Android 12 reached platform stability with the fourth beta release, and Google has since rolled out the final beta update to Pixel users. As we are only a few weeks away from the stable release, let’s look at one of the most awaited Android 12 features, and it is called the Game Dashboard. This feature brings an in-game overlay to help you access useful tools like an FPS counter, screen recorder, and more while you play games on your Android smartphone. This article will learn about the Android 12 Game Dashboard and how you can use it during gaming sessions.
Android 12 Game Dashboard: Explained (2021)
Game Dashboard is Google’s effort to improve the gaming experience on Android. While select gaming phones like the ROG Phone 5 have a floating toolbar with useful gaming features, the Game Dashboard brings it to all Android 12 phones. With Game Dashboard, you can enjoy such tools without buying a dedicated gaming phone.
Game Dashboard in Android 12
Game Dashboard is an Android 12 feature that helps gamers to record their screen, go live and stream gameplay on YouTube, take screenshots with a single tap, and view the FPS of the current game. You can also use the game dashboard to view your Google Play achievements without opening the Play Games app. According to Google, Game Dashboard will be available on select Android 12 devices this year, with wider availability planned for next year.
Another key feature integrated into the games dashboard is using performance profiles if the device supports them. Notably, Google has teamed up with Samsung for the Game Mode API, with more OEMs coming onboard later. If you have a compatible Android 12 installed, you can choose between two game modes – Performance Mode to increase frame rates or Battery Saver Mode to enhance your gaming sessions.
If you are a developer, see the Game Mode API documentation for implementing Game Mode in your game or opt-out of Game Mode interferences.
How to Enable Game Dashboard in Android 12
1. Open the Settings app and tap on ‘Notifications’. Scroll down until you find the ‘Do Not Disturb’ option under General Settings.
2. From the Do Not Disturb setting page, select ‘Schedule’ and tap on the gear icon next to ‘Gaming’.
3. From here, make sure the Games Dashboard toggle is enabled. You can also enable the ‘Do not disturb for games toggle for a smooth gaming experience. Google notes that you’ll receive notifications from important people and apps when you’re using this DND mode (similar to the focus mode in iOS 15).
And all. Now you will see the games dashboard while playing your favorite Android games.
Manage game dashboard during gameplay
- To access the games dashboard, open a games and tap on the floating button at the corner of the screen. When you see a controller icon, tap on it to open the game dashboard on your Android 12 device. Check the images below for reference:
- You will now see that the Games Dashboard overlay covers the entire screen. Here, you can enable or disable the ability to take screenshots, record gameplay, view FPS counters, and turn on DND mode. You also have the option to turn on optimization, stream your gameplay on YouTube (requires at least 1,000 subscribers), or view your game achievements, if available. The Game Achievements feature hasn’t rolled out widely yet, but when it does, you’ll see in-game achievements and leaderboards from games associated with Google Play Games.
- To record your gameplay, tap the Record button in the game dashboard shortcut and wait for the recording confirmation screen to appear.
- In the Screen Recording pop-up, you can choose to record audio or show touches on the screen. After adjusting the settings to your liking, press ‘Start’ to record your game.
- The other two options you see above and below the screen recorder icon capture screenshots and view the real-time FPS of the game you’re playing.