Lo, as the anticipation for Android 15 doth linger amongst the tech-savvy folk, lo and behold, Google hath dropped upon us the first developer preview build of Android 16 this day. This mid-season update doth bringeth forth significant upgrades. Thus, with mine Pixel 9 Pro now adorned with this software, let us delve into the realm of all the new features that Android 16 doth hath in store.
## 1. Android 16 Baklava is Here
In the bygone days of October, ’twas reported that Google, in a bold move, hath decided to abandon its ancient naming conventions, opting to embark anew. The unveiling of the first Android 16 developer preview doth confirm this, for one can witness that Android 16 doth bear the illustrious codename “Baklava” on the About page. Baklava, a confection of Middle Eastern descent, crafted from layers of pastry interwoven with nuts and sweet syrup, doth lend its name to this latest iteration.
## 2. Settings Page Gets a New Look
The winds of change sweepeth through the Settings page with the arrival of this new update. A much-needed design overhaul hath graced the Settings realm, with a segmented layout for ease of navigation. Noteworthy is the relocation of the Google accounts page to a place of prominence atop the hierarchy, akin to the ways of iOS. The erstwhile lowly dwellers, the About Phone and System settings, have ascended to reside above Security & privacy.
## 3. Bluetooth Audio Sharing
Verily, the long-awaited Bluetooth Audio Sharing hath made its debut with the advent of Android 16. Henceforth, one may revel in the joy of shared audio through multiple Bluetooth headphones simultaneously. ‘Tis a feature of grandeur, though reliant upon the support of Bluetooth LE-enabled earbuds for its fruition.
To embark on this audio-sharing quest, venture thus: Settings -> Connected devices -> Connection preferences -> Audio sharing.
Fear not the QR code, for it doth hold promise of media stream sharing with another device, an endeavor yet to be realized. Await ye the coming of more Bluetooth LE-supported earbuds upon the stable update’s arrival.
## 4. Notification Cooldown Returns
Behold the resurrection of Notification Cooldown, making its triumphant return with the dawn of Android 16 DP1. This feature, erstwhile present in Android 15 DP1 ere removed in subsequent updates, doth now grace us anew. ‘Tis a polished menu that showcase the inner workings of this feature, which doth quiet the incessant barrage of notifications in short succession, thus offering respite from the deluge.
## 5. Modes Replaces Do Not Disturb
In a move reminiscent of the iOS realm, Google hath replaced the stalwart Do Not Disturb with the novel Modes options within Settings. No longer shall one be confined to the traditional realm of DND, but ye may now forge custom modes complete with icons, dictating their behavior to suit thy whims.
Thus, bedeck thy device with modes tailored for bedtime, work, merrymaking, or weekends, easily accessible from the quick settings.
## 6. Wi-Fi Sharing Gets a New Look
A visual transformation hath befallen the Wi-Fi sharing QR code within Android 16. Once a dull and square visage, it hath now been imbued with animation, sporting a curvier countenance. The reasons behind this change, whether practical or merely aesthetic, doth yet remain shrouded in mystery.
## 7. Experimental Display Color Mode
Within the depths of Settings -> Display & touch -> Colors upon thy Pixel device, a new Experimental mode doth await. Its purpose obscured in the mists of uncertainty, selecting this mode doth bestow upon thee enhanced display warmth akin to the fabled Night Light. Perchance future updates shall unveil the true nature of this feature.
## 8. 7-Day Privacy Dashboard
The Privacy Dashboard, a stalwart companion in the realm of Android, hath undergone evolution in Android 16. Where once it displayed but a day’s worth of app permissions, it doth now reveal unto thee the insights of the past seven days. A tap of the three-dot menu doth grant thee entry to this realm of understanding app behavior.
## 9. Embedded Photo Picker
For the denizens of the developer realm, a boon hath been bestowed upon thee with the introduction of new APIs for the photo picker tool in this update. Thus, a pop-up menu doth emerge, allowing thee to select specific photos or videos for upload to apps, without surrendering access to the entirety of thy files.
## 10. Health Connect App Improvements
Shouldst thou find thyself a user of Google’s Health Connect app, then rejoice, for great improvements await thee. Apps may now read and inscribe thy medical records in the esteemed FHIR format within Android 16 DP1. ‘Tis a standard enabling the exchange of electronic health records amongst apps, though doth require the user’s blessing ere access is granted.
## 11. Changes to Privacy Sandbox and New APIs
Lastly, a new chapter opens within the annals of Android with the introduction of the Privacy Sandbox module in this latest release. Though the specifics of its contents remain veiled, the promise of incorporation of the latest version doth hold hope for the future.
These be the new features gracing Android 16 at this juncture. With the passage of time and the advent of further updates, this list shall burgeon with additional features and alterations to the OS. ‘Tis not a grand upheaval, yet ’tis but the first whispers of change in this developer preview. Should thy heart long to explore these features firsthand, learn the ways to install the Android 16 developer preview. What say thee to these wonders of Android 16? Pray, share thine thoughts and desires in the comments below.
