Google today released the first beta of Android 12, the next version of its mobile operating system, and detailed some key new features. The biggest change is user interface overhaul, which allows for greater customisation. There are also a whole host of new security and privacy features.
New design
Android 12 features an entirely new design language called Material You. Android 12 is a lot more customisable, so you'll be able to make your phone feel like your own. For example, the operating system will automatically pull out dominant and complimentary colours from your wallpaper and apply those to the overall user interface.
The lock screen clock is now larger, and will also pick up an accent based colour. The entire operating system also has a bubblier look and Google has increased the size of many elements to make them more accessible.
Thanks to the redesign, Google says the operating system is more efficient, and should improve battery life on devices.
Of course, given that many manufacturers tend to reskin Android themselves, it's not certain as to how many phones will actually get Material You. The interface will definitely be available on Pixel devices, but it's possible the likes of Samsung and OPPO will continue to use their own design language.
Widgets are getting an overhaul
As part of design changes, Google is making playful new widgets for elements like the clock and temperature. These will change in colour depending on where they are on your wallpaper.
Android TV integration
If you've got an Android TV device - such as the new Chromecast - you'll be able to use any Android 12 phone as a remote. This is similar to how you can use your iPhone as an Apple TV remote, and should be a huge win when it comes to tasks like entering passwords.
Approximate Location
Instead of having to give an app your exact location, Android 12 will let you give it an approximate location instead. For example, a weather app doesn't need your exact location to give you the forecast for your area.
Privacy Dashboard
Android 12 features a Privacy Dashboard that tracks how often your location, microphone, and camera have been accessed.
You'll also get a little green dot in the upper-right hand corner of your screen if your camera or microphone are being used.
Private Compute Core
Instead of offloading functionality to the internet, Android 12 will keep audio and language processing on your device for features like Live Caption, Now Playing, and Smart Reply.
How to install the Android 12 beta
The first Android 12 beta is available now. For the most part, you'll need a Pixel device to test it out - a Pixel 3 or later. If you've got one, enrol it here and follow the prompts.
There's also an OPPO Find X3 Pro version of the Android 12 beta. You can find instructions here. Make sure you download the Australian preview version.
As a rule of thumb, we don't recommend installing beta software on your daily device, as there can be performance issues or bugs that can be detrimental to your experience.
If you're keen, make sure you backup your phone beforehand.
When will Android 12 be available?
Google has yet to confirm when Android 12 will get its full release. The search giant released the final version of Android 11 at the start of September last year, so it wouldn't be surprising to see a similar timeframe this year.
Of course, Android 12 will likely only be available for Pixel devices initially. The majority of manufacturers are a few months behind Google when it comes to major operating system upgrades. Samsung, for example, didn't release the Android 11 update for the Galaxy S20 until December last year, and it wasn't simultaneously available worldwide.
Alex Choros
Related Articles
