It’s been just over a month since Google released the second developer preview for Android 12 and today the company now offers the third version. This preview adds haptic feedback options for developers, new app launch animations, and improved in-app link handling, which are features we’re planning to get into. the next major version of Android.
In a blog post, VP of Engineering Dave Burke wrote that Android 12 will offer extensive tools “to create informative haptic feedback for UI events, immersive and enjoyable effects for games and attentional haptics for productivity. ” Specifically, game developers can now access several different actuators independently in game controllers to create synchronized effects or different haptic effects on the device. Google also added the ability to create a “weak tic” effect it is a very short, low frequency phrase intended for repetitive use and should produce a “light and crispy feel”.
As part of an overall interface refresh, Android 12 will feature new app launch animations for what Burke has called “a more cohesive and enjoyable experience.” These animations apply to all apps from the launch point, showing a splash screen with the app icon before transitioning to the app itself. This new experience “brings standard design elements to every app launch,” Burke wrote, but it’s customizable by the developers of each app. They can choose to use a custom icon, background color, set light or dark mode, and control timing to reveal the app. This animation experience is enabled by default for all apps.
Some other interface updates include a new call notification template for apps that handle calls, providing more flexibility over avatar images, text, and button options. Google has also worked to speed up machine learning processes and in this preview, Burke said, “We’ve cut the inference call load by more than half by introducing improvements like padding, sync closings and reusable runtime objects. “
Another change brought about by this preview is how apps open links. When you tap on a link that has not been verified through Android app links or manually approved, Android 12 will open them directly in the default browser instead of having you choose in a selection dialog. Users can approve specific apps with a new setting called “Open by Default” which will show websites from links in apps you have allowed.
Burke also outlined the schedule for the public rollout of Android 12. Google aims to achieve platform stability in August with a final release slated for some time after that. A beta version is planned for May, by which time the public (including members of the press or readers like you) can more easily download the software for testing. With Google I / O Developer Conference kicks off May 18, we will probably know more about the main features of Android 12 very soon.
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