Google releases first Android 12L beta for Pixel phones

Google has released the first Android 12L beta for several phones in the Pixel series. Android 12L includes optimizations for devices with a large screen, such as foldables and tablets, but the OS is also available for ‘normal’ smartphones.

Google reports in a Reddit post that the first Android 12L beta will be available for phones in the Pixel 3a, 4, 4a, 5 and 5a series. A beta version for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will follow “soon”, the tech giant reports. Users who have previously signed up for the Android 12 beta program and have not opted out will receive the Android 12L beta as an over-the-air update. Former beta testers who don’t want to try Android 12L can decline the update and exit the beta program without having to wipe their device.

Google officially announced Android 12L in October. This OS gets optimizations for large screen devices including foldables and tablets. For example, the notification overview is divided into two columns. Google also makes interface changes to the settings menu, lockscreen, and more. The operating system also gets a taskbar that can be used to switch between apps more easily.

Developers have been able to try Android 12L through an Android Studio emulator for some time now. A beta version was also already available for the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro tablet. This is the first time that Google has released an Android 12L test version for smartphones. However, Pixel users can test few of the aforementioned improvements, as they require a larger screen. Google reports that the aforementioned interface changes are visible on devices with a screen size greater than ‘600dp’. Android 12L Beta 1 for Pixels does include bug fixes and the latest Android security patches.

Android 12L. Image via Google