Android
Google released Android 12L Beta 2, check new features and bug fixes here
In late October 2021, Google officially introduced the Android 12L software system for tablets and foldable smartphones. The 12L is a special feature drop that makes Android 12 even better on large screens. We have already witnessed its first beta in December. Now Google has released the second beta version of Android 12L.
The Android 12L beta 2 is considered an incremental beta update. It is quite important for developers as it allows them to initiate final compatibility testing for apps, SDKs, and libraries.
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As per the changelog, there are minor bug fixes, these are pretty important though, and take us closer to the final release that may happen in March this year. Besides, it comes with January 2022 Android security patches and some minor features and changes.
Developer-reported issues:
- Fixed an issue where the clock on the lock screen was not centered on the screen. (Issue #209866500)
- Fixed an issue where all the recent apps in the recent apps view showed as a black image with an “App isn’t available” toast message. (Issue #210442689)
- Fixed an issue where using gestures to switch between apps sometimes left an image of the previous app’s state showing over part of the current app. (Issue #211095552)
Other resolved issues:
- Fixed an issue where some icons on the lock screen were too small when viewed on larger screens.
- Fixed an issue where sometimes the lock screen was not dismissed after unlocking a device.
- Fixed an issue that caused bitmap images to disappear or otherwise render incorrectly in widgets.
Other than these, 9to5Google has listed some of the features of Android 12L Beta 2, these are as follows.
Android 12L Beta 2 Features and Changes:
- You can tap At a Glance to open Google Calendar again
- Split-screen shortcut in PiP window when another app is open
- The video opens full screen in the bottom position (on phones).
- Updated M3 button for camera/mic access
- Rounded bottom/top corners for App Pairs
- ‘Pin to top’ -> ‘Split top
- Currently called “Split screen” in Android 12
- Assistant power button graphic
- ‘Turn off airplane mode’ shortcut
- Double-line clock setting
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Google is preparing to bring contextual video search support to the Circle to Search feature. AndroidAuthority spotted strings in the latest Google app for Android suggesting the potential arrival of contextual video search support.
In the recent past, Google significantly improved the Circle to Search feature. It added quickly sharing clipped on-screen items, song search, and QR code scanning support. Now, Circle to Search is preparing to upgrade with video search support.
Google’s AI-powered Circle to Search tool will allow you to search within any video. You will be able to trigger Circle to Search on locally stored videos apart from those available on the internet and social media.
Earlier this year, Samsung debuted the Circle to Search feature with the Galaxy S24 series. The company announced that the function will remain exclusive to select Galaxy and Pixel phones till October 2024.
In the meantime, Samsung and Google updated their Galaxy and Pixel phones with Circle to Search feature. Galaxy phones received it with the One UI 6.1 update, while Pixel phones added it with the June 2024 Feature Drop.
Recently, Samsung released Circle to Search for Galaxy A55 and A35. The AI-powered search tool is now available on a wide array of Pixel and Galaxy phones. Google is also preparing to optimize it for Android so a vast audience can make use of it.
Google is working to make Circle to Search functional with messaging bubbles in Android 15. Currently, the unique way to search doesn’t function when a messaging bubble is active, but that will change in a future Android 15 release.
MishaalRahman spotted code in the Android 15 source code that enables Circle to Search to be run when messaging bubbles have been expanded. This development indicates that Google is aware of the limitations and working to address them soon.
Circle to Search won’t activate if you have a messaging bubble active on the screen. It renders the user opt for an alternate way to search like opening Chrome. It becomes frustrating if you have to search for something right from the chat bubble.
It’s worth noting that the required code debuted in Android 15 Beta 4. The company has not used it in Android 15 nor the latest Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 release. Mishaal activated the feature manually by making some changes in the code.
Android currently doesn’t allow the home button or navigation handle to be long-pressed if a messaging bubble is active. Google would simply make improvements in this aspect so the handle/home button to be long-pressed.
Messaging bubbles
Google introduced the messaging bubbles feature in Android 11. This feature allows Android smartphone users to have active conversations floating as bubbles on top of other apps, making it easier to multitask while chatting.
Circle to Search is reportedly coming to more Android devices next month. In an exciting development, Tecno announced that the Circle to Search will be available on its new foldable, the Phantom V Fold 2, starting October 2024.
Samsung debuted Circle to Search with the Galaxy S24 series. It’s developed by Google in close partnership with the Galaxy maker. Google also expanded the feature to all of its Tensor-powered Pixel smartphones with Feature Drop.
We knew Circle to Search wouldn’t be available on non-Galaxy and Pixel phones till this October. Samsung already announced the availability of this feature will remain limited to certain phones made by either Samsung or Google.
It seems Samsung may have reached an agreement with Google. In order to showcase Galaxies supreme in the Android ecosystem, both firms may have restricted the expansion of the Circle to Search for at least 10 months.
Google has been regularly working to optimize Circle to Search for all Android phones. As it’s coming to Tecno phone next month, we expect other leading vendors including Xiaomi, Vivo, OnePlus, and OPPO will also be joined.
Well, Google hasn’t officially announced the expansion of Circle to Search. As Tecno is also a Google partner, this spirited claim couldn’t be untrue. Pay attention, Google has an ambitious plan to fuel 200 million Androids with Circle to Search.