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Google will add these features to your phone in the next big Android update
Gadgets Now Bureau20 Feb, 2021, 10:14AM IST
Android 12 is available for these smartphones for now
As this is just the first Developer Preview of Android 12, only a handful of phones support it, these are Pixel 3 series, Pixel 3a series, Pixel 4 series, Pixel 4a series and Pixel 5.
Android 12 promises high quality videos but will take less storage space
Google is adding compatible media transcoding to support HEVC. With this feature, an app that doesn’t support HEVC can have the platform automatically transcode the file into AVC. You can expect apps to shoot better videos and take less storage space.
Support for AVIF format, which offers better image quality than JPEG format
For higher image quality with more efficient compression, Android 12 will support AV1 Image File Format (AVIF). Google claims that this will dramatically improve image quality for the same file size when compared to older image formats like JPEG.
Heavy apps to run smoother on Android 12
Google will block foreground service starting from the background for apps to improve performance of apps, particularly for heavy apps in social media, gaming, etc.
Music and gaming experience will improve with haptic-coupled audio effect on Android 12
In Android 12, apps can provide audio-coupled haptic feedback through the phone's vibrator. This will translate to a better gaming experience. “For example, a video calling app could use custom ringtones to identify the caller through haptic feedback, or you could simulate rough terrain in a racing game,” said Google.
Android 12 will add more gesture support that are easy to use
In Android 12, Google will offer a better gesture navigation when watching a video, reading a book, or playing a game. “We’re still protecting apps from accidental gestures when in full-screen experiences related to gaming, but in all other full-screen or immersive experiences (e.g. video viewers, reading, photo gallery), for apps targeting the new platform, we’re changing the default to allow users to navigate their phone with one swipe,” said Google.
Notifications to look better and apps will open faster by tapping on them
Google is refreshing notification designs to make them look good with custom content and icons. Also, notifications will open faster. “When users tap a notification, they expect to jump immediately into the app - the faster the better,” it said.
Google will be offering more updates through Google Play with Android 12
Google is focusing a lot on Project Mainline which deals with Google Play system updates to give apps a more consistent, secure environment across devices. With this Google can tackle major software issues by offering small updates through Google Play instead of giving a full system update.
Android 12 will offer more security and will prevent malware from tracking you
Google has added new controls over identifiers that can be used for tracking, safer defaults for app components, and more. Google will be adding more privacy and security features coming in later preview releases of Android 12.
Android 12 will be better optimised on foldable phones and TVs
Google is ensuring that Android 12 will work better on TVs, foldable phones and tablets with new features and better navigation.