Android 12 Beta 5 Released, Take A Peek At The Last Changes Before The Official Launch

JAKARTA - This week Android users have one last chance to try out Android 12 before its official debut. Google has released the fifth and final beta for Pixel phones and some third-party devices.

Beta 5 is a release made with last-minute fixes and the usual performance improvements, so don't expect major changes from Beta 4 or even Beta 3.

And in the next few weeks, Google will only officially release its Android 12 version. Chances are, the Google Pixel will get the update first, then third parties the following month.

According to reports, the Material You design scheme remains the most notable change in Android 12, including an overall refresh of the interface, smoother animations, and a color theme that adapts to the user's wallpaper.

Users will also see more privacy features, including a dedicated Privacy Dashboard and Private Compute Core. This page allows users to disable keyboard suggestions and other Android features that use machine learning on the device. Private Compute Core includes more than just keyboard suggestions, as it's the hub for all the AI-based features in Android 12.

There are also buttons and indicators that are being used for the camera and microphone. As well as hidden improvements like camera-based auto-rotation. Unfortunately, with the redesign of the power menu in Android 12, there's no longer any room for Device Controls or Quick Access Wallet features.

Google didn't get rid of either of them, as they can still be accessed from the Quick Settings tab. Now with Android 12 Beta 5, Device Controls can also be accessed directly from the lock screen via a shortcut.

Furthermore, Google Calculator has also been updated to version 8.0, and brings a redesigned Material You, as shown in the screenshot below.

Whereas on Pixel phones with Android 12 beta 5, users can access the new search feature within the app tab. At the top of the app tab is a search bar that says Search your phone and more. The results that users will see will not include web results, but find content within the app. Unfortunately, it's unknown if this also works on Android skins like One UI or Oxygen OS.