Android 12L arrives in beta form on the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro

• Andrew
• 2 years ago

Google is wasting no time, as the company is getting Android 12L into the hands of developers. However, those on devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 3 who were hoping to use the latest version of Android will have to wait a bit longer. Instead, Google has released the first Android 12L developer beta to owners of the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro (via 9to5Google).

This beta program is a bit different from Google’s previous releases, as you’ll need to go through Lenovo’s website to follow the instructions instead of the Android developer blog. In this first release, developers have been provided with a changelog, albeit a short one:

• The first large screen optimized Android OS with new APIs for application developers to provide a better app usage
  experience in landscape mode, including easier multitasking, system UI optimization and more.
• Security patch updated to 2021-11-01
• Android 12L DP1 image is available.

As is the case with just about every new developer beta release, there are quite a few features that aren’t working if you were to put Android 12L onto your Tab P12 Pro:

Missing Features

• ‘Copy apps& data’ in OOBE is not supported.
• Fingerprint unlock is not supported
• Face Unlock is not supported
• TOF sensor related function is removed
• Stylus key function is not supported but basic function works
• Touchpad functions with two fingers are not supported
• Touchpad swipe up/down/left/right with 3 or 4 fingers are not supported
• Miracast function is not supported
• Screen output via cable (extended screen) can be supported when force desktop mode> is turned on in developer menu.
• Cast Via HDMI (extended screen) can be supported when <force desktop mode> is turned on in developer menu.
• VPN is not tested and may not work properly
• WIDI is not supported

This is why Lenovo and Google recommend that “application developers” are the only ones who should actually use the developer beta. Currently, the beta program is limited to the Wi-Fi version of the Tab P12 Pro, which carries a model number of “Lenovo TB-Q706F”. Those who have the cellular version of the device are not eligible to participate just yet.

While we know that Google will be opening the Android 12L developer beta to more users in December, we aren’t exactly sure when that’s expected to happen. Perhaps Lenovo and Google are just getting things started, before bringing the latest version of Android to more developers.