The first developer beta of Android 12L is now available, and it’s a sign the Google has big plans for foldable devices. The letter update is based on the latest build of Android, but rather than focus on smartphones, it is being geared toward larger displays - including devices with hinged screens. Of course, the operating system has offered native support for bigger form factors since the introduction of Android 3.0 Honeycomb in 2011, which launched with the 10.1-inch Motorola Xoom. However, despite a slew of Android tablets since, none have been able to challenge the dominance of Apple’s iPad line. As such, there are relatively few high-profile Android apps that take full advantage of substantial screen real estate.

In the decade since Honeycomb, smartphones have increased in size, allowing them to take on tasks that might once have been the preserve of tablets and laptops. Indeed, many Android devices now sport displays over six inches, and subsequently device-makers are letting users do more with those screens. From picture-in-picture video to running two apps at once, modern smartphones put many of yesterday’s tablets to shame. Still, such devices are limited by the size of human hands (and pockets), and so some companies like Samsung and Motorola are now pushing foldables as a solution to give consumers more to play with.

Related: Is Android 12L A Sign That The Pixel Fold Is Coming?

The Android 12L Beta 1 update is being targeted at developers and is presently configured to run on Pixel devices and the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro tablet. Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean users couldn’t get it to run on devices such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3, but at this point, it’s certainly not optimized for it, so those brave enough to try it should tread with caution. Generally speaking, there’s plenty in the beta build to indicate Android 12L will eventually play well with expandable displays.

Better Multitasking With Android 12L

With this release, Android 12L Beta 1 includes a new task bar that lets users with an open app drag another app icon up, allowing them both to run in split-screen mode. Google is also promising apps will run more smoothly on a bigger expanse. All of which is designed to result in improved multitasking on larger screens.

Although only the debut beta for Android 12L, it’s arguably Google’s most ambitious push for big screen devices since Honeycomb all those years ago. Going forward, it will be interesting to see what features the company adds to the operating system, and whether manufacturers and app makers realize the full potential of Android tablets and foldables. If Android 12L helps to dent the iPad’s supremacy, it could even inspire Apple to finally develop a foldable of its own.

Next: Android 12L Is Exactly What Foldable Phones & Larger Devices Need Right Now

Source: Android Developers