Key Takeaways
- The Android 16 Developer Preview is now out in the wild.
- Google is working on a number of tweaks and improvements to the platform with this release.
- Here are some of the most important changes introduced in this preview build.
It seems out of nowhere, Google is done developer preview build of its upcoming Android 16 update. Usually, this preview doesn’t come out until the beginning of the new year, making for a novel development cycle this time around.
Although this preview build is mainly aimed at developers, it is possible for anyone to download and install it The Pixel 6 series and new devices. Unless you know what you’re getting into, I’d advise you not to stop yet — down the line, a beta build will be available, which tends to be more stable.
In the meantime, here’s what’s new in Android 16 Developer Preview 1, and why these additions and improvements are important.
Related
Forget Android 15: Google’s Android 16 is now officially previewed
As many Android phones are still waiting for their Android 15 update, Google is moving forward with Android 16 Developer Preview 1.
1 Say hello to Baklava
No, the next version of Android doesn’t start with ‘W’
Google / Pocket-lint
We now have official confirmation that Android 16’s codename is Baklava. Google has a storied history when it comes to that a software release called dessertand last year Android 15 locally known as Vanilla Ice Cream. Usually, Google comes up with these words in alphabetical order, which makes Baklava an unappealing thing. For those who don’t know, Baklava is a filo dessert, popular in Eastern European and Near Eastern cuisine.
Related
Google is reportedly aiming to take on the iPad by combining ChromeOS with Android
Google is reportedly planning to migrate ChromeOS to Android to create a unified operating system.
2 Dropping the notification is back again
This is a huge improvement in quality of life
If you’ve unlocked an old smartphone before, you’ve probably encountered the following inevitability: an explosion of out-of-date notifications. A new notification cooling feature takes aim at this problem, by automatically reducing the volume of incoming notifications.
As someone who switches between handsets frequently, this is a very welcome addition.
If enabled, the feature is activated exclusively when multiple notifications come in at the same time. As someone who switches between handsets frequently, this is a very welcome addition. It was previously tested in Android 15, and I’m glad to see it in this latest build of the Google app.
Related
Google may be adding another searchable AI feature
Results are updated in real time, providing instant results and discussion while you search.
3 Audio sharing is finally here
It’s the digital equivalent of those old-school headphone splitters
Audio sharing is a new feature designed to allow easy multi-user playback of audio content. For compatibility, both users need Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) compliant headphones. Once enabled, audio sharing shouldn’t work unlike those peripherals that separate the old-school headphones many of us grew up with. You and a friend can simultaneously listen to the same song, podcast, or audiobook, and you can do so using headphones and a single host device. Accordingly, Apple has introduced its own version of this same feature, which works with the company AirPods products.
Related
These 6 Android apps helped me relax after a stressful week
Feeling stressed? I’ve found six mindfulness apps that help you sleep, track your posture, and more to transform your day.
4 The Settings app has received a (slight) facelift
Everything is placed inside the now separated bubbles
With this first developer preview build, Google has tweaked the interface of the Android Settings app, but in very minor ways. The company has divided the advanced settings based on generality, which is almost in line with how other operating systems take care of things. Personally, I don’t know if I’m a fan of this rebuild. Since it’s smaller, I find myself preferring the minimalism of the previous version. Of course, with time, I think this new design will grow on me.
Interestingly, it seems that Google plans to release this new Settings layout in the upcoming Android 15-based Pixel feature drop, which will be months before Android 16 reaches stability.
Related
Samsung reminds Android users that RCS conversations with iPhones do not have one important feature
Samsung reminded Android users that RCS conversations with iPhone users are not encrypted.
