Android 16 Beta 2 Introduces Customizable Regional Preferences
Android has long employed default settings for regional information, including units of measurement and temperature. These defaults are typically set based on the device’s location or language. While this system works well in most cases, there were previously limited options for users who wanted to customize these preferences.
Addressing User Demand for Customization
With the release of Android 16 Beta 2, Google has introduced a new "Regional preferences" section within the "Languages" page in Settings. This new menu provides users with the ability to easily modify system-level settings for:
- Units of Measurement: Choose between US Imperial units (e.g., inches, feet, pounds) or Metric units (e.g., centimeters, meters, kilograms).
- Temperature Units: Select between Fahrenheit and Celsius.
- Calendar Format: Opt for GregorianCalendar or JapaneseCalendar.
- First Day of Week: Set the first day of the week as Monday or Sunday.
Simplifying Preference Customization
Traditionally, adjusting regional preferences in Android required navigating through multiple menus or using complex workarounds. The new "Regional preferences" section eliminates this hassle, offering a dedicated menu for users to customize these settings as desired.
Default Settings Still Apply
It is important to note that while users can customize their regional preferences, the system will still apply default settings based on the device’s region and language. This ensures that most apps and services continue to function as intended in their respective regions.
App Compatibility Considerations
The impact of changing regional preferences may vary across different apps. Some apps may reflect the changes made in the "Regional preferences" menu, while others may have their own internal settings for these parameters. Additionally, some apps may direct users to the "Regional preferences" menu to adjust these settings.
In our testing, Google Maps continued to display measurements in Imperial units despite the system-level change to Metric units. However, Pixel Weather successfully switched to displaying temperatures in Celsius.
Conclusion
The introduction of customizable regional preferences in Android 16 Beta 2 is a welcome addition for users who prefer to use different units or formats than their default settings. The new "Regional preferences" menu simplifies the process of changing these settings, allowing users to tailor their Android experience to their specific needs.
As Android 16 continues to develop, we may see further enhancements and improvements related to regional preferences. Google’s commitment to user customization and flexibility is reflected in this latest update, empowering users to personalize their devices and optimize their user experience.
