Global mobile app usage was steadily growing even before 2020. The pandemic just turbocharged our digital habits. As years-long debates over screen time and digital dominance vanished, mobile apps emerged as the most prominent champions. And its trends like these that make the next Android version more exciting than ever. Whether you are an Android app developer or a business owner, you cannot overlook the evolving consumer behavior. Android 12 has features that reflect this remarkable shift in user expectations.
Some of the most noteworthy highlights of the Android 12 preview include compatible media transposing, user experience enhancements, and new security measures. The updates will impact native and Kotlin app development services alike. Read on to know the features that demand developers’ attention.
Highlights of the Android 12 Developer Preview
For experienced Android developers, the preview will likely prompt awe and alertness. While new UX capabilities will make your app more likable, stricter security means more meticulous efforts.
Security Enhancements
With the latest Android version, Google continues its efforts to ramp-up users’ control over security and transparency. Changes in Android 12 will likely impact the ways Android apps behave. Cookie changes, for instance, will now reflect in the Android WebView. The SameSite functionality will determine whether cookie requests are limited to just one site.
Android 12 restricts the Netlink MAC regardless of the target SDK. Also, the default handling of android: exported has been made more specific. Additionally, Pending Intents will change in Android 12 to make them more secure.
UX-Focused Improvements
Android 12 will include an array of changes that have the potential to dramatically enhance user experiences. Here’s how.
HEVC Transcoding
Android 12 features built-in transcoding to AVC format. Since HEVC hardware is increasingly used by smartphone makers, this update is crucial. It will significantly enhance the photo and video shooting experiences.
AVIF Images & Foreground Optimization
Android 12 offers platform support for AVIF image formats. It improves the quality and compression of still pictures. Also, the new version will block background services from moving onto the foreground unless they target the new platform. It will result in a better process flow and network access.
Clipboard Content & Haptic Feedback
Android 12 features a new unified API that makes it easier for developers to use content from the clipboard. It enables you to create new use cases for app users. Audio-coupled haptic feedback enables strength and frequency dictation by audio. It will be particularly useful for gaming and other entertainment apps.
Advanced Navigation
Navigation gets a significant upgrade in Android 12. The new version will feature gestures for navigation Default gestures will be available in full-screen and immersive apps. Also, Android 12 will make minor improvements in notification layouts. Notifications will now include new transitions and animations. You could also enhance notifications with personalized content.
Better Compatibility
Google intends to ensure better compatibility with older apps in its latest version of the mobile OS. If you test your app on Android 12, you can test compatibility by toggling some changes. You could get started by either flashing Android 12 to a Pixel device or using Android Emulator in Android Studio.
Other Notable Updates
The latest Android version also adds a new Runtime where users will see system updates in the Google Play Store. Besides, Android has also expanded the functionality of existing modules like delivering compatible media inside an updated module.
Wrapping Up
With users worldwide spending more time across their smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, Android has focused more on user experiences. This Developer Preview gives us glimpses of what will likely be a more UX-driven mobile operating system. If you’re an Android developer, the new version will make your app development journey smoother than ever.
At Android Developer, passionately look forward to every update and promptly implement them in our projects. You could hire Android developers from us to make next-gen mobile apps for your business. Follow us on social media to get useful updates and insights about mobile apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much does it cost to build an Android app?
The development cost for an Android mobile app depends on what kind of app you need. Costs are lower for an app with a basic design and simpler features. If you need a high-performance app with more advanced features, the cost will be comparatively higher. Android Developer India offers competitive pricing for every kind of app.
Q. Is Kotlin better than Java?
Kotlin adds many advanced features to mobile app development. The Android app developers’ community is increasingly using it. Kotlin can compile the code to JavaScript or native. It enables developers to build code that can run both on Android and iOS. It’s a statically typed language. Kotlin’s key features like built-in null safety support make apps flawless and user friendly.
Q. What is Rapid Application Development used for?
Rapid application development (RAD) is a concept of software development which emphasizes working on software and being more adaptive. This development concept, introduced by James Martin in the 1980s, focuses on speed and used strategies such as prototyping, iterative development, and time boxing.
