We already know that Google has been working on Android 12L for a long time. This is an update to your operating system that will arrive at the end of this year on some devices such as the Surface Duo. This is because this version is optimized for larger and foldable screens (It also includes dual screens). Android has adapted to the upcoming generation of mobile devices and has provided developers with the necessary tools.
Android 12L, the operating system that Surface Duo needed
It was Google itself that concisely explained the situation. The person in charge has been the vice president of Android engineering, Andrei Popescu. This one has given some more details about Android 12L. Among which stands out some new features of the operating system that are part of the update.
Starting later this year, we’re bringing 12L to your favorite tablets and foldables with planned updates from Samsung, Lenovo, and Microsoft. And we’ll continue to build more features and functionality to help you get the most out of your larger-screen devices in Android 13 and beyond.
Interestingly, there has been some confusion that Android 12L was a single “branch” or fork of Android built for these devices, But that is not the case. While Android 12L focuses on new form factors, its main changes will be incorporated in Android 13 and beyond.
A native alternative to Microsoft solutions
The features shown in the article are not new. Google shows how users can “drag and drop any app from the taskbar to enter split screen mode so you can do two things at once”, something the Surface Duo (via Microsoft Launcher) has been doing since day one. The notification display adapted to two screens offers quick controls on one side and notifications on the other. This was already revealed in late 2021 when Android 12L was first announced.
While the new interface changes are welcome in Android 12L, OEMs don’t necessarily have to use them. Microsoft Launcher already handles many of these tasksbut in an effort to reduce redundancy, Microsoft could choose to rely on Google’s more native implementation if it proves superior.
As for the timetable for the release of Android 12L, Google states that “at the end of this year”. The operating system is expected to be finished before June and could arrive on devices as early as the fall.
Perhaps the most important thing for Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 is not the operating system itself, but APIs for developers, which will be able to optimize applications for dual screens, folding screens and those of larger format. Those apps will have a more significant impact on the Surface Duo than some native changes found in Android 12L as an operating system.