Tech Giant Microsoft has been on a roller-coaster since the beginning of the year and sets to expand these adventures run. On Friday, May 20, the company announced an update for Windows Subsystem for Android with an updated version name “2204.40000.15.0,” where they are testing Android 12.1 For Windows 11.
The new update has several exciting new features and improvements. The highlighted improvements are an upgrade to the ability to run mobile apps on Windows.
Windows 11 can now tap on the latest Google Technologies as Microsoft is testing the latest update on Android 12.1, aka Android 12L.
The current publicly available version appears to run on Android 11. Updation on the Android version means Windows 11-supported devices will be running on a newer version than most smartphones today.
What Are The Available Feature On Android 12.1 For Windows 11
There are lots of features to be covered by the latest updates. You can check Microsoft’s official release for accessing all information, but here are some highlighted features.
New Design On Android 12.1 Settings App For Windows 11
As per the Windows Insider Program Team, Microsoft has completely redesigned the settings app from the surface.
The Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) management application can now provide users with cleaner settings groups and grouped navigation. The result helps build an organized, clearer user experience. Also, learn how to take a clear screenshot on Windows 11.
Microsoft has also worked on the networking compatibility between new Insider Preview builds (OS Build 22621+). The latest version update allows Android apps to connect to devices on the same network as your Windows PC.
Now you can use your Android app to control smart home devices such as a security camera and play music on a speaker.
New Integrations Changes On Windows 11
Microsoft has made some improvements; to how android apps integrate with Windows software and hardware. On the new Insider Preview builds (OS Build 22621+), Android apps will not restart whenever the device wakes up. Instead, they will resume from where they left off; like when we pick up our computer and chrome loads our page like it never turned off.
One of the main functions of android is to notify users about any events. In the upcoming update, the Windows notifications bar will display notifications from the Android apps.
Focusing on user experience, the Android app title on Windows will reflect the current activity title. Also, the taskbar will show if your microphone, location, or any other system services is currently in use by some apps.
We know the camera on our smartphones and computers work differently. They are reducing this software gap between Android apps and Windows.
Microsoft has improved the Windows camera’s working software and fixed some bugs from the previous release.
Some Of The Issues Relating to New Update On Windows 11
The new update has tons of new features, and you might want to try it out. This new update is only available on Dev Channel, meaning there are lots of hidden bugs and fixes to be made.
The company has stated, “Some previously available apps might be missing from the experience, fail to launch, or function incorrectly for various known issues.”; and as of now, requesting feedback from its tester.
Insider Preview builds (OS Build 22621+) also includes a diagnostic data viewer in their arsenal. Users can analyze and collect data from the Android subsystem and its configuration option to turn on fixes for specific apps.
Conclusion
The update is still in beta version, and it’s not mature yet for release to the public. To the extent that the company has warned users about updating to Android 12.1, saying, “some apps may fail to launch or function properly.”.
However, the company assures its users. Microsoft is working with its partners to address those issues as soon as possible.
We can see that Microsoft is active on its WSA project on Windows. With releasing extensive updates, it is safe to say that they are committed to it. To fully see Microsoft evolving the Android and Windows platforms, they will need to allow downloading from Google Play Store rather than the limited Amazon Appstore.
Users can sign up for Microsoft Insider Program if they want to be a part of this update.
