Android 12 is looking quite different from its predecessors, but the OS also has a few new tricks under the hood — particularly in the privacy department. The new Android version gives you clear indicators when an app is using your camera or your microphone in the top right corner of your display, so you're never caught off guard (many other manufacturers already include this in their custom Android software). But what if you want to be extra sure that no app can see or hear you? Google added two dedicated toggles for that, and they will go live on Android 12 Beta 2.
As Google announced at I/O on stage, there are two new additions to the quick settings tiles: quick toggles for camera and mic access. If you really want to make sure that no one can hear or see you, even apps that you previously granted the permission, you can just toggle mic and camera access off and enjoy some peace of mind. Of course, this still isn't as good as having physical kill switches like the ones on Nest devices, but let's be reasonable here.
Google says the toggles will also show you which app are currently using your camera or mic in real-time. If you'd like to revoke access for that application specifically, the toggles will also offer a shortcut to get to the respective permission management quickly.
