Android 16 could feature an enhanced audio input switcher

Android 16 may introduce an enhanced system-wide audio input switcher. Following the Android 15 release, the US tech giant is busy with another OS version. The company aims to make the new software even more useful for its users than before.

Google is working on a system-wide audio input menu for Android 16. As the name reflects, the feature will enable users to switch between multiple audio input devices for all apps via a single, system-wide section.

For instance, your Android phone comes with an in-built microphone. But in case you want to use an additional mic for a specific app, you need to check its compatibility. One has to open the app and verify if it has an ‘external mic support’ feature.

Apps like Camera and Recorder let users choose their audio output due to the Media Recorder API. However, certain applications use the phone’s mic by default, limiting the user experience.

The feature is good yet irritating as you have to check in every individual app, every time while connecting an additional mic to the device. Although Android 16 could solve this problem with an enhanced and new audio input switcher dialog box.

Android 16 could feature an enhanced audio input switcher (Image Credits: Android Authority)

Spotted by Mishaal Rahman, some codes of this feature recently appeared in the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3. It adds an audio input router to the existing media switcher.

Media switcher dialog came into existence with Android 11. But it only has an output router that enables users to switch their audio device for the playback audio.

The system-wide menu, on the other hand, prevents users from digging into every application and searching for individual mic settings if it has one. It is a perfect tool for those who want to record high-quality music via an external mic.

Android 16 could feature an enhanced audio input switcher (Image Credits: Android Authority)

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