With all the rumors going around the internet, the latest update to Google’s Android operating system indubitably deserves all the hype it can get. But, what exactly do we know about it so far? And what does Google have in store for all of its users?
What is Android?
But before we jump right in, let’s dig a little deeper into the Android operating system. In essence, Android is an operating system based on the Linux kernel. As you may have noticed, Android is primarily operating across touch screen devices. These include your mobile phones and tablets. And did you know that Android is the most popular mobile operating system? Yes, it’s true! Dominating the mobile market, Android runs in roughly 2.5 billion devices worldwide–just a little more than a decade after Google first launched its OS. Such facts beg the question of how Android has successfully captured the hearts of millions across continents. What’s so special about it? The first clear advantage would be variety. It’s a no-brainer that Android phones come in all shapes and sizes. Variation gives customers a wide range of options from which they can choose. And don’t deny it: the fact that Android users can shop outside the Play Store is nothing short of fascinating. Android gives people the flexibility they need to achieve a holistic mobile experience. Android 11- The Newest Craze in the Android World Best Android Phones for First Time Smartphone Users
What is the Android 12 called?
We’ve all heard how Android likes to call itself by every sort of dessert imaginable. We had the Android Ice Cream Sandwich for versions 4.0 to 4.0.4, the Android Jelly Bean for versions 4.1 to 4.3.1, and the Android Pie for version 9.0. In contrast to its earlier iterations, however, Android 12 will be called Android 12. In short, Android 12 will follow the path of both Android 10 and 11 and have no official “dessert name.” But here’s the catch: it does have a dessert-themed name in Google’s internal codebase. And it’s called–you guessed it–Android Snow Cone!
Android 12: Improved Features and Functionalities
We’ve already set the scene for how an Android update is up to something big. So now, let’s discuss Android 12 in further detail.
One-handed Mode
Let’s face it: using a phone with one hand isn’t always the easiest thing to do. So Google wants to better a phone’s usability by revamping its one-handed mode through the Android 12. When switching to the one-handed mode, phones running on Android 12 will shrink vertically. Thus, it will be easier for your thumb to navigate the screen. You can invoke the one-handed feature by simply swiping down on the navigation bar. Similarly, you can revert to the normal mode by swiping up.
Screenshot Feature
And another thing, you could now customize your screenshots more straightforwardly! After you take a photo of your screen, edit options will automatically appear. But now, with texts! How cool is that? You may now type texts into your screenshots using different font colors. Inserting emojis will also be possible by selecting the sticker icon. And guess what? You may resize these emojis by pinching them in and out.
Notification System
What’s more? Google has added a new button to snooze unimportant notifications. While developers have first introduced this feature in Android Oreo, Google plans to remove the half-swiping gesture this time around. Also, did you ever think of ranking your notifications? Well, it turns out that the Android 12 did! By turning on the Adaptive Notifications Ranking and Adaptive Notifications Priority, your device can arrange your notifications depending on how you interact with different apps.
Themes and Customization
Of course, the most noticeable updates are those in the Android 12’s design. Android 12 will bring new styles of widgets, notifications, and themes. Users can also expect the Wallpaper-based Expanding Theming System. In other words, the system will choose a dominant color in the wallpaper and use it for the notifications background and Quick Settings tiles, among others. 15 Best and Free Go Locker Themes For Android 15 Best and Free Go Launcher Themes and Wallpapers (Android)
Privacy and Security
Lastly, the Android 12 will also bring in some enhanced security features to protect users, especially when accessing third-party apps. While Google has not stated how the update will look, still Android users could rest assured that their risk of running into malware will be minimal. Besides, Google is also planning to include some visual indicators when an app uses the phone’s microphone or camera. Thus, you will immediately notice any malicious activities. Suggested reads: Beware: FaceApp is back and so are the security and privacy concerns Major security flaws in Zoom could leave your PC vulnerable
Be one of the first to try Android 12!
It will come as no surprise, but did you know that Google Pixel devices will be among the first phones to run using Android 12? So if you’re immensely interested in the latest Android update, then investing in a Pixel phone would be worth your cash. Indeed, Android 12 is just around the corner. And we can’t help but look forward to the amazing features it has in store! How about you? What are you most excited about on the Android 12? Featured Image