These are all the main adjustments in Android 16’s Developer Preview 1

Seemingly out of nowhere, Google has seeded the primary developer preview construct of its upcoming Android 16 replace. Usually, these previews do not come out till early within the new yr, making for a novel growth cycle this time round.

Whereas this preview construct is primarily meant for builders, it is attainable for anybody to obtain and set up it onto Pixel 6 sequence and newer units. Until 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 secure.

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

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1 Say good day to Baklava

No, the subsequent 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 relating to dessert-named software program releases, with final yr’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 widespread in Japanese European and Close to Japanese delicacies.

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2 Notification cooldown is again as soon as once more

This one is a serious quality-of-life enchancment

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on an older smartphone earlier than, you have in all probability skilled the next inevitability: a bombardment of outdated notifications.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

When enabled, the characteristic is triggered particularly when quite a few notifications are available on the identical time. As somebody who switches between handsets frequently, 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 Power (LE) compliant headphones. As soon as enabled, audio sharing ought to work not not like these old-school headphone splitter peripherals that many people grew up with. You and a pal can concurrently hearken to the identical tune, podcast, or audiobook, and may achieve this utilizing your individual pair of headphones and a single host system. For what it is price, Apple has launched its personal model of this identical characteristic, which works with the corporate’s AirPods merchandise.

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4 The Settings app has acquired a (minor) facelift

All the things is laid out inside categorized bubbles now

With this primary developer preview construct, Google has tweaked Android’s fundamental 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 methods deal with 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. After all, with time, I think about this new design will develop on me.

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