Android 16, internally codenamed "Baklava," is poised to introduce a suite of innovative features and improvements, as revealed by recent leaks and developer previews. The first developer preview, released on November 19, 2024, offers a glimpse into the forthcoming enhancements aimed at refining user experience and integrating advanced functionalities.
One of the standout features anticipated in Android 16 is the ability for tablet users to run up to three applications simultaneously in a split-screen mode. This enhancement is set to significantly boost productivity by allowing seamless multitasking on larger screens. Although this feature is not yet active, animations discovered in the developer preview suggest its imminent availability. This development will be particularly beneficial for users of high-end tablets acquired in the past two years.
Android 16 is set to overhaul the traditional 'Do Not Disturb' feature by introducing 'Modes.' This functionality allows users to create various profiles, each tailored with specific settings and notification preferences. For instance, a 'Work' mode can be configured to silence social media notifications while keeping work-related alerts active. This customization aims to provide users with greater control over their device's behavior in different contexts, enhancing focus and reducing distractions.
Google is developing a feature in Android 16 called "app functions," designed to enhance the capabilities of its AI assistant, Gemini. This functionality will allow the assistant to perform specific actions within apps, similar to the "app intents" in Apple's iOS 18. For example, users could order food from a restaurant without opening the delivery app. This initiative is part of Google's broader effort to make Gemini more practical and efficient, marking a move towards more proactive and action-oriented smart assistants.
The photo picker in Android 16 has been significantly enhanced to include support for cloud-based media services like Google Photos. Users can seamlessly select photos stored in their cloud accounts, eliminating the need to switch between apps. Additionally, the picker integrates cloud albums alongside local content, offering a unified and streamlined experience. This enhancement simplifies the process of sharing media across different platforms and services.
Android 16 introduces enhanced functionality in Health Connect, allowing apps to access and manage medical data through a new set of APIs. The initial developer preview includes support for writing medical records in FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) format, a standardized method for managing electronic health records across different healthcare systems. This feature currently focuses on immunization records, with plans to expand support for lab results, medications, and more.
Continuing its commitment to user privacy, Android 16 incorporates the latest version of Privacy Sandbox. This feature aims to develop new technologies that improve user privacy and enable effective, personalized advertising experiences. By reducing cross-site and cross-app tracking, Privacy Sandbox seeks to provide a safer environment for users while supporting the needs of the digital advertising ecosystem.
To address the issue of notification overload, Android 16 introduces a 'Notification Cooldown' feature. This functionality aims to reduce distractions from rapid notification bursts by temporarily lowering the notification sound and minimizing alerts for up to two minutes when multiple notifications are received in quick succession. This adjustment does not affect priority notifications like calls or alarms, allowing users to maintain focus while still receiving critical updates.
Android 16 introduces an innovative Audio Sharing feature utilizing Bluetooth LE Audio's Auracast technology. This allows users to stream audio to multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously, such as headphones or speakers, without complex pairing processes. It is particularly useful for sharing audio in group settings, ensuring all participants can listen on their individual devices. To use this feature, both the source device and receiving devices must support Bluetooth LE Audio.
The development of Android 16 is progressing with a structured timeline. The first developer preview was released on November 19, 2024, followed by a second preview on December 18, 2024. The first beta release is anticipated on January 22, 2025, with subsequent beta versions expected in February and March. The final stable release is scheduled for the second quarter of 2025, aligning with Google's accelerated release strategy to bring updates to users more swiftly.
Android 16 is set to deliver a range of features aimed at enhancing user experience, privacy, and device functionality. From advanced multitasking capabilities and AI integration to improved privacy controls and health data management, the upcoming version reflects Google's commitment to innovation and user-centric design. As the beta releases unfold, more features and refinements are expected to surface, paving the way for a comprehensive and robust operating system update in 2025.