Android 12: release date, compatible smartphones, news, all about the update

In this way, you can perform other actions, open other applications, enter smartphone menus, etc. It becomes possible to leave the task for the task and then return to the created task to find its split screen with two applications as we left. It is possible to interact with both apps simultaneously, for example, to browse a social network while controlling the playback of a video.

Samsung already offers a function called “App Pair” in its One UI skin. This way, the user can even create a shortcut to quickly open two apps in split screen. It is not known whether the option offered in the native version of Android 12 will allow this as well. What is certain is that we can choose two applications to launch in multitasking from the task manager.

“Hibernation” of apps

Android 12 puts unused apps into hibernation, a form of hibernation. When an application installed on the smartphone is not opened by the user for a while, the system automatically puts it into hibernation. In this case, the app requires less storage and consumes less resources in the background, which means a performance boost for the smartphone.

It is possible to carry out the operation yourself. To do this, you must go to the new section “Unused appson the ” page Application information parameters. You must then enable the option Revoke permissions and free up storage. The app cache will then be cleared and all assigned permissions will be removed.

WiFi network sharing

Having to enter the password to connect to a friend’s or relative’s WiFi network when you’re not at home is nothing short of practical, especially if the only way to get the password is to look at the router. Currently on Android, one solution to save time and convenience is to present a QR code from an already connected device that must be scanned to obtain authorization to enter the network. It’s already much more practical, but not very streamlined yet, especially if one doesn’t know how to scan a QR code or doesn’t have an app on their mobile phone that allows it.

Android 12 fixes this with a new way to share the WiFi network with a third-party device, similar to what can be found on iOS. This happens by receiving a notification when a new device tries to connect. Then an option appears on the screen to confirm that the device is authorized to access the WiFi network without having to enter the password. In this way, there is no need to be side by side to share WiFi.

Scrolling screenshots

Android’s native screenshot tool is pretty limited, capturing only what’s visible on the screen. With Android 12, we have the ability to take a screenshot of an entire webpage or app, some of which can even be used by just swiping. The interfaces of Samsung, OnePlus or Huawei smartphones can already do this, this integration into Android Stock makes it possible to take advantage of it in models from other brands.

New API to improve universal search

Find the universal search on alternative launchers a bit lacking? Android 12 puts an end to the situation thanks to a new API that will standardize the search field to give launchers new functionality. For example, being able to simultaneously search for results on smartphone, Google Play Store and the web to increase its usefulness.

Exclusive to Google Pixel 6

Android 12 will be installed on many smartphones, but Google reserves its exclusivity for the Pixel 6. As such, the two terminals take advantage of the Google Assistant already integrated into the power button (which we’ve seen in competition before) or even a gaming app to optimize a gaming app. headline or live stream. The menu also includes automatic text and voice translation.

But the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro’s big privilege is the magic eraser. This tool allows you to edit a photo to remove an unwanted element. For example, if there is a passerby in the background, it can be removed. As we reported in our testing, it’s a feature that works but doesn’t exactly try to convince. In fact, it remains an interesting privilege.

Android 12 can act as a car key

Android 12 can change keys for certain cars, provided you’re on a Pixel or Samsung Galaxy. The brand explains that it is in cooperation with automobile manufacturers in this direction. Ford and BMW names were mentioned. On some models, the system operates over Ultra Wideband (UWB) for greater sensitivity and flexibility: you don’t have to take the smartphone out of your pocket. For other models, the technology will be based on the NFC transmitter.

Android 12 can transfer calls between two SIM cards

Called “Smart Forwarding”, this feature allows dual SIM compatible smartphones to transfer a call from one card to another. To do this, you must first go to the phone settings to activate it, then configure it so that the user decides on the SIM card from which he wants to receive the call. A very practical innovation for those who often travel in areas where the net can be capricious. As each SIM is registered to a different operator, simply choose the one with the best signal to improve call quality.

You’ll switch from WiFi to data more easily

Android 12 is rolling out a new tile that makes it easy to switch between networks without having to navigate through menus. Now when you click on the internet icon in the quick menu, you will see all the networks you can connect to, whether it’s Wi-Fi or mobile.

Android 12 makes you more aware of call time

Android 12 shows a new icon in the status bar when you search and switch between apps. This icon is actually a button accompanied by the duration of the ongoing call. Tap it and you’ll instantly be back in the Phone app.

Google improves adaptive payload

Adaptive charging, available on Pixel smartphones since 2020, slows down charging at night to conserve the battery. However, it still encounters some problems. Android 12 should fix these. So the battery quickly rises to 80% before gradually reaching 100% about an hour before the user wakes up.

Easier to Recover WhatsApp Data from iPhone

Google promised, now it’s done. Moving WhatsApp conversations from iPhone to Android smartphone has never been easier. All you have to do is connect the two devices together with a USB-C/Lightning cable and let the process happen.

Android 12L: exclusive update for tablets and foldable smartphones

Just a week after the launch of Android 12 on the Google Pixel, Google has released a special new update reserved for tablets and folding smartphones. This fixes most Android 12 flaws on big screen devices. Indeed, Android 12L offers features that are especially great for tablets and foldable smartphones; split screen in half. It will then be possible to display the parameters or applications in two columns, to better cover the entire screen.

Android 12L also adds a taskbar to the home screen. Just like in Chrome OS, you can pin frequently used apps and access them whenever you switch windows. The new update also ensures that apps are displayed correctly on large screens, even if they are not fully compatible.

Distribution and beta compatible smartphones

Google has announced that the first smartphones to qualify for the Android 12L beta will be its own Pixels, whose smartphones don’t fold. Here is the full list:

• pixel 6
• Pixel 6 Pro
• pixel 5
• Pixel 5a 5G
• pixel 4
• pixel 4a
• Pixel 4a 5G
• pixel 3a
• Pixel 3a XL

Smartphones are taken 3 betas in total. The first beta version is deployed in December 2021, and the second in January. The third is available since February 10, 2022 and brings compatibility with Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. Google finally released the final version of Android 12L as Android 12.1 in early March.

You can already go and explore the list of Samsung devices that should be eligible for the update. Note that you must now add Galaxy Tab S8It was presented at the beginning of February by the Korean company, which will also receive the update.

Android 12 (Go Edition): version for smartphones with less than 2 GB of RAM

As usual, Google also plans to offer a lightweight version of the operating system for the most modest smartphones with 2GB of RAM or less. The manufacturer confirmed the news in an official blog post on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. This version should be deployed in early 2022. Let’s take a closer look at the new features that Google has promised with Android 12 (Go Edition):

• Apps will open 30% faster
• Longer battery life thanks to automatic sleep mode of unused apps
• Ability to translate and listen to the text displayed on the screen
• Ability to share an app with another Android device instead of downloading it
• Guest profiles will be available in Android 12 (Go Edition)
• A new privacy dashboard similar to Android 12 where the user can get an overview of the apps accessing certain sensitive data like microphone, camera or location

The best new features of Android 12 in video