google offers the best look yet at android 12
Android 12: A Significant Design Overhaul
The twelfth iteration of Android has proven to be quite unique. Announced in February, a beta version is currently accessible to developers. However, detailed information regarding the final appearance of Android 12 has been limited until now. Remarkably, this new version is poised to deliver one of the most substantial design updates seen in years.
This news coincides with Google’s announcement that over 3 billion Android devices are currently in use worldwide.
Introducing Material You
Google has unveiled Material You, a novel, adaptable UI designed for cross-platform compatibility. This new system aims to provide users with greater control over their operating system’s functionality. Specifically, content can be customized to align with the varying design languages found on different phones.
The feature will initially launch on Pixel phones this autumn, with subsequent availability extended to other devices.
Redesigned UI and Widgets
Android 12 will be the first to incorporate the redesigned user interface and widgets, alongside other updated design elements. Google describes this as “the biggest design change to Android in years.”
Updates encompass a comprehensive refresh of elements like the lock screen and wallpaper, utilizing algorithms to generate a constantly evolving color palette. The key characteristic appears to be “dynamic,” with various components and widgets adjusting to factors such as the time of day.
Enhanced Security Features
Alongside the visual changes, Google is emphasizing improved security features with this update. New indicators will clearly show when the microphone or camera is in use—permissions that can be revoked directly from the operating system’s dashboard.
The Private Compute Core facilitates features like Smart Reply, leveraging user settings while keeping data isolated from the network and processing it directly on the device.
Improved Cross-Platform Integration
Android handsets will experience closer integration with Chrome OS. This includes the ability to use a mobile device for direct login to a Chromebook, as well as unified cross-platform notifications.
Performance and Efficiency Gains
On the development front, Google reports performance improvements. “We reduced the CPU time needed for core system services by 22%, resulting in faster and more responsive devices,” states Google on its developer blog.
Power efficiency has also been enhanced by reducing the system server’s reliance on high-performance cores by 15%, extending battery life. Improvements have also been made to transition and app startup times.
Availability
The new beta is available for download today. Google anticipates releasing further updates in the coming months, suggesting this is the most significant update to the mobile operating system in recent memory.
The final release is scheduled for this fall.