Google Announces Android 12L: Here's What You Need to Know - MUO - MakeUseOf

https://ift.tt/2KSW0PQ

Google is improving Android on larger screens to make your Android experience even better.

Google has announced Android 12L, a so-called "feature drop" geared toward making Android 12 better on larger devices. But what is 12L all about? Read on to find out.

Google Introduces Android 12L

Google will soon be launching 12L—its new software update and "feature drop" that will improve the Android experience on larger screens, with a focus on multitasking, compatibility support, and overall better-looking apps.

Google announced the soon-to-drop Android 12L at the Android Dev Summit after having first hinted at a potential Android update in September 2021.

The tech company says the 12L feature drop will make Android 12 better on large-screen devices like tablets, Chrome OS devices, and foldables—essentially, all devices with a screen above 600dpi.

While 12L can be used on mobile phones, the focus—at least for now—is on other devices, since you won't see most of the new features on mobile phones anyway.

Android 12L Release Date

Google plans to release 12L in early 2022, "in time for the next wave of Android 12 tablets and foldables." In the meantime, app developers can preview the changes coming with 12L, work on updates, and implement them into services through the 12L Android Emulator system images.

New Android 12L Features

Here's a look at what's new in Android's upcoming 12L update:

Large Screen Optimization

Google improved the UI to give users of large-screen devices a more appealing look and better ease of use across notifications, quick settings, the lockscreen, the home screen, and more.

And in their efforts to create ease of use on larger screens, Google has simplified key interactions.

For instance, Google moved the lock screen pattern and PIN controls on tablets to the side of the screen so users can reach them more easily, and they can tap the other side of the screen to move these controls over to that side, depending on their preference.

For foldable devices, Google focused on continuity when using a second, larger screen, by improving the fold-unfold transition. This allows users to move seamlessly from a folded screen to the larger, unfolded screen.

Improved Multitasking

Google has amped up Android's multitasking capabilities to help users of larger screens. For instance, you can run apps in split-screen mode, which is now easier to discover and use.

You can drag and drop an app into split-screen mode to instantly switch apps, thanks to a new taskbar on large screens, which many think is similar to the iPadOS.

This is helpful, considering that people tend to multitask when using the larger screens of tablets, Chromebooks, and foldables.

While Android already supported split-screen mode on tablets, Google has made it even easier to discover in the upcoming 12L update.

Improved Media Projection for Developers

While it may be hard to believe, in this day and age there are still instances where rendered images don't translate to fit properly on a larger screen.

So, in a first for Android, when the virtual display is rendered on the surface it will be maximized to the correct aspect ratio of the media, thereby improving screen casting for better viewing.

Improved Compatibility Experience

Many apps are already optimized for large screen devices and offer decent experiences as a result.

But for those that aren't yet optimized for larger devices, Google says it has made "visual and stability improvements to our compatibility mode to provide a better experience for users and make those apps look better by default."

Google Is Improving Its Android Experience on Larger Devices

For a while, people have complained about the Android tablet's display, which may explain why some even opt for iPads—which doesn't help the ongoing iOS vs. Android debate.

With the rollout of Android's 12L features, Google will be solving this issue and a range of others, and will focus on improving some of the key areas in large-screen Android devices—such as compatibility support, multitasking, and apps.

This will be a welcome improvement for foldable phones, and could even lead to some better Android tablets in future.

Budget tablet with piggybank and coins on the screen

The 7 Best Cheap Android Tablets

Looking for the best cheap tablet? You're in luck! We've rounded up the best tablets for the money that you should buy.

Related Topics

About The Author

Aya Masango (87 Articles Published)

Aya is a freelance writer with a passion for brands, marketing and life in general. When she isn't typing away, she's keeping up with the latest news, pondering on the essence of life, and thinking about new business opportunities. Most productive when working in bed.