Google is now moving forward with the public release Android 12. Today, Google released the fourth beta version of Android 12. This milestone signifies that the company has reached the Platform Stability milestone. This means that the changes affecting Android app developers have been finalized. It allows them to test their apps and not worry about breaking any changes in future releases.While the updated version of Android brings a number of new capabilities for developers to tap into, Google urges its developers to first focus on releasing an Android-12-compatible update. The company warns that users who find that their app is not working properly after upgrading to the latest version of Android may uninstall it or stop using it altogether.Material You is one of the most prominent consumer-facing features in Android 12. It allows users to apply themes across all OS platforms to personalize their Android experience. The new privacy tools include microphone and camera indicators to show whether an app is using them, as well as a clipboard reader notification similar to iOS that alerts apps that have read the clipboard history. Android 12 also allows users to play games right away after downloading them using a Google Play Instant feature. Other important Android features and tools like Quick Settings and Google Pay, Home Controls, and Android widgets have also been enhanced.Google continues to roll out small consumer-facing updates in Android 12 beta releases. Beta 4 is focused on developers getting apps ready for Android's public release, which is expected this fall.Developers should be aware of changes such as the Privacy Dashboard in Settings. This allows users to see which apps have access to what data, and also provides privacy features like the clipboard read tools, indicator lights for mic and camera, and toggles that allow users to turn off camera and mic access across all apps.The new stretch overscroll effect replaces the old glow overscroll systemwide. There are also new splash screen animations to help apps and keygen change notifications. There are many SDKs and libraries used by developers that need to be checked for compatibility.Android 12 beta 4 is now available for supported Pixel devices and select partners such as Oppo and Realme, Sharp, ZTE, and ASUS. Android TV developers have access to beta 4, via the ADT-3 Developer Kit.
