Google has officially released Android 12. The source code for the new firmware is now available at the AOSP repository.
Oddly, the Pixel phones are not getting the update today. Google states that the update will be rolled out to its phones in a few weeks.
Android 12 includes some features that Apple iOS users have enjoyed for a long time including a One-handed mode (similar to Reachability), a Privacy Dashboard that displays how and when apps are accessing the camera, microphone or GPS data. It even displays an icon of the camera and mic on the screen when apps access them, just like in iOS.
Do you hoard a lot of apps? If so, then you may struggle to find an app when you are looking at the app drawer. The new AppSearch feature in Android 12 helps you with this, by allowing you to perform a local search on the device to spot the app you want. Android skins such as MIUI have included full-page screenshots for many years, Android 12 supports this feature natively now.
Android 12 brings a new design to the operating system’s interface called Material You. It allows you to customize various elements including the status bar, notification, shade. The OS determines the primary colours of your wallpaper, and sets it as the theme colour for your device automatically. Google Assistant users have new options that let you set up reminders for everyday tasks, to-do lists, and more.
Google has scheduled another event to be held at the end of this month, its annual Android Developers Conference. Rumour has it that the Google Pixel 6 series will be announced on October 19th, and that they will be available on October 28th. The Android 12 Update for Pixel devices is said to be scheduled for a roll out on the same day.
source: Google
