Google is working on a flashy new feature for Pixel phones

Abstract

Google seems to be engaged on a local flashlight depth slider UI for Android.
Till now, Pixel telephones have not had a approach to alter flashlight depth out of the field.
The potential function is referenced within the newest Android 16 QPR Beta 2 construct, as uncovered by Nail Sadykov on Telegram.

As of late, Google has been all palms on deck in relation to Android improvement. The company recently released the secure model of Android 16 to the world, in addition to a June function drop particularly for Pixel customers. The search big’s upcoming Quarterly Platform Launch (QPR) 1 replace, which is predicted to reach someday within the coming weeks, will introduce a dramatic Material 3 Expressive redesign and varied desktop mode enhancements to Android 16, as properly.

Within the midst of all these thrilling software program developments, one small-yet-flashy Android function seems to be within the works for Pixel house owners, and it is one which I would describe as being lengthy overdue. As uncovered by Nail Sadykov on Telegram (via Android Authority), the newest Beta 2 launch of Android 16 QPR1 makes reference to a ‘Flashlight Power’ function inside its code base.

Whereas nothing has been formally confirmed by Google, it may be surmised that the corporate is engaged on bringing an LED-intensity slider UI to the Android OS at a system degree. That is nice information, as it will enable extra granular management over the depth of emitted gentle when utilizing a Pixel cellphone as a makeshift flashlight.

It is unclear whether or not Google’s implementation might be as strong as Apple’s, or if it’s going to find yourself being a easy multistep depth slider.

In the mean time, most Android cellphone makers already present an LED depth slider via their software program pores and skin. Till now, nevertheless, they’ve typically relied on customized implementations. If Google provides the function to the ‘inventory’ model of the Android Open Supply Challenge (AOSP), it’s going to unify the performance throughout all the ecosystem. It is shocking that the function is not already accessible out of the field for Pixel customers, contemplating its ubiquity throughout competing cellular working programs.

In fact, the competitors is not sitting nonetheless: In final yr’s iOS 18 launch, Apple one-upped the competitors by introducing an even more adjustable LED flash adjustment instrument to the iPhone, with the flexibility to not solely alter depth, but additionally beam width. It is unclear whether or not Google’s implementation will find yourself being as strong as Apple’s, or if it’s going to ship within the type of a easy multistep slider. Sadykov has managed to allow an early-stage beta UI for the function, which seems to work by increasing a slider menu from the fast settings pane.

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The groundwork has already been laid

A user-facing flashlight slider for Android is inevitable

Pocket-lint / Google

Technically talking, Google laid the foundations for LED depth management all the way in which again in 2022’s Android 13 launch. Since then, it has been potential for builders to faucet into the function, making it all of the more bizarre that it is not already a user-facing possibility on trendy Pixel telephones.

The Google-published Magnifier app, which serves as an accessibility instrument, already affords its personal flashlight depth slider, however I have been counting on the third-party Lumolight app from the Play Retailer to fulfill my LED depth itch. This latter resolution works like a allure on my Pixel 9 Professional, and it ought to work simply as reliably on any cellphone operating Android 14 or newer. Better of all, it is full of further choices, and it makes nice use of Materials You theming.

In fact, simply because a function is referenced throughout the code base of a beta software program construct, doesn’t suggest that it will essentially see the sunshine of day. I really feel assured {that a} flashlight depth slider for the Pixel is an inevitability, but it surely’s onerous to say when the function would possibly truly land on units in secure kind. In the interim, Lumolight continues to serve me properly as a one-stop store for leveraging my Pixel’s rear LED module.