Technique

Android 12L – Will the new system popularize tablets again?

Android 12L – Will the new system popularize tablets again?

Google is trying to revitalize tablets with Android 12L. Will the new operating system restore tablets to their former glory?

Tablets are devices available in the market appeared many years ago . Devices with touch screens and switch housings intended for business customers were already on sale in the early years of the twenty-first century . Microsoft even built a special edition of Windows XP for use with dedicated styluses – Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. Today, almost no one remembers this type of device. We connect the tablet to only one device – the iPad .


Basic iPad release from 2021 Source: Nubia Navarro / Pexels
Basic iPad release from 2021Source: Nuba Navarro / Pexels

 

The iPad was not the first tablet at all, but it popularized this type of device

Steve Jobs revolutionized tablets . From large, heavy, and very expensive personal computers with touch screens they have become even larger smartphones . The first generation iPad was nothing more than an iPhone with a big screen and a web browser that supported full versions of websites. The tablet weighed from 680 to 730 grams and optionally has a 3G modem built into the board. Despite many obvious shortcomings – the iPad didn’t have a webcam for video calls – the tablet quickly became a very popular and desirable accessory .

Check also:


First generation iPad Source: macworld.com
The first generation of iPadSource: macworld.com

 

Statistics provided by Apple confirm the fact that the iPad has created a new niche . In 2011, iPad sales reached $19.1 billion. Meanwhile, a lot of Android tablets like Google Nexus and Samsung Galaxy Tab have appeared in the market. Android tablets originally received a popular mobile operating system that was not adapted to handle larger screens.

Google had in its portfolio a system made specifically for tablets

In 2011, Android 3.0 Honeycomb was introduced which was specially prepared for tablets . The program has a completely new user interface and functions that make working on large screens even more enjoyable. There’s also better multitasking performance, support for USB accessories, and full support for Google apps optimized for 1280×720 and 1920×1080 resolutions.


Android 3.1 Honeycomb user interface Source: PCWorld.com
Android 3.1 Honeycomb user interfaceSource: PCWorld.com

 

Thanks to Android 3.0, Google has been able to compete with iPads . Android tablets offered more efficient components and were sold at a lower price. Unfortunately, Google decided to integrate the system of mobile phones and tablets . Android 3.0 Honeycomb has been replaced by Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Later versions of Google’s operating system still supported tablets, but their development was limited, and device manufacturers often abandoned optimization and installed them on tablets with large Android screens with a direct interface from mobile phones . Along with the growing smartphones, Android tablets have quickly lost their popularity .

iPad proves that tablets are still a profitable business

On the other hand, Apple continues to successfully sell a large number of iPad tablets in a variety of configurations, with sales reaching $31.8 billion in 2021 . These data clearly show that the tablet market is often perceived by users as a large-sized smartphone that has potential and is constantly evolving . iPads are successfully used by computer graphics designers and in the education sector. Apple believes that the iPad can be a good alternative to a laptop, and in its official statements it compares the performance of iPads with computers and Chromebooks.

Google is back in the game with Android 12L

In October 2021, Google unexpectedly presented a preview version of Android 12L . The letter L in the name stands for large, the operating system is completely adapted to work with large screens . The search engine giant with Android 12L is going to restore the splendor of tablets other than iPads . The final version of Android 12L appeared on March 7, 2022 and could attract Apple customers. The first devices have already been updated. Android 12L will definitely carry over to Samsung, Microsoft and Lenovo devices. These companies have already announced work on updates and new tablet models.


Android 12L interface Source: google.com
Android 12L interfaceSource: google.com

 

Android 12L was introduced a few weeks after the final version of Android 12 came out . The new system can be considered its successor, but in practice the software is intended for foldable tablets and smartphones . So Google creates competition for the well-received operating system iPadOS . Apple decided to take a similar step in 2019. The iOS versions for iPad , which first appeared on the market as iPadOS, were separated. This program has received a number of add-ons that use a larger workspace for tablets.


Android 12L notifications and quick settings Source: google.com
Android 12L Notifications & Quick SettingsSource: google.com

 

The new version of Android 12L introduces a completely new user interface , that is , on demand for tablet screens . Google designed every element from the ground up, everything compatible with the language of Material You Style . Google has updated your notifications, settings, lock screen, web browser, home screen, and apps.

The search giant also took a look at well-known iPad solutions and introduced new multitasking functionality that allows you to work with two apps at the same time. And run programs in split mode (in an additional window).


Multitasking mode for Android 12L Source: google.com
Android 12L Multitasking ModeSource: google.com

 

Will Android 12L popularize non-iPad tablets again?

Google realizes that tablets have been neglected for many years . That is why a special compatibility system has been used that automatically adjusts applications written for smartphones in terms of tablets . We already know this solution from the iPad, but Google promises not only to extend the user interface, but also to change its appearance.


The app is in compatibility mode Source: google.com
The app is in compatibility modeSource: google.com

 

Android 12L may return Android tablets to their former glory, but manufacturers will initially be reluctant to use this software . Finally , Google has already abandoned this market segment once . The new software is sure to help Android tablets compete with iPads. We’re mainly talking about flagship designs like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, but the real driving force for Android 12L could be affordable tablets that rival the base model of the iPad . New models with large screens, modern design and pre-installed Android 12L can become a useful tool in the daily work of many companies. Devices of this type can be used for presentations or as mobile work tools that are more convenient to use on the go than a laptop.

After the announcement of Android 12L, the Android tablet market has rebounded significantly. Some new designs like Lenovo Tab P12 Pro if Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 have already appeared in the market and manufacturers have already announced updates for some older models.


The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is confusingly similar to a modern laptop Source: samsung.com
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is confusingly similar to a modern laptopSource: samsung.com

 

Android 12L is great news for tablet users

Let ‘s summarize Android 12L is a program that should have appeared in the market a few years ago . Google Rebuilding your site in the tablet market, which has been neglected for years certainly won’t be a simple and fast-paced process . On the other hand , Apple’s closed ecosystem and the amazing popularity of Android will definitely make Android tablets an interesting and affordable alternative to Apple devices .

Should the giant be afraid of Cupertino? There is no evidence for this, but the spirit of competition in the background is sure to bring positive changes to consumers who use both systems . One thing is for sure – tablets are not going anywhere, and 2022 is sure to bring even more sales increases, which we owe, among other things, to Android 12L.

.

Related Articles

Back to top button