Android 12 DP2: One-handed mode, tweaks to PIN, pattern entry

Google has made the lines in the pattern lock much thicker than before.

Google has also made some minor changes to the PIN entry option. (Pixabay)

After releasing the first developer preview of its upcoming mobile OS Android 12 last month, Google today rolled out the second iteration of the software update to the developers. The update includes extending security for lock screen notifications, improvements to the picture-in-picture mode and extending the scope of Companion Device Manager.

In addition to this, the newly released software update also brings the one-handed mode to Android smartphones. 9To5Google reports that the feature is available (and fully functional) under the Gestures section of Pixel's Settings menu.

It features three toggle buttons for the users. First is ‘Use one-handed mode', which simply enables or disables the feature. The second is the ‘Exit when switching apps' option', which automatically turns off the option when you switch between apps. The third option is the ‘Timeout' option, wherein users have the option to opt-out of this mode after a predefined period of time. Included options are 4 seconds, 8 seconds, or 12 seconds. Alternatively, users can turn off the timer entirely.

In addition to this, Google has also made some minor changes to the PIN entry option. A separate report by the publication states that the line separating the digits that users enter and number pad is no longer there, while the Emergency call pill is more prominent now. Additionally, the company has made the lines in the pattern lock much thicker than before.