Google introduces Android 12 along with its new privacy settings following in Apple’s footsteps

For the first time since 2014, Google’s new user interface overhaul was unveiled this Tuesday at its O/I 2021 event. The internet giant announced that Android 12 will land on Pixel and other Android phones this fall. Offering new personalized color palettes, quicker access to Google Pay, Home settings, and much more.

The most interesting highlight of the unveiling event was the introduction of Google’s new privacy features for Android 12, much like iOS 14 privacy updates. On Android 12, a new Privacy Dashboard is introduced that “offers a single view into your permissions settings as well as what data is being accessed, how often and by which apps. It also lets you easily revoke app permissions right from the dashboard.”

Google introduced new privacy features on Android 12

The Privacy Dashboard will help you to see which apps have accessed your microphone, location, camera, and other permissions like contacts, media, and other sensors. Another feature arriving on Android 12 is an indicator on the status bar to alert users when apps are accessing the camera or microphone. This feature is similar to what Apple introduced in iOS 14.

Google has also introduced “approximate location positioning” for apps like the Weather app that does not require your exact location all the time. Android users will be in more control of how much information they share with the apps on their phones. This will keep apps working as they should while keeping your exact location private.

There are also new privacy protections built directly into Android 12. Google is bringing a new set of open-source features called Private Computer Core that “enables features like Live Caption, Now Playing, and Smart Replay. All the audio and language processing happens on-device, isolated from the network to preserve your privacy.”

Kicking off Google I/O 2021 in a virtual format from the Mountain View campus, Google CEO Sundar Pichai also announced additions to Google Workspace that will enable richer collaboration, especially in view of the pandemic that has driven enterprises across the globe to embrace remote working solutions.