These are all the most important modifications in ...

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 collection and newer units. Until you understand what you are moving into, I would advise on holding off for now — down the road, beta builds can be out there, that are typically much more secure.

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

1 Say howdy 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 title is Baklava. Google has a storied historical past on the subject of 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 product of filo, which is widespread 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 serious quality-of-life enchancment

For those who’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ever turned on an older smartphone earlier than, you have most likely skilled the next inevitability: a bombardment of outdated notifications.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 characteristic takes goal 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 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 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 music, podcast, or audiobook, and might accomplish that utilizing your individual pair of headphones and a single host gadget. 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 acquired a (minor) facelift

The whole lot 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 how. The corporate has segmented top-level settings primarily based on commonality, which roughly aligns with how different working programs 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. In fact, with time, I think about this new design will develop on me.

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