Android 12 Beta 2 Brings New Privacy Features for Pixel 3, Newer Models

Android 12 beta 2 is out for Google Pixel phones and it brings some of the privacy features that were showcased at Google I/O last month. Google shared the development through a post on its Android developer blog that states the Privacy Dashboard feature has made its way to Android 12 with the latest beta. There are feature updates for better functionality, improved stability, and performance tweaks as well. Android 12 beta is available for Pixel 3 and later phones for those who get enrolled in the programme.

Android 12 beta 2 features

Google showcased Android 12 at Google I/O last month where it unveiled the new design, new colours, privacy features, and a lot more that will be present in the upcoming iteration of Android. With the first beta, eligible phones got the new Material You design and aesthetic tweaks, along with some other features. Now, with Android 12 beta 2, the new privacy features have been rolled out. It includes a Privacy Dashboard that displays the data that apps are accessing. It has a timeline view of which apps accessed the microphone, camera, and location.

Developers can use the new ACTION_VIEW_PERMISSION_USAGE_FOR_PERIOD system intent to let users know why their apps accessed sensitive data.

Android 12 beta 2 also brings mic and camera indicators in the status bar that let users know when apps are using the camera or microphone. If the user feels that the camera or the microphone does not need to be active as this point, they can go into Quick Settings and manage permissions for those apps.

The new Quick Settings toggles for microphone and camera allow users to instantly disable applications from accessing them. In case an app is using either the camera or microphone and a user turns off the toggle, the app will receive blank camera and audio feeds. This is only available on supported devices.

With Android 12 beta 2, users will get a toast notification for when an app reads from the clipboard. This means when apps try to read something that the user has copied, they will be notified. It won't send a toast notification if clipboard was copied from the same app.

Lastly, the Status Bar, Quick Settings, and Settings get an Internet Panel which will help users easily switch between their Internet providers and troubleshoot network connectivity issues. It will essentially allow users to more easily manage their network connections.

Android 12 release timeline
Photo Credit: Google

Android 12 beta 2 is available for Pixel 3 and newer models. Those who are on the first beta will automatically get beta 2 update. Those who wish to try the new beta can enrol here. Google will roll out another beta version in July and then a final beta 4 in August to test platform stability.