Google is expected to launch the next generation version of Android, Android 12, in just a few weeks. Before the release of the software, XDA Developers shared some leaked screenshots that give us an idea of what we can expect from the new software.
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According to XDA Developers, the screenshots come from an “initial draft of a document made to summarize the changes in Android 12”, and those using iOS 14 will notice some similarities between Apple’s latest update and the next Google launch, like PCWorld points.
Apple on iOS 14 added a small dot on the status bar to let you know if the microphone or camera is enabled, and on Android 12, Google seems to have a similar option. When the camera or microphone is in use, there is a green bar at the top of the Android interface.
After an application accesses the camera or microphone, Android 12 displays a small dot that can be touched to allow you to see the details of which application used the phone’s hardware.
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Google is also adding buttons to universally disable the camera and microphone in its revised privacy interface, which goes a little further than what Apple offers. With iPhones and iPads, you can disable camera and microphone access in each application, but not for all applications.
The widget interface on Android 12 is similar to the widgets interface on iOS 14 with a cleaner look and better organization to make it easier to find widgets to use on the home screen.
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Apple is unlikely to be upset that Google is following in its footsteps to tighten privacy controls, as Apple executives have repeatedly said that when it comes to privacy protection, Apple is happy to see competitors copying their work.
Google is also planning to adopt another Apple privacy change – App Tracking Transparency. Recent reports suggest that Google is considering a “less stringent” version of the feature, which requires application developers to obtain user permission before crawling them across applications and websites. “We are always looking for ways to work with developers to raise the level of privacy and, at the same time, enable a healthy and ad-supported application ecosystem,” said a Google spokesman.
The leaked screenshots from the XDA developers have not been confirmed, but we should see the new features of the Android 12 operating system in late February.