These are all the key adjustments in Android 16...

Seemingly out of nowhere, Google has seeded the first developer preview build of its upcoming Android 16 replace. Usually, these previews do not come out till early within the new 12 months, making for a novel development cycle this time round.

Whereas this preview construct is primarily supposed for builders, it is doable for anybody to obtain and set up it onto Pixel 6 collection and newer gadgets. Except you realize what you are stepping into, I would advise on holding off for now — down the road, beta builds might be obtainable, that are typically much more steady.

Within the meantime, here’s what’s new in Android 16 Developer Preview 1, and why these additions and enhancements are important.

1 Say hey to Baklava

No, the following model of Android does not begin with a ‘W’

Google / Pocket-lint

We now have official affirmation that Android 16’s code identify is Baklava. Google has a storied historical past in relation to dessert-named software releases, with final 12 months’s Android 15 being recognized internally as Vanilla Ice Cream. Usually, Google comes up with these names in alphabetical order, which makes Baklava an unlikely alternative. For these unaware, Baklava is a pastry dessert manufactured from filo, which is common in Jap European and Close to Jap delicacies.

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2 Notification cooldown is again as soon as once more

This one is a significant quality-of-life enchancment

In case you’ve ever turned on an older smartphone earlier than, you’ve got in all probability skilled the next inevitability: a bombardment of outdated notifications. The brand new notification cooldown characteristic takes purpose at this downside, by routinely reducing the quantity of incoming alerts.

When enabled, the characteristic is triggered particularly when quite a few notifications are available in on the similar time. As somebody who switches between handsets regularly, it is a very welcome addition. It was beforehand in testing in Android 15, and I am glad to see it again on this newest construct of Google’s working system.

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3 Audio sharing has lastly arrived

It is the digital equal of these old-school headphone splitters

Audio sharing is a brand new characteristic designed to permit straightforward multi-user playback of audio content material. For compatibility, each customers want Bluetooth Low Vitality (LE) compliant headphones. As soon as enabled, audio sharing ought to work not in contrast to these old-school headphone splitter peripherals that many people grew up with. You and a buddy can concurrently take heed to the identical tune, podcast, or audiobook, and may achieve this utilizing your individual pair of headphones and a single host machine. For what it is value, Apple has launched its own version of this same feature, which works with the corporate’s AirPods merchandise.

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4 The Settings app has acquired a (minor) facelift

All the pieces is laid out inside categorized bubbles now

With this primary developer preview construct, Google has tweaked Android’s principal Settings app interface, however solely in probably the most minor of the way. The corporate has segmented top-level settings based mostly on commonality, which roughly aligns with how different working programs care for issues. Personally, I do not know if I am a fan of this redesign. As minor as it’s, I discover myself preferring the minimalism of the earlier rendition. In fact, with time, I think about this new design will develop on me.

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