Yesterday, Google launched their new Android 12 OS at their I/O Developer Conference, and they have also released the first Android 12 beta. This release marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Android operating system, promising a host of new features and improvements that aim to enhance user experience and security.
Revamped Design and Personalization
The new Android 12 OS will bring a completely new design to Android, known as “Material You,” which focuses on personalization and customization. This will include a new range of personalization options, new animations, new system spaces, updated privacy features, and much more.
One of the standout features is the ability to completely personalize your phone with a custom color palette and redesigned widgets. Using what Google calls color extraction, you choose your wallpaper, and the system automatically determines which colors are dominant, which ones are complementary, and which ones just look great. It then applies those colors across the entire OS: the notification shade, the lock screen, the volume controls, new widgets, and much more.
Starting with Android 12 on Pixel devices, you’ll be able to completely personalize your phone with a custom color palette and redesigned widgets. Using what we call color extraction, you choose your wallpaper, and the system automatically determines which colors are dominant, which ones are complementary, and which ones just look great. It then applies those colors across the entire OS: the notification shade, the lock screen, the volume controls, new widgets, and much more.
Enhanced Privacy and Security Features
Privacy has been a significant focus for Android 12. The new OS introduces several features designed to give users more transparency and control over their data. One of the key additions is the new Privacy Dashboard, which provides a clear and comprehensive view of how and when apps access your data. This dashboard will show you a timeline of app activity, making it easier to understand and manage permissions.
Additionally, Android 12 includes new indicators that alert you when an app is using your microphone or camera. These indicators appear in the status bar, ensuring that you are always aware of when your device’s sensors are active. There are also new toggles in Quick Settings that allow you to disable the microphone and camera across the entire system with a single tap.
Performance Improvements and New Features
Android 12 also brings several performance improvements designed to make the OS faster and more responsive. Google has optimized the system to reduce CPU time needed for core system services by up to 22%, which should result in smoother performance and better battery life.
Moreover, the new OS introduces a range of new features aimed at enhancing usability. For example, the new Quick Settings space has been redesigned to include Google Pay and Home Controls, making it easier to access these features directly from the notification shade. There are also new animations and transitions that make the interface feel more fluid and dynamic.
Another notable feature is the new one-handed mode, which makes it easier to use large-screen devices with one hand. This mode shifts the UI elements down towards the bottom of the screen, allowing for easier reachability.
You can find out more details about the new Android 12 Beta over at Google at the link below. The new beta is now available for developers to try out, providing an opportunity to explore the new features and improvements before the official release.
Source Google
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
