HMD Invites Developers to Shape Android 12 on Nokia X20

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The Android 12 developer preview programme will be coming soon on the Nokia X20, HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, has disclosed.

The initiative allows developers across Africa to get their first taste of the next step in Android innovation and it empowers developers to create, test and finesse their apps ahead of the highly anticipated launch of the new operating system later this year.

Africa’s app developers will have the chance to sink their teeth into the latest version of Android with the Nokia X20 from Q3 2021.

The programme provides crucial feedback for the development of the next milestone in Android. With sources from a broad geographical user base and diverse cultures, the analytics and error analyses will help fine-tune Android 12 for end-users.

The Android 12 developer programme is timely when discussions about accelerating mobile technology for digital transformation in Africa are taking front-row seats.

It will provide a host of new and updated features for people such as supporting AVIF images, audio-coupled haptic feedback for more immersive gaming and audio experiences, refreshed app launch animations for an improved experience, and improved privacy and security features ensuring personal data are kept as safe as possible.

Developers taking part in the programme will be able to collaborate, share ideas and tips with like-minded experts through the Nokia phones community forum.

To join the forum, developers can register through the MyPhoneApp available on all Nokia smartphones. Furthermore, through the Android 12 developer preview programme, Africa app experts on the project can communicate directly in 16 languages with HMD Global’s in-house developer team.

“We’re extremely excited to announce, due to our close partnership with Google, that we will soon be able to offer access to the first Android 12 beta,” the Chief Marketing Officer at HMD Global, Mr Stephen Taylor, said.

“We understand that people want to use their phones for longer, and with a Nokia phone, it’s not just hardware durability which comes as standard.

“A smooth software that performs as new for years is just as important, which is why we want to work closely with our developer community on creating the best possible user experience.

“Longevity is the foundation of our new line-up of Nokia smartphones, so we offer up to three years of OS upgrades – recognised as one of the most comprehensive offerings in the smartphone market and continue to be the market leader in security updates. The Nokia X20 joins a family of devices that have helped shape Android for years.

“We can’t wait to receive feedback from our community of dedicated Nokia fans, so we can cater to their requirements and continue providing our customers with even more value from the smartphones they love,” he added.