It’s February and as expected, Google has released the first developer preview for the next flavor of Android. The Android 12 developer preview 1 is now available for Pixel phone users. If you own a Pixel 3 or above, you can test out the new UI changes and features in the latest update. It further improves the notification panel, security, and brings support for new media formats.
New Features in Android 12 DP1
Starting off with consumer-facing changes, the notification UI has received an update. “We’re refreshing notification designs to make them more modern, easier to use, and more functional,” says Dave Burke, VP of Engineering (Android), Google in an official blog post. It builds on the changes introduced in Android 11. You now see bigger icons, a dedicated snooze button, and more white space.
BIG change: If you enable the “Silky home” feature flag that I previously mentioned, you’ll get a DRAMATICALLY changed Settings UI that’s MUCH more one-handed friendly. Here are a few screenshots: pic.twitter.com/EcwqnU0LlB
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) February 18, 2021
Devices That Support Android 12 DP1
The Android 11 update did not reach the original Pixel lineup last year. And it is the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL that is being booted off the list this time around. If you own a Pixel 3 and later models, you are eligible to test out Android 12 developer preview 1. Find a list of all devices that support Android 12 right here:
It should be known that the Android 12 DP1 build is not intended for general users. It is released to give developers an idea of the upcoming changes and updated APIs. The install involves flashing the compatible factory image or sideloading the OTA. Both of these methods have certain risks involved and could lead to loss of data.
