# Google Unveils “Even Dimmer” Mode in Android 16: An In-Depth Look at the Enhanced Low Brightness Feature
Google continues to enhance user experience with Android, and its newest feature in Android 16 is no different. The tech giant has rolled out an updated version of its low brightness functionality, dubbed “Even Dimmer,” which strives to enhance accessibility and usability for users in low-light conditions. Here’s what you need to know about this innovative feature and its possible implications.
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## **What is “Even Dimmer”?**
“Even Dimmer” is an upgraded iteration of Google’s earlier “Extra Dim” feature, first introduced in Android 15. This functionality allows users to decrease their screen brightness beyond the typical minimum level, making it perfect for situations in dark environments where even the lowest brightness can feel excessive.
The newly introduced “Even Dimmer” mode, observed in the initial Developer Preview of Android 16, introduces an additional dimming layer to the display. This capability is especially valuable for individuals who are sensitive to bright screens or frequently use their devices in low-light settings, such as at night or in dimly lit rooms.
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## **Notable Features and Enhancements**
### 1. **Integration with the Brightness Slider**
A significant enhancement in “Even Dimmer” is its integration with the brightness slider. Unlike its predecessor, which required navigating to the Accessibility settings for activation, “Even Dimmer” can now be accessed directly via the brightness slider. This more straightforward method allows users to rapidly decrease their screen brightness without having to sift through multiple menus.
### 2. **Quick Settings Tile**
Moreover, Google is reportedly developing a Quick Settings tile for “Even Dimmer.” This tile will offer an even quicker method to toggle the feature on and off, enhancing convenience for users who frequently adjust their brightness settings.
### 3. **Accessibility Features**
“Even Dimmer” remains accessible through the Accessibility section in the Settings menu, ensuring that users with specific needs can find and enable the feature with ease. This dual access method—providing both quick access and a dedicated settings page—addresses diverse user preferences.
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## **How It Functions**
The “Even Dimmer” mode operates as an additional dimming layer that activates only when the brightness slider is set at its lowest setting. This allows users to fine-tune their screen brightness to an ultra-low level without compromising the overall operation of the brightness slider.
For instance, if you’re in a dimly lit room and find even the lowest brightness setting too intense, you can activate “Even Dimmer” to further decrease the screen’s brightness. This functionality is particularly advantageous for tasks like reading or browsing at night, where excessive brightness can lead to eye strain.
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## **Possible Concerns**
Although “Even Dimmer” is a valuable enhancement, it raises some concerns regarding its effect on users with **PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) sensitivity**. PWM is a prevalent technique utilized in displays to regulate brightness, but it can induce screen flickering at lower brightness levels, leading to discomfort or headaches for some individuals. It remains to be determined how Google will tackle this concern in the final version of Android 16.
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## **The Progression from “Extra Dim” to “Even Dimmer”**
Google’s efforts to perfect its low brightness feature started with “Extra Dim,” which debuted in Android 15. While functional, “Extra Dim” required manual activation via the Adaptive Brightness toggle in the Display settings. This process was less intuitive and often cumbersome for users needing swift access to the feature.
With “Even Dimmer,” Google has remedied these issues by embedding the feature directly into the brightness slider and introducing a Quick Settings tile. These modifications not only enhance user experience but also reflect Google’s dedication to improving its accessibility options.
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## **Release Timeline and Accessibility**
The “Even Dimmer” feature is currently available in the initial Developer Preview of Android 16, which has been launched for testing on the Pixel 9 series. The complete release of Android 16 is anticipated in **Q2 2025**, allowing Google sufficient time to collect feedback and implement further enhancements.
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## **Additional Features in Android 16**
Aside from “Even Dimmer,” Android 16 is shaping up to be a comprehensive update. One significant feature is the **”Notification Cooldown”** functionality, designed to alleviate the annoyance of persistent app notifications by subtly reducing their volume and alert intensity. This feature, along with “Even Dimmer,” underscores Google’s commitment to creating a more user-centric and customizable operating system.
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## **Conclusion**
Google’s launch of “Even Dimmer” in Android 16 marks a progressive step forward in improving accessibility and usability for its users. By overcoming the limitations of “Extra Dim” and integrating the
