Android devices are equipped with built-in microphones, enabling voice calls and basic audio recording. However, the quality of these microphones can vary significantly across different models. While some smartphones boast impressive audio capabilities, they often fall short for professional-grade recordings, leading users to seek external microphones. Unfortunately, many Android applications do not support recording through external mics, but the upcoming Android 16 may introduce a solution with a system-wide audio input switcher.
Currently, the ability to select an audio input device is limited to individual applications, which can be frustrating. Google has historically left it to developers to implement microphone settings through the MediaRecorder API, allowing apps to determine which audio source to utilize. For instance, popular applications like Pixel Camera and Pixel Recorder offer users the option to choose between a Bluetooth headset or the phone’s built-in microphone. However, not all apps provide this flexibility, often defaulting to the built-in microphone, which can hinder their use for more serious audio tasks.
Potential Changes in Android 16
As Android 16 approaches, there are indications that Google is preparing to enhance user experience by adding a new feature to the media switcher dialog. This feature would allow users to change the audio input device across all applications, streamlining the process of selecting an external microphone. The media switcher, first introduced in Android 11, currently focuses on audio output but may soon expand its functionality to include input options.
While the audio input router has been discovered in the latest Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3 release, it is not yet functional. Interestingly, the current text refers to the device as “this computer,” suggesting that the feature may initially be designed with PCs in mind. This aligns with Google’s broader strategy to enhance Android’s compatibility with computers, where managing audio input devices is a well-established practice.
Despite the feature’s current limitations, the prospect of a system-wide audio input switcher is promising. It could eliminate the need for users to navigate through individual app settings to adjust microphone preferences, making the overall experience more user-friendly. As Android 16 is slated for release in Q2 of 2025, there remains ample time for Google to refine this feature or reconsider its implementation.
