quality in dark environments. This feature could be integrated into apps as early as June 2025, coinciding with Android 16’s expected release.

Pixel Phone App Gets Prominent Audio Emoji Button

Google is testing a more prominent placement for audio emojis in the Pixel Phone app. A large “Audio Emoji” button is being tested above the keypad, making it easier to access during calls. This change is currently in beta testing and may not be immediately available to all users.

More Lock Screen Customization Coming to Android

Android is preparing more granular lock screen clock customization. Beyond the current options for clock style, color, and size, future updates will allow users to adjust weight, width, roundness, and slant. This enhanced customization is being developed in the latest Android 15 beta, although a release date is not yet confirmed.

Gemini “2.0 Experimental Advanced” Offers Improved Performance

Gemini Advanced subscribers now have access to “2.0 Experimental Advanced,” a new model offering significantly improved performance on complex tasks like coding, math, reasoning, and instruction following. This model, designated “Gemini-Exp-1206,” is designed for tackling complex coding challenges, solving mathematical problems, and providing detailed instructions. It’s currently at the top of the Chatbot Arena LLM Leaderboard. It may not function perfectly as an experimental feature and lacks real-time information access and compatibility with some Gemini features. This is available through the $19.99/month Google One AI Premium subscription.