HomeSoftwareOperating SystemAndroid 12 update has a secret feature that Google didn’t disclose on-stage

Android 12 update has a secret feature that Google didn’t disclose on-stage

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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.

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:

So after digging through settings, I found what’s called a ‘Game Menu’ in Digital Wellbeing > Do Not Disturb > Schedules. There’s a schedule set for Game Mode, and tapping on the gear brings you to a game menu that supposedly has an optimization mode, streaming to YouTube, an fps counter, recording etc. Just wanted to share.

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:

Android 12 includes the biggest design change in Android’s history. We rethought the entire experience, from the colours to the shapes, light and motion. The result is that Android 12 is more expressive, dynamic and personal than ever before.

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

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