Google has released the Android 12 developer preview version at its I/O 2021 conference. Here’s what’s new in the latest version of the mobile operating system.
Personalization
Android 12 developer preview has a new feature called color extraction, which will detect your wallpaper’s colours and automatically pick an accent color that is applied to the entire system, quick toggles, volume controls, lock screen, etc. Google calls this theming design, the Material You.
Notification Shade
The notification shade has been overhauled, it has better at-a-glance app notifications. The quick settings has more toggles to control the entire OS, it now includes Google Pay and Home Controls.
Google Assistant
Long press the power button and ask Google Assistant to open apps, make calls, search, or read aloud the text on the screen.
Animations
Android 12 developer preview comes with new animations and touch/swipe motions.
The clock widget on the lock screen changes in size (becomes larger), if you dismiss all notifications.
Privacy Dashboard
Google is giving users more control over the privacy settings. The new privacy dashboard in Android 12 lists all permissions used by apps, including the data that is being accessed, and how often apps use them. You can revoke permissions from the dashboard screen.
Mic and Camera access indicators
An icon will appear on the status bar, when an app is using your phone’s microphone or camera.
This is similar to what we have seen in iOS. The Android 12 developer preview also has 2 new quick toggles that can block access to the camera and microphone.
List of Google Pixel phones that are participating in Android 12 developer preview
- Pixel 3
- Pixel 3 XL
- Pixel 3a
- Pixel 3a XL
- Pixel 4
- Pixel 4 XL
- Pixel 4a
- Pixel 4a (5G)
- Pixel 5
List of Android devices that are participating in Android 12 Beta
- ASUS Zenfone 8
- OnePlus 9/9 Pro
- OPPO Find X3 Pro
- Realme GT
- Vivo iQOO 7 Legend
- Xiaomi Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 11i and Mi 11X Pro
It would be interesting to see whether these features from the Android 12 developer preview make it to non-Pixel devices, because the vast majority of phones come with a custom skin like MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS, RealmeUI, OxygenOS etc.
