Google Android 12 Developer Preview 2 released: supports rounded UI, better picture-in-picture mode

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IT Home reported on March 18 that foreign media 9to5 Google reported that today Google has prioritized pushing Android 12 Developer Preview 2 (DP2) to Pixel phones. Following the DP1.1 patch released earlier this month, DP2 provides developers with many new features for them to use in their apps.

Like the first version, DP2 is still within the "priority window" for developers to test and submit feedback on the upcoming Android 12 APIs.

The new features are as follows: (Details will be added later)

• Dark theme on Pixel gets even lighter

• One-handed mode is live and appears to be fully functional.

• WiFi sharing is now always in light mode.

• The widget list has been redesigned, and the lock screen PIN and pattern input have been adjusted.

• Picture-in-picture revamp brings new gestures and storage.

• Media player UI now uses system accent colors.

• A new device Pixel Launcher search bar is in the works, and possibly others.

• The "Game Dashboard" will add quick access to recordings, YouTube streaming, and more.

On the topic of "trust and security," Android apps can now require the device to be unlocked before letting users take action on lock screen notifications. For example, a chat app can require authentication before deleting a message. Meanwhile, developers can block overlays from appearing on their sensitive apps and workflows (i.e., transactions) where you can display content on top of an active app.

In terms of user experience, apps can request details about the device’s rounded corner UI. The radius, center point, and other data allow developers to adjust nearby UI elements and prevent them from being cut off.

When exiting a media app that’s playing a video, Android 12 DP2 will switch to picture-in-picture mode immediately , rather than waiting for the animation of swiping up to return to the home page to complete. Google says this “makes the transition smoother and improves perceived performance.” The picture-in-picture window can also now be temporarily hidden/put on hold by dragging to the left/right screen edge. A single tap will only display the controls instead of expanding them all, while a double-tap will switch between the current and maximum PIP size instead of going full screen. The window can also be resized by pinching to zoom.

IT Home learned that Android 12 introduced the CompanionDeviceService API, which aims to improve the management of applications such as smartwatches and fitness trackers. When a wearable device is in close contact with your phone, the companion app will be awakened.

The system keeps the service bound as long as the device is nearby, and notifies the service when the device enters and leaves range or is turned off, letting the app clean up state as needed.

Other changes in Android 12 DP2 include a more accurate bandwidth estimation API and easier application of graphics effects (blur, color filters, etc.) to views.

There is an Android Beta Feedback app on Pixel phones that allows users to submit bugs to Google's issue tracker, accessible from the app drawer or through quick settings.

At the launch event, Google's Android 12 developer preview system is available for Pixel 3 (XL), Pixel 3a (XL), Pixel 4 (XL), Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5, as well as in the Android emulator.

Google officially stated that Android 12 DP2 (SPP2.210219.008) is still "for developers only and not suitable for daily or consumer use."