Google’s latest operating system, Android 12, made its first debut at May’s Google I/O developer conference. The Android 12 release is now available for download as a public beta, and it is the biggest operating system change Google has introduced in quite a while.
The Android 12 release comes with improved notification capabilities, customizable color palettes, faster battery-saving performance, amongst other things.
We broke down all we know about Android 12 right now, and the features are shown by the public beta and the expected date of the new Google OS release.
Android 12 Release Date
Android 11 was on Sept. 8, 2020, and Android 10 launched on Sept. 3, 2019. It is safe to assume that the final version of Android 12 will be around September or October at most.
Although Google has not made any official announcements concerning the Android 12 release date, according to XDA Developers, the release date is most likely October 4th. This expected date is typically the same day Google launches its Pixel phones.
Nevertheless, when Android 12 is finally officially launched, it will be free to download for all Android users.
Android 12 New Features
Here are some of the outstanding features seen so far in the Android 12 public beta release. Some of these features were also premiered during the Google I/O keynote in May.
App privacy features
Google is introducing several new privacy features in the Android 12 rollout. These new features are to give users an increase in control and transparency.
A privacy dashboard has been introduced to help block apps from storing and collecting unnecessary information. Users can also use this dashboard to turn off the microphone and camera in nearly all apps.
Then again, it is worth mentioning that these new privacy policies are not as strict as those contained in Apple’s recent iOS 14 software releases, which have app “nutrition labels” that let users know what apps are collecting personal data.
Furthermore, the new iOS 14.5 policies necessitate developers to ask for permission to collect your data and track you across websites/apps.
Customized color themes for Pixel phones
If you use a Google Pixel phone, you can now use customized color themes. This is how it works – you select a wallpaper. A feature called ‘color extraction’ switches up the whole system, including widgets, notifications, and your lock screen with custom complementary colors.
Revamped Notifications
The way notifications appear and look in the new Android 12 release is noticeably different, and Google has redesigned notifications to have more functionality and style.
For instance, when you tap a notification, it takes you straight to the action you want to take or the app you want to open.
This is an improvement from the former, where users have to pass through an intermediary service to act.
In addition, users can change the notification shade and panel design interface. Also, In Android 12, the power button now acts as a shortcut to Google Assistant.
Double-tap options
The new double-tap feature allows you to tap the back of your Android phone a specified number of times to set off a chosen action. To enable this feature, you have to go to ‘Gestures’ under settings.
There, you will see many actions you can choose from, such as launching Google Assistant, pausing media, playing media, and taking a screenshot.
Face-based Auto-rotate
Typically, when you turn your phone in landscape mode or portrait mode, the screen adjusts with you. With Android 12, you can choose to auto-rotate on the directions your head is turned on Pixel phones.
One-handed mode
In this Android 12 release, several design changes have been of introduction to ease using your phone with one hand. The improved settings UI shifts the ‘Search’ bar to the bottom of the home screen for better one-handed use and access.
Another feature that helps one-handed use is called “silky home.” This feature essentially customizes your device interface to make it easier to use with one hand.
Trash and recycle bin management
Google may now allow users to manage the Recycle Bin/Trash feature, usually hidden and inaccessible in Android devices. With Android 12, you may be able to see the storage space taken up by trashed items and clean up the trash if you want.
New Connections Settings
Android 12 has replaced the former wifi button with a new one labeled ‘Internet.’ When you tap this button, a screen lets you change. Wi-Fi networks come up, and this screen also displays your current cellular connections.
Improved Location Privacy
Android 12 also lets you decide whether to give apps access to your precise location or approximate location. If you select an approximate location, the app can later request permission to collect data for a specified purpose. However, you can still control how and when this happens.
How To Install Android 12
Google app is seen on a smartphone in this illustration taken, July 13, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
The public beta version of Android 12 is currently available for download for specific devices, including Google Pixel phones. It was previously only available as a developer beta download.
Nonetheless, please bear in mind that beta releases are not final and usually have bugs. It is advice to wait for the final OS version to be on to your device system server before downloading Android 12.
If you still want to test out the beta version with the Android 12 new features, install the software on a tester device and not your main device in case any issues arise.
FAQs
How will I download Android 12 once the final version is available?
Typically, when and how you will get the Android 12 update depends mostly on the maker of your devices, like OnePlus, Samsung, Xiaomi, or Google. However, once the final update version has been release, all you have to do is go to ‘Check for Update’ in your device’s system settings.
What will Android devices be compatible with the Android 12 update?
It is hard to list every device compatible with the new update because there are many available Android devices. Nonetheless, it is of the expectation that the Samsung Galaxy s21, Google Pixel 3, and models above will be compatible with Android 12.
Furthermore, newer models of phones from LG, OnePlus, Huawei, Nokia, Oppo, Samsung, and other manufacturers will be compatible with the Android 12 release.
Conclusion
The final version of Android 12 is very close to being officially out for Android devices. Google is likely putting the finishing touches on the new OS version, seeing as the final Beta 5 just rolled out.
So far, the features shown and seen in the Android 12 beta are considerably remarkable. The revamped interface, notifications, and improved privacy control are some of the most outstanding features.
This new release is one of the biggest Google has teased in the past couple of years regarding design language and system improvements. It is not a reach to say the Android 12 will be one for the books when the final version is released.