- Android 16 may bring a 90:10 ratio in split screen mode, allowing users to enlarge one app and keep another open.
- The feature is similar to OnePlus’ Open Canvas, which offers a similar 90:10 split.
- This update could make it easier to use split screen mode on smaller devices without cramping the UI.
With the early release of Android 16 nearing the horizon, we are getting more and more previews of its upcoming features. This mid-season update is likely to bring several visual changes to the UI. And according to this new report, Android 16 could also bring an improved split screen experience to smartphones.
Folks at Android Authority found that the Android 16 DP2 version , released last month, contains a code to support a 90:10 ratio in split screen mode. While the feature itself isn’t present in the early-release software, they somehow managed to get it working.
However, I couldn’t help but notice that it shares a striking resemblance to OnePlus’ Open Canvas feature . This function also offered a 90:10 split and recently came to their smartphones alongside other OxygenOS 15 features . You can try it out right now if you have a OnePlus phone running on the latest Android 15 update. Here’s a preview of how the split-screen looks on OnePlus devices.
This bigger ratio lets you enlarge apps to the extent that they take up almost all the screen space. At the same time, keep the other app open, which you can access by bringing down the split screen divider . This is far better than the 70:30 split that we currently have. Not only are the UI elements not cramped, but it is also easier to use on smaller devices.
Google hasn’t shied away from taking notes of features offered by other phone-makers and implementing them on Android. So this could be a similar instance, and I, for one, don’t mind it at all. This bigger split on OnePlus phones has made it easier for me to take notes, while scrolling through X, or manage Spotify when texting my partner on WhatsApp. It would be pretty exciting to see this on Android 16 and hopefully, it’s available on the first public beta.
With over 4 year of experience under the belt, I cover all facets of consumer tech, from smartphones to other consumer electronics, our favorite social media apps, as well as the growing realm of AI and LLMs. As an Apps and AI writer app Beebom, I provide my expertise in all these areas, weaving stories that help you get familiar with the tech around you. But you will find me playing NYT daily puzzles in my free time.
Add new comment
Name
Email ID
Δ
- Android 16 DP2 on Pixel 9 adds a new Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock option.
- When enabled, it allows users to unlock their devices even when the screen is completely off.
- This should be a useful feature for those who don’t want to use AOD because of battery woes but want the Fingerprint to always be active.
Pixel 9 series was the first set of Pixel devices to get ultrasonic fingerprint sensors for faster unlock and better accuracy. However, like on most phones, users need to wake up the screen before they can use their finger to unlock the device unless the always-on display is enabled. Well, that’s changing with the Pixel 9 series as Google has added an option to unlock using their Pixel 9’s fingerprint sensor even when the screen is off.
In the Android 16 Developer Preview 2 that Google rolled out today, there’s a new Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock toggle on the Fingerprint Unlock page with the description “Use Fingerprint Unlock even when the screen is off”.
As the name suggests, this keeps the Fingerprint sensor active even when the screen is completely off. Users can then roughly predict where the fingerprint scanner is, and place and scan their registered finger to easily unlock the device without waking the screen up first.
Unfortunately, this only seems to work with the Pixel 9 ( review ) series and will probably be exclusive to the series because it sports an Ultrasonic Fingerprint sensor. However, users with older Pixel devices can still unlock when the screen is off (technically) by enabling the Always-on display from Settings > Display > Lock screen > Always show time and info . Mind you, Always-on affects battery life.
The Screen-off fingerprint unlock is definitely a great feature for those who don’t use AOD but still want to unlock the device without tapping and waking it up, especially when it’s lying flat on a table.
Abubakar covers Tech at Beebom, with his passion for technology tracing back to 2011 when he received a Dell Inspiron 5100 as a gift. He’s also a passionate advocate for the right-to-repair movement, believing in empowering users to maintain and extend the life of their devices. Outside the tech world, he enjoys watching anime and exploring his newfound enthusiasm for Japanese cars. In his free time, you’ll often find him immersed in Genshin Impact or researching his next gadget purchase. Before joining Beebom, he contributed to leading publications like Android Police, How-To Geek, and Fossbytes.
Add new comment
Name
Email ID
Δ
