Preview for Android 12 developers, from better emergency calls to notifications overhaul

The Android 12 Developer Preview has been released and the internet is busy thinking about it to find new features or clues about the future of the operating system. So far, there have been a few cool discoveries, such as an SOS emergency feature, rework, and other useful, even minor findings:

As pointed out by Android Police, the Emergency SOS function is also much easier to access now. Before, to make an emergency call, you had to hold down the power button, press the emergency button, and then double-tap the Call 911 button. In Android 12, however, it can be activated by Quickly pressing the power button five times, which will trigger a countdown telling you that an emergency call is about to be made.

Android Police Note that by default it calls 911. You can configure it to call a different number, but if the number is not a government hotline, your phone will need to be unlocked for the call to be made. pass.

Screenshots: Sean Hollister / The Verge

Picture: Android Police

There have been a few minor revamps to the Settings app’s search bar and the lock screen and notification media player, but Mishaal Rahman found a feature indicator that “drastically” changes the user interface. settings to be easier to use with one hand.

9to5Google also found that some screens in the settings app have blue tinted backgrounds. He speculates that he could be part of a rumored theming system, but at the moment it seems very unfinished.

Picture: 9to5Google

Of course, notifications got a redesign as well, with 9to5Google note that there is now a dedicated snooze button and the icon bubbles are now much larger. This seems to reduce the density of notifications, but it’s still very early days for Android 12, so it’s possible that changes will be made or toggles can be added to control whether you want to see the app icon larger.

Picture: 9to5Google

There are also a few features that are suggested, or even settings present, but currently don’t seem to be working or are not enabled, including:

Considering the initial state of Developer Preview, it’s not really intended for everyday use on your primary phone. And as with all beta releases, these features and designs are subject to change in new releases. Still, it’s a tantalizing glimpse into the future of Android and the features Google is adding to an already feature-rich mature operating system.