AI appears to be taking on many features of Android gadgets. Whereas AI will be useful, its integration into quite a few options can typically be annoying—particularly should you don’t use these options frequently. Google seems to be engaged on giving customers higher management over which AI functionalities seem on their Android gadgets, beginning with keyboards in Android 16.
Google just lately launched the second developer preview (DP2) of Android 16, highlighting system-level enhancements similar to enhanced haptics, cloud-based picture picker assist, and extra steady refresh price dealing with. Nevertheless, hidden throughout the replace is a brand new Writing Instruments API.
What the brand new Android 16 Writing Instruments API does
Based on documentation uncovered (by way of Android Authority), this API allows apps to disable AI-powered writing instruments like textual content technology and proofreading from the keyboard when customers enter delicate data similar to passwords or bank card numbers on the textual content fields.
This performance improves the accuracy of how keyboards work together with totally different enter fields in apps. Extra importantly, it gives customers higher management over which AI options are enabled on their keyboards. From a privateness and safety perspective, this might assist forestall AI-powered instruments from accessing delicate knowledge that customers enter into the fields.
Notably, Google’s Gboard already adjusts its format primarily based on the kind of enter discipline in use. Nevertheless, the brand new Writing Instruments API would lengthen this performance to customized and third-party keyboards, making the characteristic extra universally accessible.
Particulars on different potential capabilities of the Writing Instruments API stay unclear. Google may reveal extra in future developer previews or upcoming beta releases of Android 16.
Along with the brand new API, Android 16 DP2 consists of superior haptic APIs that permit exact tuning of vibration amplitude and frequency. There’s additionally a brand new lock display shortcut, which customers can customise to rapidly launch a notes app. For a whole listing of options and updates in Android 16, take a look at our Android 16 hub.
What different options would you wish to see in Android 16? Share your ideas within the feedback beneath!
Supply:
Android Authority
