There's a great news coming from Google. Google has launched the first Developer Preview of Android 16, marking an earlier start to its development cycle compared to previous versions. Here's everything you need to know:
The Developer Preview 1 (DP1) for Android 16 is available as of November 19, 2024. This signals a shift in Google's strategy to release the stable version in Q2 of 2025, aligning better with device launch cycles. The timeline includes:Release Timeline
- Second Developer Preview: December 2024.
- Beta Program Start: January 2025, continuing until April.
- Stable Release: Q2 2025.
The preview supports a wide range of Pixel devices, including:Eligible Devices
- Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a.
- Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a.
- Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a.
- Pixel 9 series, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet.
Android 16 introduces several exciting features:New Features
1. Notification Cooldown: Automatically lowers the notification volume during rapid successions, reducing distractions.
2. Native Desktop Mode: Google aims to bring desktop functionality with app windows, improving multitasking.
3. Battery Optimization: A feature to limit charging to 80% for better battery health.
4. Improved Audio Sharing: Enhanced support for casting audio to multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously.
To install the DP1, users need to flash factory images or use OTA updates. A factory reset may be required for some devices, especially for those currently on Android 15 Beta.Installation Process
Internally, Android 16 is referred to as "Baklava," continuing Google's tradition of dessert-based codenames. It also includes updates to APIs like Health Connect and Privacy Sandbox. Android 16 is shaping up to be a feature-rich release, promising improvements for both developers and end-users. So, Are you planning to test it on your device? Let me know in the comment section, and I will see you in the next topic very soon...Codename and Additional Changes