Android 12L: what is it, and why does it matter?

Date:
Sun, 19 Dec 2021 08:00:06 +0000

Description:
Android is a smartphone operating system, but with Android 12L it should finally work well on tablets too.

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Android 12 is the latest version of Googles smartphone operating system and currently its also the latest version thats available to tablets.

But not for long, as Android 12L will be landing soon, and its designed specifically for tablets and other large-screen devices like foldable phones
.

Below well detail exactly what Android 12L is, when its out, how it differs from standard Android 12 , and why this could be a great upgrade for Android tablet owners. Android 12L release date

Android 12L is set to launch sometime in 2022. Googles own site says early 2022, while Gizmodo claims the update will land in Q2 2022 (meaning sometime between April and June).

We wouldnt really consider either May or June to be early in the year, so wed guess April will be the latest it would arrive by, but we cant be certain.

In the meantime, Android 12L is already available in the form of a developer preview for select devices, including Pixel phones from the Pixel 3a onwards and the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro. You can also run it as an emulation on other devices.

That said, in all cases this will be an unfinished and likely buggy version
of the software. As the name suggests this release is designed for
developers, so wed recommend everyone else waits for the final release or at least a public beta. The Lenovo Tab P12 Pro can run the Android 12L developer beta (Image credit: Lenovo) Why is Google making Android 12L?

Android 12L (with the L presumably standing for Large or Large screen) is designed to make Android shine on tablets and foldable phones, and its arguably something that the operating system has long needed.

Currently, Google applies a one-size-fits-all approach to its OS, but in practice the experience on a large screen can be quite different to on a
small one, and with Android mostly designed around phones, that can make it clunky on larger devices or simply mean that the extra space isnt being used optimally.

So Android 12L is basically Android 12 with some large-screen tweaks and a
few exclusive features that wouldnt work well on a phone (other than big ones like foldables). Its a similar idea then to what Apple has done with iPadOS, which it spun off from iOS.

Beyond the interface, Android on tablets also suffers from a lack of tablet-optimized apps, and Android 12L aims to address this to some extent too, as well explain below. Android 12L features

Android 12L largely has the same features as Android 12, since its simply a version thats been optimized for large-screen devices. But that has meant
some changes to the layout and some functions. Weve highlighted the main changes below. A two-column notification shade

With Android 12L, the notifications drop-down has two columns rather than
one, with quick settings on the left and notifications on the right. This makes the most of all the extra space. A new-look lock screen

The lock screen similarly uses two columns to display information, but additionally if you have a pattern or PIN lock enabled, this will be
displayed at the side of the screen to make it easier to reach. If you want the lock on the other side, then simply tap that side and it will jump
across. Improved multitasking (Image credit: Google)

With Android 12L theres a new taskbar at the bottom of the screen that can be revealed or hidden at any time with a long press. When its visible, it displays app shortcuts, making it easy to jump between apps without having to go to the home screen or the recent apps screen first.

You can also drag and drop an app from the taskbar to enter split-screen
mode, or you can use a new Split action in overview to start split-screen
with a tap.

There are also gesture controls to scroll through recent apps or return to
the home screen. So navigation on Android 12L should be speedier and slicker than it currently is with tablets and other big-screen devices.
Better-looking apps (Image credit: Google)

One of the issues with using Android on tablets is that a lot of apps arent optimized for tablet use, which can leave them looking ugly or feeling clunky when used with a larger screen.

With Android 12L, Google has improved compatibility mode, which means that even if an app isnt optimized for your display, it should look better than it does currently.

For example, when an app is letterboxed, device manufacturers will be able to configure the aspect ratio, set the status bar transparency, and optionally apply rounded corners to the app window. The improvements to compatibility mode should also make it more stable. Highlighting the best apps

As well as making apps look better on large-screen devices, Android 12L will also help you find the best apps for big screens, by highlighting apps that are optimized for your device on the Google Play Store. There will also be a warning on the listing page for apps that arent optimized. Check out all the best Android tablets



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/android-12l-what-is-it-and-why-does-it-matter/


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