During Google IO 2021 developer conference this week, Google unveiled its new mobile operating system, Android 12 with its first beta version. But there was one secret game mode they didn’t disclose on-stage that has now been revealed by keen-eyed fans…
Google finally raised the curtain of its Android 12 when the huge mobile OS update was presented at Google IO 2021 this week. The forthcoming Android update, available to download as part of a public beta test right now, is the biggest refresh for the market-leading software in years.
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Android 12 is a feature-packed upgrade that brings with it plenty of new additions and design changes, such as new widgets, a redesigned lock screen and the ability to completely customise the look of their phone – with users getting total control over colours, shades and styles.
Google themselves have described Android 12 as “the biggest design change in Android’s history”. Given how much there was to talk about at Google IO this week (Google also announced a futuristic video chat booth that makes the other caller look as if they’re sitting opposite you, changes to Google Maps, a way to finally delete your web search history… the list goes on) it may not be that surprising that something managed to slip through the net.
As reported by Android Authority, now that the Android 12 beta has gone live a secret, unannounced feature for the OS has been discovered. As spotted by Reddit user Kilarasx, the Android 12 beta has a secret game mode that’s been hidden away in the Digital Wellbeing settings.
The Reddit user found the ‘Game Mode’ setting by navigating to Settings > Digital Wellbeing > Do Not Disturb > Schedules on the Android 12 beta. As the name suggests, this mode is ideal for those who do plenty of mobile gaming on their Android smartphone or tablet.
The yet-to-be-announced ‘Game Mode’ feature looks like it will let users take screenshots that can be shared, easily stream their gameplay on YouTube and record footage.
There is also an ‘optimisation mode’ available which should help games run as smoothly as possible on an Android 12 device. And you may be able to easily figure out if you need this, thanks to an FPS counter ‘Game Mode’ can display.
This should be helpful when trying to figure out if your device is struggling under the strain of a new game you’re playing.
Describing this feature they stumbled across, the Redditor said:
A release date for Android 12 hasn’t been announced yet, but judging by past launches it’s likely to land around September. So there’s plenty of time left for Google to make an announcement about this new gaming-centric feature.
Speaking about the big inbound Android update, Google this week said:
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This is the list of devices that can access the trial version.
Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL
Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL
Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL
Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G
Pixel 5
ASUS Zenfone 8
OPPO Find X3 Pro
TCL 20 Pro 5G
I live iQOO 7 Legend
Xiaomi Mi 11
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra
Xiaomi Mi 11I
Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro
ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G
Oneplus
Realme
Sharp
Techno
This version released this May 18 is the first. In June, the second will arrive; in July, the third, and in August, the fourth. And the same month, Google will launch the final version of its brand new system.
Image Credit: Getty