Google is expected to unveil the next generation version of Android, Android 12, in a few weeks. Ahead of the software’s debut, XDA Developers has shared some leaked screenshots that give us an idea of what to expect from the new software.
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According to XDA developers, the screenshots are from an “early version of a document created to summarize the changes in Android 12,” and those using iOS 14 will notice a few similarities between Apple’s latest update and the upcoming one. release from Google, such as Computer world points out.
Apple added a small dot in the status bar in iOS 14 to let you know if the microphone or camera is activated, and in Android 12, Google appears 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 app has accessed the camera or microphone, Android 12 will display a small tapping point to show you which app used the phone hardware.
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Google is also adding switches to universally disable the camera and microphone in the revamped privacy interface, which goes a bit further than what Apple offers. IPhones and iPads allow you to disable camera and microphone access app-by-app, but not for every app.
The widgets interface in Android 12 is similar to the widgets interface in iOS 14 with a clearer look and better organization to make it easier to find widgets to use on the home screen.
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Apple probably won’t be upset that Google is following in its footsteps to strengthen privacy controls, as Apple executives have said several times that when it comes to privacy protections, Apple is happy that competitors are copying its work.
Google also plans to embrace another Apple privacy change: App Tracking Transparency. Recent reports suggest that Google is considering a ‘less stringent’ version of the feature, which requires app developers to get user consent before tracking across apps and websites. “We’re always looking for ways to work with developers to raise the bar for privacy while enabling a healthy ad-supported app ecosystem,” said a Google spokesperson.
The leaked XDA Developers screenshots have not been confirmed, but we should see the new Android 12 operating system features later in February.