Current AudioFlinger at stereo 16-bit PCM at 44.1 kHz( ˆ’32,768 to +32,767) is a little bit too out-dated. The audio quality is degraded, especially in lossless have been downsample. In addition, more and more HQ record is launched, not only at CD level. So, it is necessary to get into 24-bit 96kHz( ˆ’8,388,608 to +8,388,607), also get advantage on high SNR too.
I don't know the major obstacle of being upgrade to hi-res audio. I guess hardware limit, bad AD/DA converter, hard to implement on software side,etc.