Google releases the developer preview of Android 12L for larger-screened Android phones
One of the hot new features for Android L is a taskbar at the bottom of the screen that can automatically switch to ‘favorite apps.’ And to enter split-screen mode, all you need to do is drag an icon from the taskbar onto either the left or right half of the display. In split-screen mode, the two sides of the display are separated by a divider that can be resized. While the icons on the dock are square, the corners of the app windows are rounded.
The final version of Android 12L is expected to drop next March
What killed Honeycomb? Some believe that a lack of Android apps created specifically for tablets was the problem; Google failed to inspire third-party developers by creating apps for Android tablets. But if Google can create its own apps for Android 12L, it might inspire third-party developers to spend the time and money on the creation of third-party tablet apps for Android.
Google says that it expects to release Android 12L “early next year, in time for the next wave of Android 12 tablets and foldables…We’re also offering the features to our OEM partners to bring to their existing large screen devices,” Google says.
“In 12L we’ve refined the UI on large screens across notifications, quick settings, lock screen, overview, home screen, and more.” Google continues, “For example, on screens above 600dp, the notification shade, lock screen, and other system surfaces use a new two-column layout to take advantage of the screen area. System apps are also optimized.
image shows a phone with two-column layouts.”