What to know

  • Android 16’s first developer preview introduces “Even Dimmer,” integrating advanced screen dimming directly into the brightness control slider.
  • The feature improves upon Extra Dim by eliminating manual activation requirements and providing seamless brightness adjustment below hardware minimums.
  • Currently exclusive to the Pixel 9, Even Dimmer activates automatically when users slide the brightness bar to its lowest setting.

Google’s latest Android 16 developer preview introduces a new approach to screen brightness control with its new Even Dimmer feature. This enhancement takes the functionality of Extra Dim but packages it in a more user-friendly wrapper.

The current Extra Dim feature requires users to jump through hoops, forcing them to navigate through Settings > Accessibility and toggle Quick Settings tiles. This cumbersome process often leads to users forgetting to adjust the setting as lighting conditions change, resulting in screens that remain unnecessarily dim during daylight hours.

Even Dimmer revolutionizes this experience by seamlessly integrating into Android’s standard brightness control. When you slide the brightness bar to its leftmost position, the system automatically applies an additional dimming layer that goes beyond your device’s hardware-defined minimum brightness. This smart implementation means you’ll never accidentally leave your screen too dim – simply sliding the brightness control right returns it to normal levels.

The technical implementation reveals some interesting details about the feature’s current limitations. The functionality exists exclusively on the Pixel 9 due to its unique framework overlay settings. Google has configured the feature-controlling flag to “true” only on this device’s specific framework overlay, while other Pixel devices lack this setting.

The restricted availability raises questions about Google’s rollout strategy. Whether this limited release represents an intentional pilot program or an oversight remains unclear. Future developer previews will likely shed light on Google’s plans for broader implementation across the Pixel device family.

This thoughtful evolution in Android’s brightness control demonstrates Google’s commitment to improving everyday user experiences. By eliminating the need for manual toggles and complex setting adjustments, Even Dimmer brings a more intuitive approach to screen brightness management.

News and images source: Android Authority