The Google I/O developer conference is back again this year after it skipped 2020 due to the pandemic but given the current situation, the event is now taking place online. Naturally, one of the highlights of I/O over the years is the unveiling of a new Android version and things are no different this year.
For 2021, the new version of the operating system is called Android 12 and features a brand-new user interface called Material You alongside a deeper emphasis on privacy and security. If you are feeling adventurous, you can actually download the Beta 1 version of the operating system right away.
However, the Android 12 Beta releases are only available to certain devices that have been deemed eligible by Google. Naturally, the company’s own Pixel phones are part of the list that covers the 2018’s Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL up to last year’s Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, and Pixel 5.
Aside from them, the Android 12 Beta can also be obtained for selected phones from other manufactures:
ASUS Zenfone 8 (ZS590KS)
OnePlus 9
OnePlus 9 Pro
OPPO Find X3 Pro (CPH2173)
Realme GT
Tecno Camon 17
TCL 20 Pro 5G
vivo iQOO 7 Legend
Xiaomi Mi 11
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra
Xiaomi Mi 11i
Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro
ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G
Sharp is also a participant in the Android 12 Developer Preview Program although the company has yet to list the exact device that is eligible to try out the new operating system. Given the nature of pre-release software, you should expect bugs and limitation if you decide to install the Android 12 Beta into your device.
While the exact release date of Android 12 has yet to be revealed, Google expects that the operating system will reach platform stability by this August. For further information regarding the Beta release, head on to Android 12’s official website for developers right here.
(Source: Android Developers [1][2].)
