After releasing developer preview of Android 12L recently, Google has released the Android 12L Beta 1 (S2B1.211112.006) for Pixel phones. The first beta includes improvements to functionality and user experience as well as the latest bug fixes, optimizations, and the December 2021 security patches.
Beta 1 also includes the official 12L APIs (API level 32), updated build tools, and system images for testing. These give you everything you need to test your apps with the 12L features, said Google.
Android 12L contains a number of changes designed to take advantage of the increased screen real-estate on larger-screen devices. This includes UI changes across notifications, quick settings, lockscreen, overview, home screen, and more. For example, the notification shade, lockscreen, and other system surfaces can use a new two-column layout.
Multitasking on Android 12L will be a better experience too. There is a new taskbar in the bottom that will make it easier to switch between apps. Split-screen view will be more intuitive with a simple drag and drop gesture from the taskbar. Android 12L will also automatically force all apps to enter split screen mode, regardless of whether the apps are resizable.
It also brings improved compatibility mode with visual and stability improvements to offer a better letterboxing experience for users and help apps look better by default.
The Android 12L beta is now available for Pixel 3a, 3a XL, Pixel 4, 4 XL, Pixel 4a, 4a 5G, Pixel 5 and 5a, and will be available for Pixel 6 and 6 Pro soon. You can enroll here to get the OTA update to your device. If you were previously enrolled in Android 12 beta (and have not opted-out), you will automatically receive Beta 1 and any future beta updates. You can also download it manually from Android developer’s website here. The Beta 2 is expected to January.