Google wants tablets from brands like Samsung or Xiaomi to really be an alternative to Apple’s iPads, and the only way to achieve this goal is to offer a software that is up to or even exceeds iPadOS. The Mountain View company has been working for months on a special edition of its operating system for smartphones. In this case, adapted to tablets or those phones that have a folding screen. After several months in beta phase, the version, baptized as Android 12L, has already been officially announced and will be available for the first devices soon. But what is special about this operating system compared to the conventional version of Android?
Andrei Popescu, Vice President of Android Engineering, names to Android 12L as a version of Android 12 with “features that will make tablets and foldables simpler and easier to use.” We cannot speak of an independent operating system, since this version is designed under the same code as Android. It is simply, a special edition designed for devices with a screen larger than that of a smartphone. Yes, the interface elements of Android 12 — or any previous version — already adapt to larger screens. However, they do not offer extra features that could significantly improve the experience. That’s where the difference is.
The new version for folding tablets and smartphones, in fact, It keeps some of the best features that came with Android 12. Among them, the new design line, the privacy and security options or the multiple customization options that we currently see on Samsung, Pixel, Realme smartphones, etc. Add, yes, some extra modifications to take full advantage of the larger screen diagonal.
Android 12L improvements
One of these functions that we do not see in the conventional version of Google’s operating system is the possibility of activating multitasking in a much simpler way. To do this, the company has included a taskbar very similar to the iPadOS dock. This bar is located at the bottom of the screen and allows quick access to favorite apps or those most used to, for example, open them together with another app already in use and thus create what is known as a split screen.
Creating a version of the operating system adapted only to larger screens also allows other navigation advantages that go beyond using two apps at the same time. Google highlights the possibility of display much more information in a single windowand gives the notification panel as an example.
The larger the screen, the more space there is for relevant information
On smartphones and current tablets, the notification panel also integrates a section with shortcuts to some of the most common system settings and options. However, to access them it is necessary to make a double gesture or delete the notifications that appear on the screen. With Android 12L, instead, the interface uses the full width of the screen and shows notifications on one side, and shortcuts on the other.
Something similar happens when accessing some applications and sections within the interface. With Android 12L, it shows a two column layout. For example, in the system settings app, the user can find a column located on the left side of the screen. This shows the list of options (screen, security, sound, privacy, etc). When clicking on one of those options, a second column will be displayed that shows the content that we usually find within that setting. On smartphones, on the other hand, there is only one column, so when you click on an option, the page with the list of the rest of the settings disappears. In the new adapted version, however, it remains visible at all times. This will also help make navigation faster, since you won’t need to go back.
Folding mobiles also benefit
Android 12L makes a lot of sense on tablets. Mainly, because they have a screen size considerably larger than that of a smartphone, which allows more productivity options. However, this special version it is also very useful in folding smartphones. Above all, for those with a “book-type” format, such as the Galaxy Z Gold 3 or the Oppo Find N.
The main feature of this type of mobile is its flexible inner screen. This, in most cases, is folded in half to make the terminal more compact. Fully unfolded, however, it offers a size very similar to that of a compact tablet. That is, the diagonal of the panel is much larger than that of a conventional smartphone. So, just like on tablets, there’s more room to get relevant information.
In fact, some manufacturers, such as Samsung and Oppo, modify their interface to be able to offer features similar to those presented by Google. And it is that this type of mobile can offer the best of all worlds: features identical to those we see in any other device, plus extra functions related to productivity. With Android 12L, in addition, the features are implemented natively, so manufacturers can opt for a much cleaner and more intuitive system.
Which foldable smartphones and tablets will update to Android 12L?
Google has indicated that Android 12L will be available in tablets and folding from manufacturers such as Samsung, Lenovo and Microsoft. At the moment, only Samsung has confirmed which devices will update to this version. They will be the Galaxy Tab S8, Tab S8+ and Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. We’re also expecting upcoming foldable smartphones, including Google’s rumored Pixel Fold, to ship with Android 12L out of the box.
Regarding the update schedule, the company has revealed that the main manufacturers they will start rolling out this new software on their devices by the end of the year. It is likely that the aforementioned brands will launch different beta versions beforehand to test features and adapt their interface to this new version of the operating system.