These are all the most important modifications in Android 16’s Developer Preview 1

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 potential for anybody to obtain and set up it onto Pixel 6 sequence and newer units. Except you realize what you are moving into, I would advise on holding off for now — down the road, beta builds will probably be obtainable, that are usually 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 would not begin with a ‘W’

Google / Pocket-lint

We now have official affirmation that Android 16’s code title is Baklava. Google has a storied historical past with regards to dessert-named software releases, with final 12 months’s Android 15 being identified 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 product of filo, which is fashionable 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

If you happen to’ve ever turned on an older smartphone earlier than, you have most likely skilled the next inevitability: a bombardment of outdated notifications. The brand new notification cooldown function takes intention at this downside, by routinely decreasing the amount of incoming alerts.

When enabled, the function is triggered particularly when quite a few notifications are available in on the identical 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 function 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 good friend can concurrently hearken to the identical music, 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 own version of this same feature, which works with the corporate’s AirPods merchandise.

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4 The Settings app has obtained a (minor) facelift

Every thing is laid out inside categorized bubbles now

With this primary developer preview construct, Google has tweaked Android’s essential Settings app interface, however solely in probably the most minor of how. The corporate has segmented top-level settings based mostly on commonality, which roughly aligns with how different working methods maintain 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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