Android 12 looks like one of the biggest Android releases in a while. We think an important theme update will appear later in the preview or beta programs. We have a new dark theme. There is a refurbishment of the settings on the way. There’s a new gesture in the work that shuts down shortcuts. There are major improvements in the notification area. There are changes to the picture, a one-handed mode and probably more features on the way that have not yet been unveiled or that Google has not yet told us about.
But sometimes there are minor tweaks to Google that improve everyday use in the finest ways. For example, in the new Android 12 Developer Preview 2, Google has included a downward move in the navigation area that removes the notification screen from any screen. This is super handy!
The GIF below shows it in action, but it’s basically as simple as it sounds. If you’re in an app or on the home screen, you can swipe notifications a little down on the navigation bar. When you are done, swipe up and it will disappear again.
Think about how handy it can be on the giant phones that have invaded our lives? My wife recently picked up a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, and hey sir, the phone is stupid. That would be a handy shortcut to use when I’m forced to use the damn thing!
Anyway, this is a small change, but what a wonderful one.
