Recognition: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
- A developer enabled the Android 12’s wallpaper-based theme system in the developer preview.
- The feature changes the entire Android color scheme based on a dominant color.
- It may not always get the result you want, but it’s a nice touch nonetheless.
You don’t have to be surprised how Android 12’s longstanding theme system works in practice. Developer kdrag0n has successfully activated Wallpaper-based theme in the operating system’s first developer preview, and now it’s clear how the system will work.
The Android 12 feature, nicknamed Monet, sets a theme for the operating system based on a dominant color in your wallpaper. Use purple paint splatter most of the time, and you’ll get suitable shades of purple in the notification shade, settings, and lock screen. Switch to orange lights and you will get a peach colored layout.
There are moments when Android 12 picks the “wrong” theme color when there’s a mess of hues, but even those look good.
Connected: You can find the Android 12 developer preview here
It’s not sure when the feature will be available to the public, assuming Google doesn’t put it back during the development process. You will likely have to wait until a later preview or public beta to try.
Even so, recognizing the theme system helps illustrate Google’s goals for Android 12. Along with updates to the notification system and settings, Google is clearly geared towards making Android feel fresh and improving the raw functionality. With that in mind, this could be one of the largest versions of the platform in years – you’ll find differences even if your daily usage doesn’t change.