Android 12 Developer Preview 2 available: here’s what’s new
Recognition: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
- Google has released Android 12 Developer Preview 2 for Pixel devices.
- The new version offers more security features and usability improvements, including support for rounded corners.
- It’s not ready for mainstream use just yet.
One month after the first Android 12 Developer Preview was released, Google is done with a follow-up. The company made Android 12 Developer Preview 2 available to coders using the Pixel 3 / 3XL, Pixel 3a / 3a XL, Pixel 4/4 XL, Pixel 4a / 4a 5G, and Pixel 5 so they have a different device even though they are using the emulator in Android Studio when you don’t need to test with real hardware.
As before, Android 12 DP2 is not intended for everyday use. You’ll need to install it yourself from a factory image (if you don’t mind wiping your device) or download a wireless install from the site. This is intended for developers who want to prepare their apps for the new operating system and are ready to accept instability and functional errors.
Android 12 Developer Preview 2: What’s New?
Recognition: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Like the first version, Android 12 Developer Preview 2 doesn’t have many publicly available features. This continues to focus on behind-the-scenes functions for programmers. There are still a few significant improvements, however, including those you’ll notice as apps and phones get updated to take advantage of the new platform.
Security and trust are the focus of the new version. App creators can also require authentication for tasks, for example via the lock screen. Developers can also ask Android to check the integrity of an installed app and prevent system overlay warnings from appearing over its content.
See also: All previously known Android 12 functions
Other upgrades to Android 12 Developer Preview 2 should result in a better overall experience. New frameworks help teams write apps for phones with rounded corners. The picture-in-picture display should now have smoother transitions and resizing. Apps can also keep smartwatches and other companion devices awake more easily. Apps now have access to better bandwidth estimates and less effort is required to create visual effects such as blurring and color filters.
Keep an eye out Android Authority in the coming days, as it is not surprising if Developer Preview 2 brings further improvements for Android 12 that go beyond what Google has discussed so far.
When will you get Android 12?
Google says it is still on the right track to achieve “platform stability” for Android 12 by August 2021. Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we wouldn’t rule out a delay for a stall, but that’s roughly in line with the releases in recent years.
A public beta is less secure. Google released the first beta for Android 11 on June 10, 2020. However, it’s not surprising if the timing shifts by a few weeks if the beta is delayed or even ended prematurely. While it is comforting to know that Android 12 Developer Preview 2 is on schedule, it is no guarantee that you will have the new software in your hands by any given time.
