Android 12

For the past several versions, Google has been working on new Gboard themes that have rolled out to very few users. Gboard 10.6 from earlier this week reveals that a more significant redesign for Pixel phones running Android 12 is actively being developed.
Expand Expanding CloseRecently we asked our readers just what they thought of the upcoming Android 12 UI redesign, and the responses were quite surprising.
Expand Expanding CloseThose on the Android 12 Developer Preview have begun to notice a “Google Voice Typing [Legacy]” option in their keyboard list. This is due to a mildly interesting tweak being made that moves Google Voice Typing from one app to another.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 12 looks to provide one of the biggest overhauls to the mobile OS for some time, with recent Developer Previews giving a taste of an upcoming redesign, and we’re wondering how you feel?
Expand Expanding CloseAs we steadily approach the midway point of the year, rumors have begun to swirl about the next Google Pixel phone, presumed to be the “Pixel 5a.” Here’s what we’ve learned about Google’s next phone from the Android 12 Preview builds.
Expand Expanding CloseA new change to the audio-playing experience on Android 12 DP3 might prove to be very divisive, as currently playing audio will now crossfade when another app initiates playback.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 12 Developer Preview 3 has brought the new “Conversations” widget for some, allowing you to keep tabs on your most important conversations — in style.
Expand Expanding CloseDark mode was fully integrated into Android almost three years ago at this point, but some parts of the system have slipped through. In Android 12, Google is finally bringing a dark theme to toast messages.
Expand Expanding CloseA useful feature of Android is its ability to share content to any app and open links with any supported app. Now, in Android 12, Google is making that process a bit smoother by adding “verified links” that open directly in their designated apps instead of showing a chooser dialog.
Expand Expanding CloseFollowing the recent popularity of homescreen widgets after their launch on iOS, Android 12 is giving some love to the OS’s long-existing widgets system, including a new menu, forced rounded corners, and more.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Pixel Launcher gained a 4×5 grid option with Developer Preview 1 in February and is now picking up a second 4×4 layout in Android 12 DP3 that notably shrinks the size of app icons.
Expand Expanding CloseSplash screens aren’t uncommon on Android, but in its latest release, Google wants to unify the look across all apps. Starting with Android 12 and its third developer preview, all apps will now show a splash screen.
Expand Expanding CloseThe date and weather widget on Pixel devices is subtly bolder than it used to be. You can see this extremely minor change in the image above — on the left is Android 11 while the right is DP3.
Expand Expanding CloseThe next version of Android remains focussed on developers until the first beta launches next month. With that in mind, we’re diving into today’s release of Android 12 DP3 to find all the new features.
Expand Expanding CloseAhead of the first beta release in May, Google has just released the third developer preview for Android 12. Included in the update, the Android 12 settings menu redesign has gone live alongside some new animations.
Expand Expanding CloseFollowing a pair of patches in recent weeks, Google is rolling out Android 12 Developer Preview 3 (DP3) to Pixel phones today. This should be the final developer-quality preview before the Android Beta starts next month.
Expand Expanding CloseThe latest beta version of the Google app includes a redesign of the homescreen Discover feed on Android 12 that revamps the header and removes the search bar.
Expand Expanding CloseAt the end of last month, Google released Android 12 DP2.1 to address the big WebView crashing problem. Developer Preview 2.2 is now rolling out to Pixel phones running Android 12.
Expand Expanding CloseLG just announced that it would kill off its money-losing smartphone business this year, leaving many to wonder what the outcome might be for phones already in the hands of consumers. According to LG, software updates will continue, and the company even detailed an optimistic plan for Android 12.
Expand Expanding CloseEven after trawling through almost all aspects of the recent Android 12 Developer Preview, things slip the net. One of those looks to be the long-overdue addition of a Google Lens translate option within the Android recent apps panel.
Expand Expanding CloseLike with the first release, Google this morning is rolling out Android 12 Developer Preview 2.1 to address last week’s broader WebView issue.
Expand Expanding CloseThe very first look at Android 12 has just arrived courtesy of the developer preview release. The beta program meant for the public won’t be available for a few months yet, but if you just can’t wait to get your hands on the next version of Android, here’s how to install the Android 12 Developer Preview on Google Pixel devices.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Pixel Launcher already lets users swipe down anywhere on their homescreen to pull down the top shade. In Android 12 DP2, Google extends a similar notification swipe gesture to the entire operating system.
Expand Expanding CloseMost people don’t install early Android developer previews due to the lack of contactless payments. Ahead of schedule, Google Pay is enabled and works in Android 12 DP2.
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