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Android 12

Android 12 (Go Edition)

Android 12 (Go Edition) Now Available For Low-Cost Phones, Google Says It Is Faster And More Privacy-Friendly.

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In addition to Android 12, Google released a sneak peek of Android 12L, an upcoming feature update that will support foldable tablets and Chrome OS devices. In anticipation of its official release next year, the Android 12L Beta 1 update has been released for Pixel devices. The latest Android version for low-cost devices, Android 12 (Go edition), has been officially announced by Google.
Google released Android (Go edition) for the first time in 2017. The Android experience on low-cost devices has been improved with several updates since then. Each update offers a new set of features. In a blog post published by Google, Android 12 (Go edition) promises to go one step further by providing upcoming devices with a faster, smarter, and more privacy-friendly experience. On the next-generation Android 12 (Go edition) devices, which will be available sometime next year, the following new features will be available.

Features

Google claims that Android 12 (Go edition) will reduce app launch times by up to 30% compared to the previous version, resulting in a significantly improved user experience on low-end phones. App developers can offer users an impressively smooth start to their apps thanks to Google’s SplashScreen API.
New battery-saving features in Android 12 (Go edition) include the ability to hibernate apps that haven’t been used in a long time. Hibernating apps also frees up storage space, which is particularly useful on devices with limited storage. A new Files Go app will be included in the software, allowing users to recover deleted files within 30 days. If you have any doubts about a photo or a file, you can bring it back to your regular library and delete the rest to save space on your phone using the Files Go apps within 30 days of deleting it.

Android 12 (Go Edition)
Image source: googleapis.com

Google is also making some smarter changes to Android 12 (Go edition). New options to listen to the news and translate any on-screen content into a different language will be available on the recent apps screen, for example.
Nearby Share and Google Play (Go edition) will allow users to share apps with nearby devices in Android 12. Users will be able to avoid the extra data charges that would be incurred if the app were downloaded from the Play Store.
Among the features of Google’s new Go edition software is a privacy dashboard, which shows which apps accessed sensitive data, such as location, microphone sound, and camera pictures, among other things. When an app accesses the phone’s microphone or camera, it will display an indicator on the top, just like regular Android versions. Users will also be able to turn on or off their approximate location when an app requests it. Android 12 (Go edition) simplifies the guest user experience, so you can share your device with friends and family without worrying about privacy. The lock screen will have access to profiles, allowing you to quickly switch to a guest profile before sharing your device.

Availability

Google has stated that Android 12 (Go edition) phones will be available in 2022, but no specific dates have been provided. Because the new software will be used by smartphone manufacturers in their entry-level phones, this is the case. These phones also draw a sizable number of customers. According to Google, there are more than 200 million Android Go edition phones in use around the world. Streaming video

Pixel 6 Pro

Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro With Google’s Custom-Built Tensor SoC, Android 12 Now Available: Check Price, Specifications.

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Although it’s more accurate to call it a teaser or preview, Google announced the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Google is concentrating on the new system on chip (SoC) that will power the Pixel. The Tensor SoC takes its name from Google’s Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), which is used in its data centers. Both new models have punch-hole screens and Android 12 pre-installed.

Pixel6: Specifications & Features

The Google Pixel 6 is a smartphone with a dual-SIM (Nano+eSIM) slot that runs Android 12. It has a 6.4-inch fullHD+ OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection on top (1,080×2,400 pixels). The screen has a 20:9 aspect ratio and a 441ppi pixel density. The phone has a Google Tensor processor and 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM. The rear dual-camera setup includes a 50-megapixel main sensor with an f/1.85 wide-angle lens and a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor. The Pixel 6 also has an f/2.0 front camera sensor with an 8-megapixel sensor.
Google will partner with Snap later this year to offer a feature called ‘Quick Tap to Snap,’ which will allow users to capture Snaps for Snapchat even when the phone is locked and in ‘Camera Only’ mode. Snapchat will also release augmented reality (AR) lenses to help with artifacts in photos.
In addition to a Snappowered camera function, the Pixel 6 has a Magic Eraser feature that helps remove unwanted people and other objects from processed photos. Face Unblur and guide white stability are two of Google’s camera-specific features.
The Pixel 6 has a 128GB internal storage capacity and a 256GB content storage capacity. The fingerprint reader is integrated into the screen. An accelerometer, ambient light, barometer, pyrometer, magnetometer, and proximity sensor are among the onboard sensors. The Pixel 6 also has features like Live Translate, which allows you to translate messages and photos without needing to be online.
The Pixel 6 also has a battery sharing feature that allows customers to use the Pixel 6 to charge other devices in Wireless mode. This sounds similar to the Samsung Galaxy flagship’s Wireless PowerShare. The Pixel 6 is also 157.6×74.8×8.9 mm in size and weighs 207 grams.

Pixel 6 Pro
Image source: i.gadgets360cdn.com

Pixel 6 Pro: Specifications & Features

The Pixel 6 Professional features a 6.7-inch QHD+ (1,4403,120 pixels) LTPO OLED display with a variable refresh rate of 10Hz to 120Hz and runs Android 12. The screen has a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, a pixel density of 512 pixels per inch, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection. The Tensor SoC in the Pixel 6 Professional is the same as in the regular Pixel 6. It has a memory capacity of 12GB LPDDR5. The smartphone’s triple rear digital camera setup includes a 48-megapixel telephoto shooter, a 50-megapixel wide-angle digital camera, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide shooter.
The extra telephoto lens on the Pixel 6 Professional is said to provide a 20x ultra-high-resolution zoom (4x optical zoom). For selfies and video chats, the Pixel 6 Professional has an 11.1-megapixel digital selfie camera sensor on the front with an f/2.2 lens.
Like the Pixel 6, the Pixel 6 Professional has a Magic Eraser, Movement Mode, Actual Tone, Face Unblur, and a variety of dedicated digital camera options. At some point, it should also get Quick Faucet to Snap and other Snapchat features.
Internal storage options for the Pixel 6 Professional include 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB UFS 3.1. The screen also includes a fingerprint sensor. An accelerometer, ambient light, barometer, pyrometer, magnetometer, and proximity sensor are among the sensors onboard.
The Pixel 6 Professional has a 5,003mAh battery with 30W wired quick charging and 23W wireless quick charging capabilities. You can also use the Battery Share feature instead of using the standard wi-fi charging method to share the facility with other units. Finally, the Pixel 6 Professional measures 163.975.908.9mm and weighs 210 grams.

Price And Availability

The Pixel 6 is available for $599 (roughly Rs. 45,000), while the Pixel 6 Pro is available for $899. (approximately Rs. 67,500). The Pixel 6 is available in three colors: Kinda Coral, Sorta Seafoam, and Stormy Black, while the Pixel 6 Pro is available in three colors: Cloudy White, Sorta Sunny, and Stormy Black.
The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will be available for purchase in the United States on October 28th, with pre-orders beginning today. The exact date on which they will be available in other markets has not been revealed. The Pixel 6 series’ pricing and availability in India are also unknown at this time.

Android 12

The Android 12 Leak Reveals Changes in Notification and Widget before Google I/O Event

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Google is all set to host its annual Google I/O event starting from 18th May, and before that, we have got some information on what it has in store for its huge customer base. The so-called leak is said to be a mere preview of what Google has brought for its users in terms of the updated new Android 12 and other devices that the company is about to launch at the event.

Google I/O 2021

Google I/O is an annual developer conference hosted by Google every year. It is a two to three days event, mostly held in the month of May, where the company showcases and launches its new products and services. Starting from 2008, the company has hosted 13 such events and has introduced new technologies to its customers, Android being one of them. Last year’s Google I/O event got cancelled due to the spread of the Coronavirus, and this year, the company is hosting the conference online through a live stream. The keynote will start on Tuesday, May 18th, at 1 PM ET/10 AM PT and will end on 20th May.

The Last Minute Android 12 Features Leak

Google published its Google I/O event schedule on 15th May, and along with that, there has been some information leak about the products and services that are to be launched during the event. The ‘leak’ aka the preview of these services has also given a glimpse of the changes made to the all-new Android 12. Recently, a video from the Jon Prosser show included a few slides of a presentation on Android 12, and those slides have a lot to say about Android 12.

The slides suggest that the new Android 12 will come with a new and revamped UI. The first slide describes sentences like, “A beautiful new experience,” “Stronger privacy and security protections,” and “All of your devices work better together.” So clearly, the company has worked on the looks as well as the security settings for Android 12. Further, the slide shows that there have been changes to the widgets and the notification bar, as one of the slides include different looking brightness toggle, weather widget, analog clock widget, a snooze/dismiss toggle, new media widget and notifications. Other than that, one of the slides from the Prosser show also displayed a new keyboard design and a new lock screen with a larger clock.

There have already been a lot of talks about Android 12 through leaks and rumours, among which there are a few that quite matches the new information from the Jon Prosser show. Only a day’s wait, and we will be able to know if there is even a little information that is correct about Android 12. If the rumours come out to be true, the new Android 12 will be the one to get the most advanced updates.

What Else to Expect?

Though Android 12 is said to be the prime attraction of the event, the much anticipated Pixel Watch may also steal the limelight and interest many. Jon Prosser show has already given a glimpse of a circular watch from Google last month. So we can expect the launch of Google’s first smartwatch at the event after it acquired Fitbit.

Also, there has been news that Samsung is also planning to launch the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 using Google’s operating system. So there may be an announcement of the same at the event. Other than that, since Google has already tweeted about the new Pixel Buds, it may also announce the launch of the same at Google I/O.

Though Google was likely to announce the new Pixel 5a at the event, since there has been an ongoing shortage of chips globally, maybe the company will skip launching the smartphone. There may be a similar case with the new mobile processor named Whitechapel (which the company have been working on for a while), as Google might not be able to launch the processor at the event. But we can at least expect the announcement of the same.

How to Watch the Live Stream?

Google’s I/O event will be a three days event, and the company will host its keynote through a live stream. Google has given all the details about the live stream on the Google I/O’ official website. The live stream of the opening keynote will be on YouTube, but to access the workshops, AMAs, live Q&A, and the other Google I/O event-related services, one needs to register to Google I/O through its website.

Android 12

Google Android 12 Developer Preview Reveals the Features and Release Date of the OS.

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Google has already shared the two versions of the Android 12 developer previews, and its third version is also on the way. The developer preview is nothing but a sneak peek at the new features that a software possesses before its actual release. The previous developer previews and other leaks of Android 12 have already given us much-needed information about the OS. The latest leaks and rumors have disclosed some more features and also the date of Android 12’s final release.

Talking About the Features of Android 12

Since the TVs have also become smarter, with the new updated OS, Google has improved the Android 12 OS features for the smart TVs. Apart from that, the company has also made sure that the OS works better on tablets and foldable phones as well. Google has worked on the video and image quality for the new OS, as now it will be possible for the users to save data through image compression and better copy and paste features.

Google has also better the game on screenshot capturing as earlier all the smartphone could only take the whole screen screenshot, but the new improved screenshot feature on Android 12 allows the user to capture a manually selected area on the screen. According to the reports, the screenshot capture may include a markup menu as well, which may allow the users to add annotations and emojis to the screenshots.

Android 12
Image Source: fonearena.com

The split-screen feature has also been improved in the new Android OS 12, as now the users can run two apps in pair through a double-tap on the screen, simultaneously. This very feature has been improved, most likely for foldable smartphones.

Google had already introduced the double tap on the back feature in the Android 11 beta. The feature was to access the Google Assistant by tapping twice on the back of the phone. But it failed to impress the audience. The same feature has been introduced in the Android 12 OS, but this time, the users are allowed to set the sensitivity level of the tap, so that no other action takes place on the tapping. The double-tap feature will also allow the users to access the notification, take a screenshot, pause/resume media playback, and open recent apps, etc.

The new Android 12 OS will also include the theme option in it. The users will be able to apply a particular color as a theme for their smartphones. The app developers can also take advantage of this feature by allowing their apps to incorporate color themes into their apps. The notification panel will also get a whole new opaque background and the looks for the lock screen media player have also been changed a bit. Another new feature of the Android 12 OS will also let the users adjust or reduce on-screen contrast.

Security Feature

The company has also improved the security features for smartphones in the upcoming Android OS. There will be an option to allow or block the use of a camera and microphone on the various apps. The OS will also alert the users if any app is using the content from the clipboard of the phone. The OS will also include the facility to share the wi-fi passwords with nearby smartphones through QR code scanning.

Android 12
Image Source: xda-developers.com

Devices to Get Android 12 and Release Date

Though most of the latest Android smartphones will get access to the new Android 12, the names given by the company that will come with Android 12 includes Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, and Pixel 5, Samsung Galaxy S21 and OnePlus 9, etc.

Google has already released the second developer preview version of Android 12 and is organizing the Google IO 2021 event from May 18 to May 20, where the company is said to release the first public beta version of the OS. Reportedly, the company is going to have the final launch of the OS in September this year.

Android 12

Leaked Screenshots Gives a Flash of the Android 12 Updated Features.

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There has been a history with the tech companies and their upcoming products’ information leak. We do not know that these companies leak the information purposely, or these are mere accidents. But those leaks have always been helpful for the general public to get a peek of new products before they get launched. This time we have got a chance to know about the features of Google’s upcoming OS for Android, i.e., Android 12, as some of the screenshots related to its features are out in the public, ‘accidentally’.

Android 12

With every Android OS release Google releases and shares the documentation and source code of the product with its partners so that they get enough time to prepare their devices for the same. This year too, before the beta release of the OS, Google shared the draft with its partners, but somehow, this draft along with some screenshots got leaked online, which is enough to derive a lot of information regarding the product.

Android 12
Image Source: androidpolice.com

Android 12 Features

The leaked documentation has got a defined summary of the features of Android 12, including the new UI and some functional changes made to the OS. Though the screenshots have revealed only a few features, these say a lot about the new Android OS. Looking at the screenshots, we can conclude that the company has done a lot of work on the UI of the new OS. The new OS has got a new notification panel, new privacy features, and a new widget selection feature.

The New UI

Android 12
Image Source: mobilesyrup.com

Google has given a new look to the notification panel of the OS, to make it look more attractive. In the previous Android OS versions, the notification panel is transparent, but the Android 12 has got an opaque light beige background. The notifications on the panel, too, have got a change in the form of an even more pronounced rounded corner for each. In the earlier OS versions, six quick setting icons would fit above the notifications, but now you will get to put only four, but bigger, icons there. The places of the date and time on the top has also been interchanged, and in the top right-hand corner, you can see new icons probably related to user privacy.

The Privacy Icons

There are speculations that these new privacy indicators are made to warn the user when an app is using their camera or microphone. The users will also have the option to turn off the camera or the microphone, through toggles. The new privacy feature will also let the users toggle their location access for the apps. In the previous versions of OS, the user could enable or disable the sensors of their device, but that was only possible if the developer’s option was enabled. But with the new advanced privacy features, there is a possibility that the option to turn the sensors on or off may be available on the Privacy settings of the device. These features have already been under tests for over two years, having them in the new OS would be an impressive move from the company.

The Converasation Widget

Apart from these new features, we can see a new conversation widget in the screenshots. Looking at the screenshot, we can guess that these conversation widgets will show recent messages, missed calls, or activity statuses from the user’s contacts. Since we can see that these widgets show pictures or avatars of the contacts sending messages or making calls and is comparatively smaller in size, it will only show one message/call/status at a time. According to the reports, we can see Google making these widgets mandatory for all its Android OS. This will act as a People’s shortcut for the contacts and will be managed under the PeopleManager class. Along with mandating the conversation widget, Google may also make the privacy indicators for the microphone, camera, and location mandatory for all its OSs.

These are the features that we have concluded from the leaked screenshots but will get to know more about the Android 12 only after the official release of the Compatibility Definition Document (CDD) for Android 12.  The OS will go under its Developer Previews and Betas later this month, and the final launch for the OS will occur by the end of the year.