Google launched its Android 12 beta program this week . Despite the fact that we have so far only the first build for developers, which did not even have an official presentation, this did not prevent us from understanding the changes that occurred and at the very least understanding what to expect from the update by the time the final version was released. A new design concept, a list of innovations and a degree of borrowing – all this allows you to form a very clear impression of the value of Android 12, which, according to my modest estimates, turns out to be rather low.
Android 12 is slightly more interesting than Android 11 , but still quite boring
The names of which desserts will receive Android 12 and Android 13
To begin with, I propose to define the concepts and clearly understand for yourself why updates are needed at all? In addition to fixing bugs and vulnerabilities, they should contain some radically new functions that cannot be implemented using third-party software. For example, face recognition technology, remote control of cars or, at worst, the creation of scrolling screenshots, which, although they look like an extremely primitive thing, still have a certain value for many of us.
New Android 12 features
The most notable innovation in Android 12 is the redesign
So, if we study the list of innovations that Google has prepared for Android 12, we will understand that the update does not carry any particular weighty value. Here, look what awaits us:
- Tapping control on the back cover;
- Supports scrolling screenshots;
- Advanced backup function;
- The function of downloading unused applications;
- Game mode (turns off notifications, blocks screen rotation, etc.);
- Improved screen rotation (based on data from the front camera);
- Improved multitasking mode;
- WireGuard VPN protocol support;
- Anti-tracking system in applications;
- Compact screen mode;
- Camera and microphone activity indicator;
- Banning third-party payment tools on Google Play.
Android 12 presents as innovations those functions that have long been available to users of custom skins
As you can see, there is nothing fundamentally new here. All this has already been implemented in third-party shells that manufacturers install on their smartphones. Take EMUI 11, which is built on top of Android 10. There you will find most of all the features that Google is pitching as innovations in Android 12. And EMUI 11 is based on the version of the operating system that will turn two whole years this year. But there are also flip-up screenshots, and compact screen mode, and normal screen rotation that does not trigger falsely, and everything else.
Material Next, game mode and more: what’s new in Android 12
Yes, there was no anti-tracking system in any shell that would prevent developers from tracking users in applications and then selling the collected data to ad networks. Equally, none of the manufacturers could have banned developers from using third-party payment tools in applications. Therefore, only these innovations can be called real innovations. Another thing is that they will be implemented only in the interests of Google itself.
Should I wait for Android 12
There is no point in waiting for Android 12 if your device is not pure Android
Banning third-party payment tools will increase commission collection for in-app purchases, and implementing an anti-tracking system is a matter of maintaining credibility for Google. After all, if you remember, after Apple imposed a ban on the collection of user data without their knowledge, Google had to obey it and abandon surveillance in its iOS applications. Then Google got scared that users might leave Android , feeling like a product, not a customer.
Where to get the desktop wallpaper from Android 12
In general, why am I doing this? Waiting for the release of Android 12 for you, if you are not the owner of a smartphone on pure Android, you absolutely do not need to. Nothing fundamentally new awaits you there. Another thing is that if the manufacturer of your device decides to dilute with something that meager set of innovations proposed by Google, and this will most likely happen. But in this case, Android 12 is unlikely to be needed. Huawei has already proven that, as such, an update to the original platform is not required to update the functional range of smartphones. If so, why do we need Android 12 at all?
