Google is expected to launch the next generation version of Android, Android 12, within a few weeks. Prior to the software’s debut, XDA Developers shared some leaked screenshots that give us an idea of what we can expect from the new software.
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According to XDA Developers, the screenshots come from an ‘early draft of a document made to summarize the changes in Android 12’, and those using iOS 14 will see some similarities between Apple’s latest update and Google’s upcoming version, such as PCWorld point it out.
Apple in OSiOS 14 has added a small dot in the status bar to let you know if the microphone or camera is activated, and it looks like Google has a similar option in Android 12. 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 displays a small dot that you can tap to see the details of which app the phone hardware used.
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Google is also adding switches to turn off the camera and microphone universally in its revamped privacy interface, which extends beyond what Apple offers. With iPhones and iPads, you can turn off camera and microphone access on an app-by-app basis, but not for every app.
The widgets interface in Android 12 is similar to the widgets interface in OSiOS 14 with a cleaner look and better organization to make it easier to find widgets on the home screen.
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Apple is unlikely to be upset that Google is following in its footsteps to promote privacy controls, as Apple executives have said several times that Apple is happy that competitors are copying their work when it comes to privacy protection.
Google also plans to adopt another Apple privacy change – transparency about tracking the app. Recent reports suggest that Google is considering a “less stringent” version of the feature, which requires app developers to give users permission before tracking it across apps and websites. “We’re always looking for ways to work with developers to raise privacy while enabling a healthy, ad-supported app ecosystem,” a Google spokesman said.
The leaked screenshots of XDA Developers have not been confirmed, but the new Android 12 operating system features should be seen later in February.