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Google's year in review 2022: New hardware, better software, more cutbacks
Google's 2022 wasn't just defined by the shutting down of Stadia. It released some great phones and other hardware.
With the year coming to a close, it's interesting to look back on the year that some of our favorite companies have had. One company that has had a pretty turbulent time has been Google, with some major highs and major lows over the course of the last 12 months. From the Google Pixel 7's advent to the introduction of many new product categories, there's a lot to take in this year.
How to download Android 12 and 12L for Google Pixel and other Android devices
Google has just released the stable build of Android 12L for eligible Pixel devices. You can find the download links in this post.
The wait is finally over — Android 12L is here as Google has officially kicked off the update rollout via stable channel. If you’re the lucky owner of a Google Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 5a, Pixel 5, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 3a, or the Pixel 3a XL, then you can have the opportunity to try out the latest iteration of Android right now. During the beta phase, Generic System Images (GSI) are also available, which means the early builds can be booted on non-Google Project Treble compatible devices as well.
Android 12L begins rolling out to Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 devices
Android 12L is rolling out for both the Surface Duo and the Surface Duo 2. Users can now upgrade from Android 11.
If you're one of the few who owns a Microsoft Surface Duo or a Surface Duo 2, then you'll obviously realize that you've been a bit behind the times on updates. We're already on Android 13, and up until today, those devices were only able to update as far as Android 11. That's no longer the case though, as Microsoft has announced that Android 12L is finally available for both of them.
Samsung debuted One UI 4.1.1 based on Android 12L with its latest flagship foldable -- the Galaxy Z Fold 4. The update introduced a host of new features and optimizations for large-screen devices, including a Taskbar, multitasking gestures, first-party app optimizations, and more. Soon after the launch event, Samsung rolled out One UI 4.1.1 based on Android 12L to its flagship Galaxy Tab S8 series.
Samsung rolls out One UI 4.1.1 based on Android 12L to older foldables
Samsung has started rolling out One UI 4.1.1 based on Android 12L to older foldables, bringing new multitasking features to the devices.
Samsung's latest flagship foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 4, launched with a new version of One UI based on Android 12L. The release included several features and optimizations for large-screen devices, including a Taskbar, new multitasking gestures, first-party app optimizations, and more. Towards the end of last month, Samsung released the update for its flagship Galaxy Tab S8 series. Now, it's releasing the update for older foldables.
One UI 4.1.1 for the Galaxy Tab S8 series brings new multitasking features
Samsung is finally rolling out One UI 4.1.1 based on Android 12L to the Galaxy Tab S8 series, bringing new multitasking features to the Android tablets.
Samsung debuted One UI 4.1.1 based on Android 12L with the recently-launched Galaxy Z Fold 4. The new software release included optimizations and features for large-screen devices, and it's now finally available for Samsung's flagship Galaxy Tab S8 series.
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the first Samsung phone to launch with Android 12L
The all-new Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the first Samsung phone to launch with Android 12L. Samsung also bumps the One UI version to 4.1.1. Read on!
There's no denying the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is one the most attractive Android devices at the moment, especially if you like owning the latest gadgets. You get the convenience and portability of a smartphone, with tablet functionality on the inner display. Of course, when you buy a new phone, software support is also important. Samsung is one of the best in the business when it comes to tuning the Android base to suit the hardware, and the fourth generation foldable isn't an exception to this trend. Matter of fact, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the first phone from the Korean OEM to launch with Android 12L.
The next One UI stable release might be based on Android 12L
Samsung is seemingly prepping a new One UI release based on Android 12L. Read on to learn more about the update.
Samsung seems to be gearing up to release new One UI builds based on Android 12L for its devices. The company has recently pushed a new update for its One Hand Operation+ Good Lock module through the Galaxy Store, and its changelog reveals that the latest release supports One UI 4.1.1 based on Android 12L.
LineageOS 19 is now available for the OnePlus 9/9 Pro, POCO X3 Pro, and Xiaomi Mi A1
Official LineageOS 19 support is here for the OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro, POCO X3 Pro, and the Xiaomi Mi A1. Read on to know more!
The LineageOS team has extended LineageOS 19 support to several devices since debuting the ROM earlier this year in April. Over the last month, devices like the Samsung Galaxy S10, POCO F3, and OnePlus 5/5T received support for the Android 12-based custom ROM. Since our previous coverage, the team has added four new devices to the official build roster.
June 2022 security update rolls out alongside stable Android 12L QPR3 to supported Pixel phones
The June 2022 Android security update is here, and it's rolling out alongside Android 12L QPR3 to supported Pixel devices. Check it out!
Today’s the first Monday of this month, which means it’s time for a new Android Security Bulletin to go live. Right on schedule, Google published the Android Security Bulletin for June 2022. They’ve also started rolling out new updates to the whole range of currently supported Pixel smartphones. Furthermore, as a bonus, the latest update to Pixel phones also brings the latest Pixel Feature Drop in the form of Quarterly Platform Release (QPR) 3's first stable build.
LineageOS 19 adds support for the OnePlus 5/5T, and Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite LTE
The LineageOS team has extended LineageOS 19 support to three more devices, including the OnePlus 5, 5T, and Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite LTE.
Want to breathe new life into an old phone you have lying around? Sick of the dated OEM skin on your device and want to try something new? If you have a OnePlus 5, OnePlus 5T, or the LTE variant of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, then you're in luck. The owners of these devices can now install official LineageOS 19 builds, the latest version of LineageOS based on Android 12.
LineageOS 19 builds are here for the Samsung Galaxy S10, POCO F2 Pro, POCO F3, and more
The first builds of LineageOS 19 are out for the Galaxy S10, Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, POCO F2 Pro, POCO F3, Mi 10T/10T Lite, and Essential Phone.
The LineageOS team has been hard at work extending official LineageOS 19 builds based on Android 12 to as many devices as possible. The developers released the first official builds for nearly 40 devices back in April and added some more smartphones to the roster over the next few weeks. Now, the maintainers have extended support to several more devices, including the POCO F2 Pro, POCO F3, and the global Exynos edition of the Samsung Galaxy S10.
Paranoid Android Sapphire Beta is now available for more devices
The Paranoid Android team is now rolling out Paranoid Android Sapphire Beta 1 to the OnePlus 7 Pro, 7T, 7T Pro, POCO F2 Pro, and the POCO F3.
Over the last couple of months, the Paranoid Android team has released a bunch of Android 12-based alpha builds of the popular custom ROM. With each new build, the team has added new features to the custom ROM and extended support to more devices. The team showed us the first glimpse of Paranoid Android "Sapphire" beta back in March, albeit the release was limited to the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro. If you’ve been waiting to try out the latest Paranoid Android release on your device, you’re in luck. The developers have now released beta builds for a few more devices, including the POCO F3 and the OnePlus 7T series.
OnePlus 9RT gets unofficial LineageOS 19 and Pixel Experience ROMs based on Android 12L
You can now install unofficial Pixel Experience 12 and LineageOS 19 custom ROMs based on Android 12L on the OnePlus 9RT. Read on!
OnePlus is sweating it hard to improve its ColorOS-flavored OxygenOS 12 UI to be more user-friendly and less buggy. The stable version of the software is already available for users of the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 8 series. It's also available as a closed beta for the OnePlus 9RT. However, if you’re among those who prefer a clean and minimal, stock Android interface, then you’ll be happy to know that the OnePlus 9RT has now got two great options.
Google releases Android 12 QPR3 Beta 3 for Pixel phones
Android 12's June Feature Drop, or QPR3, Beta 3 has now been released, and you can download and install it on a compatible Pixel phone today.
With each passing day, we grow closer and closer to the eventual release of Google Pixel's June Feature Drop. In case you are yearning to see what the future holds for the forthcoming update of Android, Google has you covered for today. The company has just announced Android 12 QPR3 Beta 3 for eligible Pixel smartphones.
Google explains why your Pixel won't get the Android 13 beta right after you sign up
Wonder why there's no Android 13 or 12 QPR3 beta OTA available immediately after enrolling your Pixel device? Here's Google's explanation.
Since March, Google has been maintaining two active channels of beta updates for its smartphone users. The Pixel Feature Drops are now part of the Quarterly Platform Release (QPR) branch, while the upcoming major Android revision has got its own track. In accordance with the new strategy, the company delivered Android 12 QPR3 Beta 2 and Android 13 Beta 1 in April. The current state of the Android beta program feels like a hot mess, as Google has now come up with a set of temporary restrictions for beta enrollment for the month of May.
Android 12L custom ROMs are here from Descendant and Pixel Experience
The Pixel Experience team has finally released the "Plus" variant on top of Android 12L. The Descendant custom ROM is now based on 12L too.
If you have been salivating at the news of Google Pixel smartphones receiving stable Android 12L builds, you could try pushing your OEM to be quicker about rolling out the update to your device. Alternatively, you could follow along with our custom ROM coverage wherein we highlight the Android 12L ports from the community. More users are invited to this party, as source-built Android 12L custom ROMs are now available from Descendant and Pixel Experience project maintainers.
Unofficial LineageOS 19.1 brings Android 12L to the Samsung Galaxy S5
The Samsung Galaxy S5 has received an unofficial port of Android 12L in the form of LineageOS 19.1. Read on to know more!
Google released the stable version of Android 12L last month, and with it came the official source code release in AOSP as well. This means that aftermarket developers around the world can start building Android’s latest update for a device they own. We've been highlighting these unofficial builds lately and now we have a new one to put the spotlight on. For those who want to tinker with an early build of Android 12L, you can now do so on the venerable Samsung Galaxy S5.
Android 12 June Feature Drop Beta 2 released for Pixel smartphones
Android 12's June Feature Drop, or QPR3, Beta 2 has now been released, and you can download and install it on a compatible Pixel phone today.
Google surprisingly started beta testing its quarterly feature drops last month, likely prompted by repetitive problematic software rollouts on the Google Pixel 6 series. Now following the release of the April security patches, Android 12 QPR3 Beta 2 is available for download now on all supported Google Pixel smartphones. It comes as Android 13 Beta 1 is also expected to be right around the corner.
Google Pixel 6 can use more USB devices on Android 12L QPR3
The latest Android preview build for the Pixel 6 series includes Direct USB Access support, for compatibility with more audio devices.
Google started public beta testing for Android's Quarterly Platform Releases, or QPRs for short, earlier this month with the release of Android 12 QPR3 Beta 1. There wasn't a detailed changelog for the beta, which was updated a few days ago to fix bugs on the Pixel 6, but one helpful change has been discovered: Direct USB Access support on the Pixel 6.