Google has rolled out the first Android 12 update under the developer program for developers. The next version of Android is still roughly six months away from its official release. Google has released the developer update for developers and OEMs to work on their apps and skins in the coming months. The update also gives us a look at the new design and features introduced in Android 12. The new Android update comes with a new user interface called Material NEXT design. The notifications shade now has a translucent background. Google has also introduced a one-handed mode in Android 12’s latest update. Like Android 11, the new Android update comes with security and privacy enhancements. Let’s take a look at the new Android 12 updates and upgrades introduced by Google under the developer program.
Google Android 12 update rolled out to developers with new features and updates
Google has officially rolled out the Android 12 developer update. The new Android version brings with it a bunch of new features and enhancements. Google has made changes to the user interface. It has also introduced new security and privacy settings.
Android 12 developer update: How to download
Google has rolled out the developer update to select Pixel devices. The Android 12 developer update is being rolled out to Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5.
You can manually update your eligible device by downloading the latest build from here. After you’ve flashed a Developer Preview build to your Pixel device, you’ll automatically be offered over-the-air updates of preview builds.
Please keep in mind that this is a developer update and you might experience lag or random app crashes. It is advisable you wait for the stable release that will roll out to the public later this year.
Material NEXT design, Notification panel
The latest Android 12 update comes with a Material NEXT design. Unlike Android 11, which majorly had a white background, the upcoming Android update will sport a bluish tint that is visible in light and dark themes across the interface. XDA Developers also noted that the lock-screen has a translucent layer in the background. Google has also tweaked the notifications tray. Like the lock screen, the notification shade has a translucent background. There is a new Conversation highlights widget on the way which will show recent calls, messages, and more. The Quick Settings tile also gets the bluish tint.
One-Handed Mode
Google has also added a new one-handed mode. The feature will be helpful for users with small hands who want to reach the top of the screen. It is quite similar to Samsung OneUI and OnePlus’ OxygenOS 11. The feature brings down the options in the top section of the screen for better reachability.
The XDA Developers report further states that Google has added a Feature Flag called “Silky Home”. It pushes the items on a page further down to make them more easily accessible.
Improved Widgets
Widgets have remained around Android for the longest time. Google is improving minor improvements to Widgets in the latest update. The report states that Google is matching Apple’s iOS 14-style widgets with Widget Stacks. The feature is hidden as of now but could be available in the future.
Privacy
Google has brought in a bunch of privacy-related enhancements in Android 12. The new update takes cues from iOS 14 and highlights an indicator when an app uses a camera/ microphone in the background.
The update also introduces a new permissions dialogue box. You get a shortcut in settings to always allow an app that needs to access the microphone or location.
