Google released its new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro phones early this morning. Along with the new phones, Google today officially launched Android 12 for its current Pixel phone devices. In addition to Material You, improved quick Settings, and a host of other new Android 12 features, it also comes with an October security patch. If your device isn’t already installed, Google just released the official OTA and factory image.
The official Version of Android 12 is now available on Pixel 3 and newer models, including Pixel 3A, Pixel 4, Pixel 4A, Pixel 4A 5G, Pixel 5 and Pixel 5A. It will also be available on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Android 12 will come to Samsung Galaxy, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Tecno, Vivo and Xiaomi devices later this year.
In its latest annual review of Android security and privacy, Google noted that “critical security vulnerabilities affecting the Android platform are not publicly disclosed, nor are security updates or mitigations provided for Android devices.” In addition, there was an 84% increase in security patches in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to the previous year.
IGeekphone has learned that on Pixel 5 phones already running Android 12 Beta 5, the final Android 12 OTA was just under 5MB, with the October security patch date being the first Monday of the month. Many users, especially those in the Beta program, will only have to wait two weeks to get the final version of Android 12.
The most notable feature in Android 12 is the new Material You design, which lets you dig a little deeper and adjust the look of the home screen to your liking. It’s more expressive than previous versions of Android, with tools that let you coordinate colors and extend to app ICONS, drop-down menus, widgets and more. Many gadgets have been updated to match the new look, and Google shared today that by the end of October, it plans to offer more than a dozen new or upgraded gadgets for its first-party apps.
Google calls Material You a “Pixel-first” feature, though it will soon be coming to “more device manufacturers and phones.”
Pixel phones will likely get more “Pixel first” features in Android 12 in the future. Over the past few years, Google has released features that make being a Pixel user even more unique. Still, some features only work on newer Pixel phones, so that’s all the more reason to consider buying a new Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro. Google said in its hardware event that the phones will be supported with updates for at least five years, which is impressive.
To get the update, go to the Settings app on your Pixel phone, click “System,” then find “System Update” and tap in.
Here are the Android 12 updates for Pixel phones:
Android 12 makes its debut
More personal, more secure and easier to use than ever before.
Your device will be updated to Android 12. For more information, please visit android.com/12.
The new features include:
Personalized design that can be adjusted according to wallpaper color
Widgets that display your important conversations
Long shot
When the microphone or camera is in use, the status bar displays an indicator
Quick control for turning off the microphone or camera
More privacy control Settings
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