The long-awaited Android 12 is finally announced by Google. At Google I/O 2021, Android 12 was fully revealed.
Google I/O is an annual developer conference where Google announces new hardware, software, and various updates for its existing apps and services. While virtual gathering has been popular due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation, Google also delivered an all virtual I/O of 2021. The event is taking place from Tuesday, May 18, through Friday, May 21. Due to the all-virtual nature of the show, every single event will be live-streamed for free. And interested can register and be part of the event here.
So far, we’ve got Android 12 reveal and the first public beta, new Smart Canvas platform, Wear OS and Tizen merge, New updates to Google’s camera software, Google’s new Starline platform, Better security and digital car keys and more coming on the way.
The Android 12 reveal and the first public beta can be considered as one of the best announcements as we’d been waiting for it for quite a while. And Google has finally given us a much better idea of what the future Android looks like.
Android 12 Release date and Beta Download
Looking back at the releases of the predecessor of Android 12, the final and finished version of Android 12 is likely to arrive in September or October. After the official release, Android users can try the Android Version for free. The first public beta is available for download though. Those who can’t wait until the official release of the OS can try out the beta version.
Google brought the first developer preview of Android 12 in February. It was at that time limited to Google Pixel phones. But now, the tech giant has already released the first public beta and it is available for download to a bunch of smartphones that are part of the Android 12 Developer Preview programme. The Pixel devices supporting android 12 include Google Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3A, Pixel 3A XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4A, Pixel 4A 5G, and the Pixel 5.
And the non-pixel devices include Asus ZenFone 8, OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro, Oppo Find X3 Pro, TCL 20 Pro 5G, Tecno Camon 17, iQoo 7 Legend, Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 11i, Mi 11X Pro, Realme GT, and the ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G. However, the beta versions are not final, and typically have bugs. Thus, it’s best to wait until the official final release.
What’s new in Android 12?
Android 12 marks the OS’s biggest design change over the years. It brings updates and new features that Android users might totally fall in love with. In the beta version, you’ll discover:
Material YOU:
Google has completely revamped UI in Android 12. A new Material Design language, called Material You, is introduced with Android 12. It adds more colour, greater personalisation and an element of playfulness. Material You brings the colour extraction from your installed wallpaper that automatically chooses the colour from your Wallpaper to the whole system such as the Calling menu, Settings, Notifications, Music, Google Apps, and many more.
Various interactions and animations throughout the system have also been revamped, responding faster, smoother and with a much greater visual flourish. The lock screen is different, notifications and quick settings are different, and even the settings app is different. There’s also a new pattern and pin unlock screen too.
Redesigned notifications
Google has redesigned the notification layout to improve the usability, functionality, and animation on Android 12. It’s been rebuilt to include Google Pay and Home Controls, while still allowing for customization so you can have everything you need most in one easy-to-access place. When you tap on a notification, it will take you directly to the app or action you want to take, instead of going through an intermediary service to start that action.
Privacy and Security Updates
At Google I/O 2021, Google has announced their new privacy system for Android 12 which makes the Android system more secure and transparent. A privacy dashboard helps you prevent apps from collecting unwanted information and turn off your camera and microphone across all apps. Android 12 gives you more transparency about which apps are accessing your data, and more controls so you can make informed choices about how much private information your apps can access.
One-handed mode
On Android 12, you can activate the one-handed mode which makes it easy to operate Android phones with one hand and your thumb. The updated settings UI moves the Search bar to the bottom of the display for easier one-handed access. It also uncovered a new feature called “silky home” that makes the entire interface more suitable for one-handed use.
Also View: Android 12 WallpapersÂ
Other features
The other improvements in Android 12 include reducing the CPU time needed for core system services by up to 22% and reducing the use of big cores by the system server by up to 15%. That brings completely new animation and smooth motion which brings a unique feeling to the device. Also, that hints at longer battery life. Google has finally removed the round icons and redesigned them with large text tiles which look beautiful, elegant, and quickly accessible.
Android 12 will also ask you for permission from an app to use a feature of the phone where you have options to allow it while running the app, only once, or not at all. As per 9to5Google, with Android 12, on Pixel phones, it appears that you’ll be able to choose “face-based autorotate” based on the way your head is turned.
Another double-tap new feature lets you tap the back of your Android phone a set number of times to trigger the action of your choosing. Once you enable it in settings under Gestures, you’ll see a list of actions you can set, like taking a screenshot, playing and pausing media or launching Google Assistant.
These aren’t all the features in the new Android 12. There’s more to be discovered and found. Thus, what do you think of the freshly announced Android 12? Are you waiting for the official final release or are going to give a try to the beta version? Let us know, what you think!
