Google is expected to unveil the next-generation version of Android, Android 12, in a few weeks. Prior to 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 come from an “initial draft of a document made to summarize the changes in Android 12” and those using iOS 14 will notice some similarities between Apple’s latest update and the next version from Google, com PCWorld points out.
Apple in iOS 14 added a small dot to the status bar to let you know if the microphone or camera is turned on, and in Android 12, it looks like Google has a similar option. When using the camera or microphone, there is a green bar at the top of the Android interface.
After an app has accessed the camera or microphone, Android 12 shows a small point that can be touched to let you see the details of which app used the phone hardware.
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Google is also adding channels to universally turn off the camera and microphone in its revised privacy interface, which goes a little beyond what Apple offers. With iPhones and iPads, you can turn off camera and microphone access by app, but not for all apps.
The Android 12 widget interface is similar to the idwidgets interface of iOS 14 with a cleaner look and better organization to make it easier to find idwidgets to use on the home screen.
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Apple will probably not mind Google following in its footsteps to increase privacy controls, as Apple executives have said several times that when it comes to privacy protections, Apple is happy to see competitors copying its work. .
Google also plans to adopt another change to Apple’s privacy: transparency of application tracking. Recent reports suggest that Google is considering a “less stringent” version of the feature, which requires app developers to obtain user permission before tracking between apps and websites. “We’re always looking for ways to work with developers to increase the level of privacy while enabling a healthy, ad-enabled application ecosystem,” a Google spokesman said.
XDA Developers leaked screenshots have not been confirmed, but we should see the new features of the Android 12 operating system later in February.