These are all the key adjustments 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 yr, making for a novel development cycle this time round.

Whereas this preview construct is primarily supposed for builders, it is attainable for anybody to obtain and set up it onto Pixel 6 collection and newer gadgets. Except you already know what you are entering into, I might advise on holding off for now — down the road, beta builds will probably be accessible, that are typically way more secure.

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

1 Say hi there to Baklava

No, the subsequent model of Android would 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 releases, with final yr’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 selection. For these unaware, Baklava is a pastry dessert fabricated 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 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on an older smartphone earlier than, you’ve got in all probability skilled the next inevitability: a bombardment of outdated notifications.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 function takes purpose at this downside, by routinely reducing the amount of incoming alerts.

When enabled, the function is triggered particularly when quite a few notifications are available 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 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 not like these old-school headphone splitter peripherals that many people grew up with. You and a good friend can concurrently hearken to the identical tune, podcast, or audiobook, and might accomplish that utilizing your personal pair of headphones and a single host machine. 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

All the things is laid out inside categorized bubbles now

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