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Incoming: Android 12 looks to overhaul UI/UX in a major way

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This is probably the biggest change to the UI/UX since Kitkat for Google and it could not have come at a better time. To Google’s credit, the UI didn't seem old or outdated, however, the change is welcomed. And it's not just a coat of paint either. Google also took the time to make things faster and work more efficiently. 


Some things Google pointed out below…


Personalization

Starting with Android 12 on Pixel devices, you’ll be able to completely personalize your phone with a custom color palette and redesigned widgets. Using what we call color extraction, you choose your wallpaper, and the system automatically determines which colors are dominant, which ones are complementary, and which ones just look great. It then applies those colors across the entire OS: the notification shade, the lock screen, the volume controls, new widgets, and much more.


Fluid animations


From the moment you pick up an Android 12 device, you’ll feel how it comes alive with every tap, swipe, and scroll. Your phone quickly responds to your touch with smooth motion and animations. For example, when you dismiss your notifications on the lock screen, your clock will appear larger so you know when you’re all caught up.


We've also simplified interactions and recrafted the entire underlying system to make your experience more fluid and efficient. Your Android devices are now faster and more responsive with better power efficiency so you can use your device for longer without a charge. This was achieved by some under-the-hood improvements including reducing the CPU time needed for core system services by up to 22% and reducing the use of big cores by the system server by up to 15%.



Redesigned system spaces


Some of the most important spaces on your phone — like your notification shade, quick settings, and even the power button — have been purposefully reimagined to help you get things done. 


The notification shade is more intuitive and playful, with a crisp, at-a-glance view of your app notifications, whatever you’re currently listening to or watching, and Quick Settings that let you control practically the entire operating system with a swipe and a tap. The Quick Settings space doesn’t just look and feel different. It’s been rebuilt to include Google Pay and Home Controls, while still allowing for customization so you can have everything you need most in one easy-to-access place.



Private and secure by design


The new Privacy Dashboard offers a single view into your permissions settings as well as what data is being accessed, how often, and by which apps. It also lets you easily revoke app permissions right from the dashboard.


That's only a few of the new features Google mentioned in their press release and you can try them out on a Pixel 3 or newer. I'm looking forward to seeing how the beta progresses and usually put the beta on my phone around the 3rd or 4th one. What I hope to see the most moving forward and until the official release is Google’s own apps adopt the design 

and underline technology in a timely manner and across all device types.


Link(s)

Google


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