14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has finally released the highly anticipated Android 12L to the Surface Duo, therefore providing both the first- and the second-generation lineups with plenty of new features.
Android 12L is therefore available for download today, and the first big change that users will notice after installing the update is the visual refresh.
This is because Android 12L is heavily inspired by Windows, so if you’re already using a PC powered by Microsoft’s desktop operating system, you’ll certainly find the new experience as familiar as possible.
“With unified iconography, colors and UI controls, the Surface Duo feels familiar, an integral part of the wider Windows ecosystem. The visual alignment culminates in Surface Duo’s ‘Quick Settings’ and ‘System Settings,’ which pave the way for further functional alignment and raise expectations for increased cross-device operability,” Microsoft says.
There are also new wallpapers that are inspired by Windows 11 as well.
“Powered by Android 12L’s new dynamic theming engine, users can personalize their experience with color palettes applied across the system, based on their selected wallpaper. As a part of the OS update, Surface Duo will feature four additional wallpapers that align with new Windows desktop backgrounds, offering tailored accent color options that bring the vibrancy of Windows to Android,” the company continues.
Furthermore, the Pen experience is also getting an overhaul, with the device automatically paired the first time you touch the screen.
Android 12L also brings lots of other goodies, including updated widgets, new accessibility options, and enhanced privacy.
“Android 12 introduces a new Privacy dashboard that keeps track of camera, microphone and location usage by apps for the past 24 hours. Camera and microphone use is now actively indicated in the status bar at all times, both of which can be directly disabled or enabled from new toggles in Quick Settings. Android 12 also puts the customer in control over location accuracy per app, letting them choose between precise and approximate accuracy based on preferences,” Microsoft says.