Going Beyond Material You and Customization
Google Gboard on Android 12 is Getting a Facelift brings a fresh experience, especially with the wallpaper-based theming approach. It’s something different from what we’ve seen before, particularly with Pixel hardware over the years. The new look is based on colors pulled from the wallpaper, transforming the interface to feel more personalized. However, despite the improvements, there are still some things that could be better. One major downside is the lack of independent customization, which can be frustrating for those who love tweaking every aspect of their phone. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s definitely something worth noting for users who are used to more control.
A Much-Needed Feature in Android 12
After a long wait, Android 12 finally introduces a dedicated one-handed mode. When you try it out, you might find yourself scratching your head, wondering why it took so long to get the option. But it’s here now, and that’s what matters. It’s a great addition for those using larger smartphones without having to struggle with hand gymnastics or needing huge hands to reach the top of the screen.
However, there’s a catch — the one-handed mode is only available if you’re willing to use gesture navigation. This could be a deal-breaker for some, but for those who enjoy the convenience of a larger display, it’s worth it. After all, having the option to make large smartphones easier to use is a welcome change. The ability to access this feature provides a better experience for those who find it difficult to handle their phone with one hand.
A Game-Changing Gesture for Pixel Devices
Quick tap is a feature that took some time to arrive, but it’s finally here in Android 12. Initially codenamed “Columbus,” this gesture allows you to double-tap the back of your Pixel phone to quickly activate functions like turning on the flashlight, launching Google Assistant, taking screenshots, or opening an app. It’s a neat way to access common features of your phone without unlocking the device or navigating through menus. Although this feature was introduced later, it’s already becoming an essential part of how I interact with my Pixel.
It’s worth noting that iOS had this feature for over a year before Google introduced it in Android 12, which makes you wonder why it took so long to implement. Nevertheless, the feature is highly convenient once enabled, and it’s an intuitive way to interact with your phone. Being able to access different parts of Android quickly, with just a double-tap, really makes the phone feel more responsive and efficient. It’s a small tweak that makes a big difference in day-to-day usage.
A Simple Privacy Feature for Your Device
Privacy on smartphones has become more important than ever, and Android 12 brings a helpful feature to keep you aware of your device’s camera and microphone access. Whenever an app accesses either of these hardware components, a small green dot or icon will appear at the upper-right of your smartphone display. This quick indicator helps you know when an app is using your device’s camera or microphone, giving you peace of mind.
The feature goes further by allowing you to easily check which app is using your camera or microphone. By expanding the notification shade and tapping the icon, you can see exactly which app has accessed these components. It’s a small but essential part of the wider Privacy controls. If you want, you can quickly disable or enable Microphone and Camera access from the Quick Toggles section. This makes it easy to control your device’s privacy with just a tap, ensuring your data is only accessible when you want it to be.
A Handy Tool for Mobile Gamers
For those who love mobile gaming, the dedicated Game dashboard in Android 12 is a fantastic new feature. Built right into Do Not Disturb mode, it brings a floating pop-up menu that adds extra controls and tweaks to improve your gaming experience. Whether you’re playing intense games or just casually enjoying your favorite apps, this feature ensures you’re in control, helping you to focus without distractions.
The Game dashboard offers useful tools like screen recording and frame rate indicators, making it easier to track your performance. Enhanced Picture-in-Picture Mode for a Better Experience
Android 12 brings some useful enhancements to the picture-in-picture mode, making the experience even smoother. One noticeable change is how the playback windows have been redesigned to better fit the rounded aesthetic, moving away from sharp corners to a more modern pill-shaped player. This small tweak makes the feature feel more in line with the rest of the system’s design.
Additionally, there is a new ability to stash a video while it’s playing, ensuring that UI portions remain unobstructed. This means background playback doesn’t interfere with anything you’re doing on your phone. When you’re done with the video, closing the playing window triggers a smooth animation, making the player snap or pop out of view without disruption.
Streamlining App Openings with Verified Links
In Android 12, Verified links make opening apps from a URL a lot easier. These URLs are specially designed to open an app directly, bypassing the old “open with” dialog that appeared in previous versions of Android. This means you no longer have to choose which app to use every time you click on a relevant link, saving you time and hassle.
What’s great about Verified links is that they work automatically without you having to think about it. It simply streamlines your everyday UI experience, making everything smoother. In Android 12, sharing links and images has become faster and more convenient with the Recents menu. If you’re looking at a web page or an image, you can now easily grab these elements by tapping on the link or image icon in the Recents screen. The link icon will show a color-coordinated site link that can be copied or directly shared with others. This small change makes it quicker to share content without interrupting what you’re currently doing on your phone.
When you tap the image icon, you get similar options like Lens or the ability to save the image. You won’t have to go through complicated menus anymore to share content.
Emergency SOS
The Emergency SOS feature in Android 12 is designed to improve personal safety in critical situations. To activate it, you simply need to press the power button quickly five times or more. This will trigger your device to emit a loud sound and a countdown alarm, alerting those nearby that you’re in distress. Once triggered, the feature can automatically call emergency services, or a predetermined number that you’ve set in advance. This is a helpful addition for anyone who may need assistance in an emergency but can’t directly make a call.
The Emergency SOS feature provides peace of mind by making it easier to call for help in an emergency situation, even if you’re unable to manually dial the number.
Approximate or Precise Location Controls
With Android 12, privacy has taken a major step forward, particularly in how apps and services access your location. Now, users can choose to give apps either approximate or precise location data. This ensures that your location is shared only as needed, offering a greater level of control over your personal information. For apps that only need basic locale or region information, this feature allows you to conceal your exact position while still using the app’s key functions, making it a win for privacy.
Conclusion
Android 12 introduces a wide range of exciting features that make your smartphone experience more intuitive, personalized, and secure. The inclusion of one-handed mode and Quick Tap gestures enhances usability, especially for users with larger devices, while improvements in privacy and location controls provide peace of mind. The addition of Verified Links and faster link/image sharing streamlines everyday tasks, making Android 12 feel even more efficient. Even with its drawbacks, like limited customization options, the features in this update make it a worthwhile upgrade for those seeking a modern and user-friendly interface.
FAQs
Q1: How do I activate the Emergency SOS feature in Android 12?
To activate Emergency SOS, press the power button five times quickly. This will trigger an alarm and, depending on your settings, can either call emergency services or a predefined contact.
Q2: Can I control whether apps access my precise or approximate location?
Yes, with Android 12, you can choose between approximate or precise location when granting apps access to your data, offering greater privacy and control.
Q3: What is the Quick Tap feature in Android 12?
The Quick Tap feature lets you double-tap the back of your Pixel phone to quickly launch actions such as turning on the flashlight or taking a screenshot.
Q4: How does the new Privacy feature work with the camera and microphone?
Android 12 adds an indicator (a green dot) that shows when an app is using your camera or microphone, enhancing transparency and privacy. You can also manage these settings through Quick Toggles.