Android 12: We love these hidden options. This is use them your self

Google launched the fifth and remaining beta for Android 12 in early September and famous that the official launch is simply a “few weeks” away. The present construct is a launch candidate, which implies that — if there are no main bugs or points — it is more likely to be the identical construct at official launch. We’re so near the discharge of Android 12, I can nearly style it. Properly, truly, that is not true now that Google has ditched naming Android updates after desserts. However I digress. 

Should you have a appropriate cellphone, you’ll be able to set up Android 12 proper now by Google’s public beta program. This may get you early entry to issues like Android 12’s new privateness options, and a fully new search for Android — the most important one up to now.

However, as I usually say when new working methods are launched, the very best options are normally the hidden ones. These are options that have not been introduced, however ones it’s important to dig into the working system to search out. For instance, there is a devoted recreation mode in Android 12, but it surely’s buried within the Settings app. There’s additionally a shortcut to your system’s notification historical past for whenever you unintentionally dismiss an alert.

I am nonetheless digging by Android 12 and what it has to supply, however up to now I’ve discovered 4 hidden options which might be certain to be helpful. 

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Android 12 Beta hands-on

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Android 12 retains your notification historical past a faucet away

Do you ever filter out a notification with out studying it? I do it on a regular basis. Android has supplied system notification historical past for a while now, however you both needed to know the place to look, otherwise you needed to set up a third-party app to see it. 

In Android 12, all it’s important to do is scroll to the underside of your notification shade, the place you will see a brand new Historical past button. Faucet it, and you will see just lately cleared notifications in addition to alerts from the final 24 hours. 

Should you see Handle as an alternative of Historical past, that is as a result of Notification Historical past is not turned on. Allow it by tapping on Handle, then choose Notification Historical past and slide the swap to the On place. 

Android 12 makes huge telephones really feel smaller

A brand new one-handed mode in Android 12 is probably not a headlining function, but it surely’s one that might make an enormous distinction in how you utilize your cellphone. That is very true if you happen to’re utilizing a cellphone with an enormous show, just like the Galaxy S21 Extremely. 

The brand new one-handed mode strikes the highest half of no matter’s in your display to the underside half, making it simpler to faucet a fast settings tile or a notification. To make use of it, place a finger on the small bar on the backside of your cellphone’s display and swipe down. It might take a number of tries, however when you get the gesture discovered, it is simple to breed. 

Earlier than you are able to do that, although, you will want to show it on by going to Settings > System > Gestures > One-Handed Mode and slide the swap to the On place. Under the swap to allow the function, you will have two choices: Pull display into attain or Present notifications. Choose the primary choice after which shut out the Settings app.

There is a devoted gaming mode in Android 12, however you’ll be able to’t use it (but)

Should you play plenty of video games in your Android system, you will be joyful to know that Google is including a devoted Gaming Mode to Android 12. When it is turned on, your cellphone will do issues like robotically activate don’t disturb whenever you begin taking part in. 

However you’d by no means know the mode existed if you happen to did not enterprise deep into, of all locations, your notification settings. Extra particularly, go to Settings > Notifications > Do Not Disturb > Schedules. As soon as there, test the field subsequent to Recreation Mode to show it on. Subsequent, faucet on the Settings gear icon to and toggle each gadgets.

In my transient expertise testing it, recreation mode would not work in each recreation (taking a look at you, Asphalt 9). It does work in Name of Responsibility Cellular, nonetheless. When it is energetic, you are able to do issues like power your cellphone to optimize itself for gaming in a single-tap or view your system’s present frames per second.

Android 12 has a brand new app format choice, but it surely could be Pixel-only

The app grid in your cellphone’s residence display usually ranges for a 4×4, 5×5 or 6×6 grid (or related mixtures). Nonetheless, in Android 12 on the Pixel 5, there is a new app grid choice that is downright humorous at first look — 2×2. I assume that is restricted to simply Pixel telephones, however hopefully, different phone-makers undertake it, because it’s an enormous accessibility function for these in want of bigger app icons. 

Change to the brand new 2×2 format with a long-press on your house display, then choose Kinds & Wallpapers> Grid > 2×2. 

We do not know when Google will formally launch Android 12, however till then be certain to take a look at our favourite Android 12 options up to now. And if you happen to’re prepared (learn: courageous sufficient) to make the leap, here is set up Android 12 proper now.