After a while, in which Google had been promising the arrival of an operating system designed for smartphones with large screens and also folding, its software is getting closer and closer. We refer to Android 12L, a system that, as we say, is designed for panels of large dimensions. Although, that does not mean that it can be installed on other mobile devices.
This version is not yet available for a large number of phones, although we will tell you which are the lucky ones who can get to enjoy this Google software. And, most importantly, we will tell you the different Android 12L news that we will enjoy.
What is Android 12L?
Nor should we have so many illusions about this new version of Google’s operating system, as it is designed for those users who have folding mobile devices, with imposing panels, as well as tablets. So a good handful of its features might not work for our phones with smaller screens.
In short, Android 12L is a special update that includes different functions that will further improve the main Android 12 version on smartphones or other devices with large screens. That is, they have been in charge of optimizing, in addition to perfecting, the UI of the system for large panels, making it possible to perform different tasks more intuitively and more efficiently. Even the compatibility for applications has been improved, so that they are seen in a better way by default.
But, without further ado, these are the main features that we will find in this version of the operating system that Google has developed for large screens .
Optimization for large panels
From Google they already assure us that this version is defined so that Android is more attractive and intuitive on devices with large panels. In order to make Notifications, Quick Settings, Lock Screen, Recent Screen, Home Screen easier to use.
For example, the notification panel takes advantage of space, as it shows the quick settings. Another new case is in the lock screen, as it uses a larger two-column layout to highlight notifications.
Huge mobile enhancements
There are many apps that are already optimized for devices with large screens and offer great experiences. But that is not enough, for this reason, Android 12L is even more committed to improving compatibility , that is, it will continue to provide continuity between changes in screen size and device position, and much more.
In addition, for those apps that have not yet been optimized, different visual and stability improvements will be made with the compatibility mode. For this reason, for example, different device manufacturers will be able to configure the application’s aspect ratio, as well as to decide whether to apply rounded corners in the application window or adjust the transparency of the status bar.
Fixed bar and multitasking
With this new version of the operating system, a new task bar is added that makes it easier for us to start apps and change them instantly, that is, a fixed bar in which different applications will be displayed.
In addition, the gestures will allow us to use the taskbar more quickly , since we can drag and drop in order to enter the split screen mode, among other actions. It will even facilitate the simple action of running apps. Therefore, with this version, users will be able to drag and drop their favorite apps on the split screen directly from the taskbar.
Compatible phones
As we said at the beginning, we are facing a version of the system that is aimed at devices that have larger panels, but which will also reach smartphones, such as folding phones . For this same reason, not all mobile devices will have access to this new version of the US company’s software. Therefore, the only lucky ones to be able to test this beta are Google models, that is, Pixel mobiles :
- Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL.
- Pixel 4 and 4 XL.
- Google Pixel 4a and 4a 5G.
- Pixel 5 and 5a.
- Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.
How can it be installed?
If you have one of the previous Pixel phones, you would have the possibility of being able to enjoy this new version called Android 12L. However, it is available through the Beta program , so you will need to register on the Google website .
Once you have made sure you have one of the phones compatible with Android 12L, you can join the program to try this new operating system. To enroll your phone, simply click Opt-in, then accept the terms and conditions. Finally, we must click on the Join Beta button.
Once you’ve signed up, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours for you to receive the update on your smartphone. Also, you will have to make sure you have installed other updates prior to this one.
However, we can also make use of a Google emulator that the company makes available to us. Therefore, if you do not have a compatible phone with Android 12L and you want to try the new functionalities of this version of the operating system, you can always choose to install this virtual emulator on your PC.
Problems in the beta
Being before a beta version, there will be many problems that we can find. And although there are several phones that have not yet received the new operating system from Google, the Mountain View company has worked to bring this version as a beta known as Android 12L.
The problem comes because there have been several users on Reddit (since that is the community in which they report possible errors) have reported that, for example, the Google Pay application does not work since they decided to install Android 12L Beta.
Therefore, we are talking about one of the great failures, since it is one of the most widespread payment methods throughout the world, especially for those users who use the software of the American manufacturer.
When trying to use this tool, a notice is displayed on the phone panel informing us that the smartphone does not meet the necessary software requirements . Something that can be seen in the previous image. However, it must be clear that we are facing a new update of Android 12 that is in the Beta program, so the errors will be frequent and varied.