Android 12 tipped to launch on Oct. 4

It has taken Google a bit of time to roll out Android 12. But the end (or the beginning rather) might be in sight. XDA editor-in-chief Mishaal Rahman claims Google plans to release the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) version of the operating system on October 4. The company usually releases the polished version of its mobile OS simultaneously as AOSP, so we might see it roll out to Pixel users on the same day.

As Engadget noted, this could also set expectations for the Pixel 6 launch. It won't make sense for the company to launch its next flagship before its latest OS launches.

Google releases final Android 12 Beta update

We are weeks away from the official release of Android 12. Ahead of that, Google has released the operating system's Beta 5 update. It brings an all-new privacy dashboard, clipboard read notification, app splash screens, microphone and camera toggles, keygen changes, and stretch overscroll. These features need to be tested to see if your device is compatible with the update.

Google also included improved stability for Android 12 core features like Game Mode for optimized gameplay; Splash Screen API for new app launch animations; AppSearch for high-performance on-device search engine; and improved camera, connectivity, storage, media, and privacy settings. The Android 12 Beta 5 update is coming to Pixel smartphones and select Google partner devices.

Source: Yugatech

Android 12 will allow you to play games while they're downloading

You might not have to wait long to play games you're downloading on Android. Google announced during its Games Developer Summit 2021 that Android 12 will allow you to play games while you download them. According to Google, it is "seeing games being ready to open at least 2 times faster." This feature will work on games that use the Play Asset Delivery system, which, if developers have enabled it, won't need to do anything from their end.

The company also plans to introduce a new game dashboard for Android 12 that quick access to utilities like screen recording and capturing. This dashboard will come to "select devices" later this year.

Source: The Verge

You might soon use Google Assistant to power off your Android phone

It might soon be possible to use Google Assistant to power off your Android phone. 9to5Google has been digging around the beta versions of Android 12 and Search and found clues leading to this option. With Android 12, Google is adding a long-press to access Google Assistant. The dilemma this feature brings is you can't find a way to turn your phone off when you select this option. One potential solution the site found is adding a power button in Android's quick settings menu. Another is pressing the Power and Volume Up buttons to access the power menu. And then, there's also the option to tell Google Assistant to "Power off" your phone.

But since the features aren't live yet, it isn't clear if the voice command will immediately shut down your phone or open the power menu. It isn't also clear if this feature will be exclusive to Pixel devices or Android 12. When we get more details, we'll be sure to update you.