Android 12 Developer Preview 2 rolls out with improved PiP APIs, app overlay controls and more


Google has released the second Developer Preview for Android 12 after its first release in February 2021, this time featuring new tweaks and updates such new rounded corners APIs, improved picture-in-picture (PiP) APIs, better companion device management and more.

Similar to earlier Developer previews, Google has added a number of small improvements with the 2nd Android 12 Developer Preview. Picture-in-picture (PiP) now has better animations when transitioning from the app to PIP mode on up-to-home and apps can now enable seamless resize to let the system resize the PIP Activity when needed.

Developers now have more control over managing their apps on companion devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers. There are new APIs that allow developers to code their apps better for displays with rounded corners and another API that allows more control over when overlays can be shown over app content.

Other updates include improved methods of applying common graphics effects to app Views and rendering hierarchies, bandwidth estimation improvements, extended security for lockscreen notification actions and access to app digests.

Just as before, the Android 12 Developer Preview 2 can be flashed on to the Pixel 3/3 XL, Pixel 3a/3a XL, Pixel 4/4 XL, Pixel 4a/4a 5G and the Pixel 5. Users who are already running the first Developer Preview will receive the Developer Preview 2 as an OTA update.

To check out all the new changes in detail, click here.