Android 12L is coming to the Galaxy Tab S8 series
In 2022, when people use the words “Google” and “software” in the same sentence, they’re usually followed by some rather colorful words. Regardless, the company is still working on refining its software. Recently, it released the official beta to the Lenovo 12P Pro, but we didn’t get too much information on what was fixed. The final launch of Android 12L shouldn’t be too far away, and that means modern tablets and foldables should be able to get it soon. One of those tablets will be the Galaxy Tab S8. Samsung told 9To5Google that it plans to bring Android 12L to its latest tablets. Putting Android 12L on the Galaxy Tab S8 is a great idea because, let’s admit it, you’re not going to do much better than a Galaxy Tab in terms of Android tablets. These tablets draw their power from top-of-the-line specs and a closely locked ecosystem. The only thing holding them back is Android. If these tablets could have better tablet-oriented software, then that would augment the whole experience.
A quick refresher on what Android 12L is
Last year, Android threw a curveball at us called Android 12L. That was weird because, at that time, Android 12 proper hadn’t even launched. This version of Android is structured to be friendlier to tablets and foldable phones. The overall aesthetic of Android 12L remains the same as Android 12. You still get the big bubbly UI elements and the Material You design. There are just some design choices that better fit larger screens. For starters, the notification shade is divided into two columns which is better for landscape orientation. One side has your quick settings and media controls while the other side has your notifications. There’s an app dock on the bottom of the screen which is reminiscent of the dock on Chrome OS. So far, the app dock stays there when you open up an app, which some people might not like. The multitasking view also got a makeover. The apps are arranged in a grid pattern, and the most recent app will be larger than the rest. Alongside the screenshot and select options on the bottom, you’ll also see a split-screen button. More changes will have come to Android 12L by the time it lands on the Galaxy Tab S8. There’s just no telling when the Galaxy Tab S8 will actually get the platform. Samsung said that there’s no definite roadmap currently.
