If we had to explain what sets Android apart from iOS, we could give you several distinctive features (biases aside, of course!). However, what we think — and most people agree with — is that customisation is perhaps the most unusual feature. Having the option to modify the look and feel of your device is what truly makes it sought after. And while numerous apps have made it possible for iOS, it still hasn't incorporated it within its framework. And we love it the way it is! But that doesn't stop us from hoping that someday the tech giant might bring it on board.
On Tuesday, Google unveiled an extensive redesign of its Android operating system with new design guidelines known as Material You. Several users might remember the tech giant's introduction to Material You back in 2014. However, this time, this change hopes to majorly stay focused on personalisation and customisation of the user interface. Google's novel design has now adapted itself to make use of all the additional screen space possible on all the massive new screens that have come virtually over the former some years. From computerised colour theming to adaptive widgets and greater accessibility, we have covered all that Google announced on its blog regarding the new Material You design for Android 12. Here's what you need to know:
Wouldn't it be great if your device could pick up the colour of your wallpaper and automatically integrate it as your theme? Well, that is no longer a thing of the future! Android 12's features involve colour extraction. Which means the system will be able to quickly identify the primary colour in your wallpaper and update the entire system to use that colour in your quick setting toggles, volume and brightness sliders, your menus – and of course, some Google apps.
Imagine a cleaner, more minimalistic interface but with improved animation. That is also a part of what Android 12 has on offer for you. Material You's design centres on responding to screen transitions with animations beyond the OS. It involves a charging icon that sends a burst of colour to your screen or an adaptive lock screen. There's plenty that this design update has ensured for your device this year. So, whether it is larger buttons, a comprehensive clock on the home screen that changes in size, there's a host of updates catering to the user this time around.
Lastly, a design update is incomplete if it doesn't cater to advanced accessibility. Functionality is considered as important as aesthetics and minimalism. And while Google has always been at par with the functionality aspect of accessibility — with Material You, it goes a step further by allowing users to control contrast, size and line width for various elements on the operating system. Apart from this, if you're someone who doesn't prefer heavy animation and unnecessary changes, this update will allow you to switch it off for yourself.
It isn't long before this update slides into a lot of our phones, although for now, it is only available for Pixel. The tech giant announced the addition of Material Blue for its all-new Pixel series. We're hoping Google's 'multi-year' journey on design brings only good things our way.
