Build Android 12 Developer Preview 2 (DP2) has already become available for installation on Google Pixel smartphones. This is the third version of the new system – the previous Developer Preview 1.1 patch was released quite recently.
Like the first build, DP2 is still aimed at developers, so the system can be unstable and unusable for everyday use.
The main changes relate to security and existing functions. So, we can note improved notifications, a modified Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, an updated dark theme and changes in the API.
For example, now when you exit an application that is playing a video, the system immediately switches to Picture-in-Picture mode instead of waiting for the desktop opening animation first. Google claims this solution looks smoother and faster. The PiP mode window can now be temporarily hidden by moving it off the edges of the display, or enlarged with a double tap. There was also a “pinch-to-zoom” gesture for quickly zooming in on a floating video.
The widget selection window has also been updated – now it is a full-screen list. The one-handed control mode, which was previously hidden in the system, has officially appeared.
As far as security issues are concerned, Android apps can now require the device to be unlocked before taking action with notifications on the locked screen. For example, chat apps can ask for authentication before deleting a message. Also, developers will be able to prohibit the use of overlays in their applications.
Applications will now be able to receive information about the curvature of the screen on the device. In theory, this can be useful for the correct placement of UI elements.
Added support for an easier and more efficient way to get the checksum of an installed application. Developers can choose from several standard algorithms such as SHA256, SHA512, Merkle Root.
Wearable devices like smartwatches usually require a dedicated companion app to control them. Google wants to speed up the launch of such applications when the desired device is nearby. To do this, Android 12 Developer Preview 2 has a new CompanionDeviceService API.
A complete list of API changes can be found on the official Google blog.
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