Google’s next OS, Android 16, takes center stage with two developer previews already released. This newer build is currently exclusively available for the Pixel users and will be a distinctive upgrade to the previous major OS version. Google is expected to integrate a number of new features in its next OS, while here’s everything that happened so far with the newer Android version.
Android 16 Release Roadmap:
The journey of Google’s Android 16 began in November, where the company offered the developer preview program for the Pixel owners that was slated to the release of the second developer preview in December, while it will be followed by certain beta phases scheduled for January and February next year until the release as the platform stability phase, and it will then be taken forward to the public or final stable launch in between May or June, 2025, for Pixel users.
Changes performed in the sweet dish nomenclature: Now to be known as “Baklava”
Google is shaping up to a surprising shift in the form of its next-generation Android 16 OS. The most significant hint is the changes in the traditional sweet dish nomenclature, where Google ditches the alphabetical order naming and instead plans to start from the beginning, and thus, the new Android 16 will be named as Baklava (a sweet dish of Turkey).
New features and changes:
From extending advanced Lock Screen security to adding more layers of privacy for the Android users, the upcoming Android 16 version will be leveraged with some stunning features and changes. These include the new two-finger double tap gesture for Zoom, seven new emojis, fingerprint unlock with the phone’s screen off (exclusive to the Pixel 9 series), support for physical keyboards, a redesigned Wi-Fi and QR code, and the photo picker feature.
Alternatively, the developer previews further brought up an audio-sharing feature, FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) in the Health Connect app, enhanced privacy and security, redesigned quick settings, and live activities.
Android 16 could be a significant boost for Samsung’s next One UI version:
On the opposite side, among all the aforementioned features, there are some features that are already available in Galaxy phones, which is commendable. While Samsung will get a useful yet necessary push to release its next-generation One UI iteration sooner than expected and will be based on Android 16, for sure, with Google’s next major OS already running in its developer preview phase, thus, Galaxy users will experience the next One UI build, which will be customized with some more interesting features and will also be integrated with the upcoming Android 16 OS.
