Android 12 beta arrives, and here’s the highlights

The Google I/O unveiled the latest Android 12 which is now available for public beta download on certain smartphones across the globe.

The latest iteration of the world’s most popular mobile operating software has been something many have been waiting as it focuses on optimized performances, privacy and a new UI.

Highlights of Android 12

Compared to Android 11, the new Android comes with quite a few highlights which are divided into User Interface (UI), performance and Privacy.

• A new UI for Android: Android 12 comes with a new UI language called Material You.  It brings one of Android’s biggest change in UI to date with refreshed app widgets,  a new system-wide “stretch” overscroll effect and smoother audio transitions.
• Performance: The new mobile OS is faster and more efficient, Google claims it reduces the CPU time needed for core system services by 22%, reduces the use of big cores by the system server by 15%, and reduces lock contention by as much as 92%.  The Android 12 also improves database query performances, latencies, transitions, and app startup times.  In addition to that, the new Android comes with a special performance class which allows capabilities that go beyond Android’s baseline requirements. Performance class is for devices that meet the performance class requirements in which they support more demanding use-cases and deliver higher quality content.
• Private by design: Google has also decided to improve privacy settings by introducing  app hibernation, and fine tuning nearby device permissions and approximate location.

Availability of Android 12 beta

Aside from Google’s very own Pixel phones (not all Pixels get the beta roll out), the beta version of Android 12 is also available to owners ASUS, OnePlus, OPPO, realme, Sharp, TCL, Transsion, vivo, Xiaomi, and ZTE.

However, like Pixel smartphones, the devices that are able to download the new Android 12 Beta are limited according to each brand.

Regardless, the availability of Android 12 beta to these manufacturers a great head start towards tweaking and customizing the new Android to their devices hence allowing the best experience when the final version finally rolls out later on.

Despite the excitement over the new Android, it would be wise to be cautious when upgrading your Android version as Android 12 is still not in its final state, and may see some bugs if downloaded now. It is after all, a beta version.

That said, if you are keen and daring enough to use the new Android 12 beta, check with your manufacturer if you are able to download it. Good luck!

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