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Google is rolling out a bug-fixing update for the recent Android 12 Developer Preview 2. The new DP 2.1 update, according to the changelog provided, includes just a single change: A fix for a WebView-related crash, potentially tied to the more widespread WebView crash issue that affected other phones last week.
In addition to the pattern-based tweaks we covered yesterday, Android 12 Developer Preview 2 also a few more lock screen-related adjustments, including a bigger and brighter emergency call button that follows your system accent color and a new enter button that conversely loses its accent color highlight. The lock icon at the top of the keyguard (which disappeared in DP1) is also back, and the break separating the number pad from the bulleted input field has been removed. Together with those changes, everything has been shifted up just slightly.
While we're still waiting for Android 12's bigger redesign to land, Google is also working at countless other smaller visual changes, and that includes this latest tweak. In Developer Preview 2, the media player now picks up on accent color cues from the system rather than trying to match album artwork, as it did previously.
Android 12 could make multitasking on tablets a lot simpler
Similar to something offered in DeX mode on Samsung devices
You can get your hands on a good Android tablet, but app support on Android is still lacking and the user experience still doesn't hold a candle to Apple's iPad. While Android 12 may not do much to change this, it could introduce an easier way to multitask.
Android 12's face-based auto-rotation won't be exclusive to Pixels after all
The nifty feature will be baked into AOSP
Google doesn't shy away from showing its AI & ML smarts in its Pixel phones, with features like Hold for Me and Recorder serving as notable examples. In the same vein, we recently heard that face-based auto-rotation could make its way to the Pixel with Android 12, but as it turns out, it could be available on other phones too.
Here's our first look at the gaming features coming to Pixels with Android 12
The new 'Game dashboard' still has some way to go
The latest entries to the Pixel line are not really about blazing-fast performance, and by passing on the top-tier chipset in favor of a Snapdragon 765G for the flagship Pixel 5, Google made that pretty evident. This doesn't mean the company is completely disregarding smartphone gaming, though. The Android 12 developer preview 2 has visual proof of a "game dashboard" we had previously heard about.
Pixel Launcher search bar could become more customizable with Android 12
The changes are hidden away in the developer preview for now
While some smartphone OEMs are still struggling to deliver Android 11, the second developer preview of Android 12 is already out in the wild. In addition to a new lockscreen pattern design and one-handed mode, there are a bunch of other things that Google isn't quite ready to show off. One such currently-hidden feature is a revamped Google Search bar that could bring new customization options to the Pixel launcher.
Android 12 DP2 debuts previously hidden 'swipe for notifications' feature
It has some bugs and conflicts with the new one-handed mode, though
Another hidden feature previously spotted in-development for Android 12 has trickled out in DP2, though it may not be available or work for everyone. It also conflicts with the brand new one-handed mode, but there's a new option in Android 12 DP2 to allow a swipe down on the gesture area to pull down the notification shade.
Android 12 DP2 brings the thiccness to your pattern unlock screen
Plus a new 'wrong pattern' animation
We knew that changes to the pattern unlock in Android 12 were coming, but the precise nature of those tweaks wasn't known until today. As of DP2, Android 12's pattern unlock system has new thicker lines with accented color and a "fun" new animation.
Android 12 DP2 subtly changes the app switcher
Slightly smaller app view, a relocated icon, and bigger stashed previews
Among the other changes hiding in Android 12 are a handful of tweaks to the app switcher/multitasking menu/recents menu. It's subtle, but Google has moved the app icon so that it no longer covers your view of the app itself. The currently selected app also now has the same vertical height as the stashed previews to the left and right, and your view of the app is just slightly smaller than before.
Among the changes Google didn't mention that are nestled in Android 12 Developer Preview Two is a new widget picker for the Pixel Launcher. This new picker still organizes things on a side-scrolling per-app basis, but collapsed for easier perusal.
Second Android 12 Developer Preview rolls out for Pixels today
Some previously "hidden" features are live in DP2
Android 12 Developer Preview 2 is here, giving us our second glimpse at the in-development state for the next version of Android. As you should expect, Google's announcement only highlights a handful of developer-facing changes with this latest release, but we're sure there are plenty of other exciting tidbits hidden inside — especially given the sheer volume of features spotted in-development with DP1. While we all wait for our phones to update, let's dig through the changes Google is willing to talk about.