As the time approaches when Google could officially launch the new version of its popular mobile operating system ( Android ), it is normal that we continue to discover some news, features and new functionalities that would come with the expected Android 12 .
And, as it happens almost every year, Google brings back in 2021 a major update for its Android operating system, which is now accessible to developers (and for those curious who want to inquire a little about the features new ones that it will incorporate).
Although we will analyze some of its most important novelties step by step, in the first instance we highlight some interesting features: a new and renewed interface, additional functions and a very useful option for those who have a smartphone with a very large screen, since they will be more practical. for one-handed use.
What will be the release date of Android 12?
We must bear in mind that, at least for the moment, only the beta version is available for developers . And, if you look at the official Google calendar, the public beta will be staggered between the months of May and August.
If we look at the official release of previous versions, it is foreseeable that Android 12 will reach all users by the end of summer . For example, the final version of Android 11 was available at the beginning of September 2020, yes, in a small selection of smartphones at first.
Hence, many experts believe that Android 12 will be available between late summer and late 2021 .
Main novelties that we will find in Android 12
New interface
As we have seen in some other screenshots, there is no doubt that its developers have decided to submit the Android user interface to a great renovation . Although we must take into account something fundamental: manufacturers are used to adding their own customizations, as is the case of Samsung, Oppo or Xiaomi, so that we will only find the original design in Pixel phones or in those devices that work with Android Stock.
Be that as it may, now we find menus and windows with really rounded and smooth shapes and corners , something that we already saw in version 11 of Android, but in which developers now seem to place special emphasis, especially on color continuity. in practically the entire interface.
Thus, the different elements (such as the settings, the notification panel or the shortcut panel) are inspired by the colors of the user’s screen, applying a slightly opaque focus to match it a bit.
But the lock screen will also have an overhaul. Thus, the ‘Always active’ mode will be modified so that it can display more easily readable information.
They integrate better multitasking
Multitasking offers us the possibility of dividing the screen in two to be able to show an application at the top and a very different one at the bottom.
Known as “App Pairs”, it is a novelty that will not only be very simple and simple to activate, but will also offer the possibility of saving resources, in a similar way to how Apple already does on its iPadOS.
One hand mode for very large screens
It is estimated that the average screen size of Android phones is usually around 6.7 inches, which can make using them with one hand really difficult and complicated.
To solve this, Google has decided to add the “One-handed” mode, allowing the height of the interface to be temporarily reduced to allow easier access to the elements located at the top .
New privacy features
As we have already mentioned on a previous occasion, Android is now inspired by iOS 14 and will show a colored icon in the status bar that will inform the user if the camera, microphone or GPS are being used.
In addition, it will also offer us the possibility of completely deactivating the microphone or camera of our smartphone.
Much more natural screen (or interface) rotation
If you usually use your mobile phone lying down in bed, it is very likely that at some point or other you have had the problem that, suddenly, the screen rotated automatically when in reality it should not.
Now we will find a more natural screen rotation that would change depending on the direction of the user’s face. Thus, if we keep the screen in portrait mode, even if we are lying down, the screen will not rotate automatically.
What phones will be compatible with Android 12?
We must bear in mind that Android is characterized by being an operating system shared by a wide variety of devices, so it is common that manufacturers tend not to implement updates at the same time.
However, since it is Google who is in charge of its development, it is common that it tends to offer its Pixels the premiere of new versions of its operating system, so it is evident that at first it will be available for Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, and Pixel 5.
It is also to be expected that OnePlus will have access to the update shortly after launch, so it is equally predictable that the next OnePlus 9 and the entire OnePlus 8 and 7 family will also be able to install it by the end of 2021 .
