Sunday, 28 February 2021

These are the top Android 12 features to get you excited

Google has released the first Developer Beta of Android 12, and as the name makes it clear, it is intended for developers to test the new APIs and accordingly tweak their apps in accordance with Google’s new vision for its mobile operating system. This is far from what the stable version looks like, but the first developer-centric build of Android 12 has already given us a glimpse of the changes that will greet users, both major and minor. Here’s our pick for the top Android 12 features we’ve seen so far:

NOTE: Some of the Android 12 features mentioned have to be enabled manually, or are still in the development phase in the first Developer Preview released by Google.

Personally, no other convenience tops it for me than a native scrolling screenshot feature. I am heavily reliant on this feature on my secondary phones running skins such as OnePlus’ Oxygen OS and Xiaomi’s MIUI, but my daily-driver Pixels haven’t had a native solution for it. Thankfully, Android 12 finally adds this convenience, and I can’t wait for it to roll out widely with the stable Android 12 update for all Pixel users at some point in August.

Wi-Fi password sharing made easier

Google released Nearby Share – its wireless file transfer tool for Android phones – back in August last year, and has kept improving it ever since. With Android 12, Nearby Share gets yet another useful trick – the ability to share Wi-Fi passwords. All you have to do is hit the Nearby button on the Share Wi-Fi screen, let it scan, and find the device that you want to share the password with.

One-handed mode

For folks like me with smaller than average fingers, using a large phone such as the Pixel 3 XL was nothing short of a daily struggle. Thankfully, Android 12 is introducing a native one-handed mode that will solve the reachability issue. Though it currently doesn’t look as polished as its implementation by other OEMs, it is definitely good to see this convenience arrive with the first developer preview of Android 12.

A more granular theming system

In Android 12, you’ll get deeper customization controls with a fresh approach to theming. For example, UI elements such as accent colors and notification backgrounds change their hue based on the wallpaper you have set on the home and lock screen. This approach also extends to the settings menu where the background and slider colors are also tweaked accordingly.

Image: XDA-Developers

Privacy indicators

Android 11 introduced a nifty feature called one-time permission that allowed users to grant an app temporary access to their device’s sensor (or any other data-related parameter) as long as the session lasts. In Android 12, Google is taking a more proactive approach in that direction, showing warnings even in system apps if they are using the mic or camera. Additionally, you will able to shut off access to your phone’s camera and mic for all apps using dedicated quick action tiles.

Accessing notifications shade made easier

On Pixels, you have to reach all the way to the top and perform a swipe-down gesture to access the notifications tray, or you can customize the fingerprint sensor at the back to do so. But in Android 12, you will be able to do the same by just swiping down alongside the bottom edge of the screen.

Refined picture-in-picture mode experience

The picture-in-picture (PiP) mode experience on Android has been a barebones affair so far. Thankfully, Android 12 Developer Preview 1 introduces the ability to resize a picture-in-picture window, and also adds the ability to stash it on the side of the screen without actually closing it.

Sending haptic feedback to connected controllers

Vibration feedback on a gaming controller plays a key role at enhancing the whole feel of playing a game. In Android 12, if you are playing a game on your phone or tablet, you will be able to channel the vibration feedback to your connected gamepad, which is quite cool.

Editing at your fingerprints

Imagine a scenario where you have to share a photo, but quickly have to crop the sides and add some annotations to it. Ideally, you would do it first-hand before hitting the share button, or you will rely on the in-app solution, the likes of which you see on WhatsApp. In Android 12, the native editor now appears on the share sheet to save you the hassle.

Image: XDA-Developers

If you want a more in-depth look at everything that the first Developer Preview of Android 12 brings and the features that are currently in the pipeline, check out this comprehensive and constantly updated Android 12 guide over at XDA-Developers.

Nadeem Sarwar

I’ve been writing about consumer technology for over three years now, having worked with names such as NDTV and Beebom in the past. Aside from covering the latest news, I’ve reviewed my fair share of devices ranging from smartphones and laptops to smart home devices. I also have interviewed tech execs and appeared as a host in YouTube videos talking about the latest and greatest gadgets out there.

Source

The post These are the top Android 12 features to get you excited appeared first on abangtech.



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