Google unveils a preview version of Android 12 for developers
On February 18, 2021 local time, Google unveiled a developer preview of the next major version of Android, Android 12 . Each feature of Android 12 and the release schedule have also been officially revealed.
Android Developers Blog: First preview of Android 12
Android 12 simplifies security for work devices
https://blog.google/products/android-enterprise/android-12-developer-preview/
Android 12 Developer Preview | Android Developers
https://developer.android.com/about/versions/12
The newly released Android 12 developer preview version can be downloaded from: This can be used by general users, but it is originally intended for developers to test their applications for the official version. Google said in a warning color, 'When migrating from the original build to the preview version, from the preview version to the original build, a complete device reset that deletes all user data on the device is required. Always back up the data first. Please do it. '
Downloads for Google Pixel | Android 12 Developer Preview
https://developer.android.com/about/versions/12/download
The release schedule of Android 12 is as follows. In March and April 2021, the second and third preview versions were launched, and in May, the beta version was released for general users as well. The second and third beta versions will be released in June and July, respectively, and the final beta version will be released in August. After that, as soon as the adjustment of the final beta version is completed, the regular version of Android 12 will appear.
The 'Updates for Android 12' revealed with this developer preview version are as follows.
◆ Reliability and safety
Added new SameSite cookie behavior with Chrome and other browser updates. We have enhanced security and privacy, and now have more transparent user control over the use of cookies.
-Added restrictions on Netlink MAC
Netlink MAC, which was restricted access based on API level 30 in Android 11, is now restricted for all apps regardless of the target SDK level.
· Further secure component exports
Revised the default handling of the 'android: exported' attribute to prevent apps from accidentally exporting activities, services and receivers.
・Safer handling of intents
To secure the handling of PendingIntent, your app will now explicitly request the 'FLAG_MUTABLE' or 'FLAG_IMMUTABLE' flags.
◆ About user experience tools
-Introduction of compatible media transcoding
Introduce compatible media transcoding for apps that cannot support the HEVC format. The platform automatically transcodes files to AVC for apps that don't support HEVC.
・AVIF image support
In order to achieve even higher compression and higher image quality, Android 12 will introduce AVIF as an image format. Compared to traditional JPEG, the image quality is dramatically improved even with the same file size.
An example of AVIF format looks like this. The file size is 18.2KB.
This is the JPEG format, and the file size is 20.7KB. Even though the file size is larger than the AVIF format, you can clearly see that the image is crushed when enlarged.
・Foreground service optimization
For the foreground service where the app manages tasks for users, for apps targeting the new platform, block the launch of the foreground service from the background.
・Insert rich content
We will introduce new integrated APIs such as clipboard, keyboard, drag and drop so that the application can easily receive dynamic contents (rich contents) such as CG and animation.
・Haptic (tactile) generator
With Android 12, you can experience audio in conjunction with the vibration function installed in your smartphone. For example, you can set up a custom ringtone with tactile feedback to identify the caller in your video calling app, or simulate the experience of 'running in the wasteland' in a racing game.
-Improved immersive mode API for gesture navigation
We've simplified the immersive mode to make gesture navigation simple and consistent, such as watching videos, reading books, and playing games.
・Renewal of notification UI
The notifications have been redesigned to be more modern, easier to use and more functional. In the newly released preview version, the drawer and control templates themselves have been updated, and the animation of the entire system has been optimized to make it smoother.
・Speed up notifications
When you push a notification to execute an activity, the activity is not executed directly, but if it is through an intermediary system, the execution speed is limited, so limit those intermediary systems and eliminate the intermediary system I encouraged developers to do this.
· Improved Binder IPC call
Focusing on latency and workload distribution, we optimized it to lower the median tailend experience.
◆ About app compatibility
When deploying new platform versions, we prioritize app compatibility to speed up and facilitate updates. Android 12 has opt-in changes for most apps and updates tools and processes to give you more time.
・Expansion of Google Play system update
We will continue to increase our investment in Google Play System Update to provide each app with a secure and consistent environment depending on the device. Android 12 has added an Android runtime module that allows you to push updates on the core runtime and core libraries on your device. This has improved runtime performance and accuracy, streamlined memory management, and speeded up Kotlin operations.
・Optimization for tablets, foldable smartphones and TVs
With the increasing number of people using apps on large screen devices such as tablets, foldable smartphones, and TVs, we have begun optimizing for tablets and building apps for foldable devices. We have also released a developer preview of Android 12 for Android TV .
· Update the list of non-SDK interfaces
Added new restrictions to non-SDK interfaces.
-Simplification of testing and debugging
We've toggled many changes to make it easier to test opt-in changes that can affect your app. You can enable / disable each change separately from the developer options or the Android Debug Bridge.
・Platform stability milestones
As in 2020, advance notification of platform safety milestones to give developers more time to work on app compatibility. In this milestone, not only the final SDK and native API, but also the system operation corresponding to the internal API and application will be notified in advance.
Related Posts:
