These are all the foremost modifications in Androi...

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 meant for builders, it is attainable for anybody to obtain and set up it onto Pixel 6 collection and newer units. Until you realize what you are stepping into, I would advise on holding off for now — down the road, beta builds will likely be accessible, 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 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 in terms of dessert-named software 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 product of filo, which is in style 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

Should you’ve ever turned on an older smartphone earlier than, you’ve got most likely skilled the next inevitability: a bombardment of outdated notifications. The brand new notification cooldown function takes goal at this downside, by robotically 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, this can be 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 simple 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 buddy can concurrently take heed to the identical track, podcast, or audiobook, and might achieve this utilizing your personal pair of headphones and a single host gadget. 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

Every part 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 essentially the most minor of how. The corporate has segmented top-level settings primarily based on commonality, which roughly aligns with how different working methods 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. After all, with time, I think about this new design will develop on me.

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