Google Android 12 - News and updates

[Siva]

We’re almost due for the Android 12 developer preview, if last year’s timeline is anything to go on. There’s no official word on user-facing features coming to the new Android update, but it looks like Google is working on one mysterious feature.

XDA-Developers reports that several code changes were submitted to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), with these changes referencing a so-called “app hibernation” feature.

“System service that manages app hibernation state, a state apps can enter that means they are not being actively used and can be optimized for storage,” reads an excerpt of a reference, according to the outlet.

Android 12 could get a mysterious app hibernation feature

 

[Siva]

Touchscreen presses and gestures make up the vast majority of our interactions with smartphones these days, but sometimes it's nice to be able to perform an action without looking, as we could by squeezing the Active Edge to summon the Google Assistant on older Pixels. A similar feature that enabled double-tapping on the back of the phone was in the works for Android 11 but didn't make it into the final version.Thankfully, it seems like it will make a comeback in Android 12.

Code-named Columbus, the feature used a combination of the phone's accelerometer and gyroscope to detect taps on the back of the phone and carry out a pre-defined function like taking a screenshot or opening an app. Given that the newer Pixels lost the ability to activate Google Assistant with a squeeze, this gesture would be a fitting alternative.

Pixels could get iPhone-style back tap gesture with Android 12

 

[Bapun]

• Android 12 could get a native theming system with more robust UI coloring.
• The color system could even be applied to third-party applications for a more uniform look.
• Rough mockups of the theming system give an idea of what this could look like.

Android 12 could get a lot more colorful with an upgraded theming system

 

[Siva]

A handful of images purported to be screenshots that illustrate features in the next release have been published by XDA Developers, originating from what is reportedly an early draft of an internal Google document. They indicate bigger visual changes than we might have expected, plus a long-awaited privacy feature that's been under development since Android 10 Q, and which iOS got just last year.

These screenshots could reveal huge UI changes in Android 12

 

[Sparker0i]

A handful of images purported to be screenshots that illustrate features in the next release have been published by XDA Developers, originating from what is reportedly an early draft of an internal Google document. They indicate bigger visual changes than we might have expected, plus a long-awaited privacy feature that's been under development since Android 10 Q, and which iOS got just last year.

These screenshots could reveal huge UI changes in Android 12

With that theme it looks bad, but could be better with other colors

 

[Siva]

The latest code XDA dug up points at a Google-made "Game Mode" and an accessibility option allowing the visually impaired to reduce bright colors.

Android 12 could get a Game Mode and an option to reduce bright colors

 

[Sai Jai]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1361882057635368960

Source

 

[Siva]

• Android 12 integrates the Android Runtime (ART) into Project Mainline.
• Google can issue ART upgrades to Android 12 devices through Google Play updates.
• This is good news for timely bug and security fixes without the long waits associated with full OS updates.

Google is bypassing more and more of the update work that used to be done by third parties — such as silicon vendors and device manufacturers — and taking on the responsibility itself. Project Mainline allows components to be updated via Google Play, bypassing the need for a full Android upgrade to improve and secure parts of its operating system (OS). In other words, devices can be kept more secure and up to date quickly and easily, while major updates will also be faster to package and roll out.

Google takes even more control over OS updates with Android 12

 

[iSK]

Android 12 first Developers Preview

Source

 

[Sai Jai]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1363715139430715392

Source