With the Android 13 update, Google has focused more on privacy and security
There are some visual changes and some of them are under the hood
Android updates are always very fascinating, as Google also keeps on adding new features and the latest bids of software updates such as Google Assistant Features, animations, themes and many more. With many phones yet to receive Android 12, Google has announced Android 13 and Android 13 Beta 1 which came recently.
As usual, Google first released the developer preview, and then 3 Beta updates are scheduled, and once the system reaches stability, Android 13 will be launched this year. Like always, Google Pixel devices will get the update first and once Beta 2 is released a few OEMs can be expected to come with Android 13 on some of their phones.
Further in the article, we will delve into the top features and latest information about Android 13 and also at the long-awaited release date of the OS, along with some eligible devices that are expected to get Android 13.
Android 13 Expected Release Date
Back in February, Google released the first developer preview, and on 26 April released the first Android 13 Beta for Pixel devices. As per the timeline shared by Google, the 2 Beta released in may and Beta 3 and 4 are scheduled to release in June and July respectively. Google is expected to release the final and stable version of Android 13 in August 2022.
Android 13 Top Features
With the Android 13 update, Google has focused more on privacy and security. There are some visual changes and some of them are under the hood, these are not visually available for the users to see, but Google is adding new features to enhance the experience and user performance as well.
Photo Picker
This new photo picker feature lets the users share photos and videos on other apps securely. The picker 13 will bring both local and cloud pictures. All can use photo picker Apis to access shared pictures and videos, it won’t require any permission to view all media files on the device. This is a big win, as the users won’t have to worry about giving unnecessary access to all media files.
Nearby Wi-Fi Devices Permission
The new version of Android brings the NEARBY_WIFI_DEVICES runtime permission. This permission will be required by the apps that commonly request WiFi APIs and also enables apps to use nearby WiFi without needing location permissions.
Quick Settings Tile
Google is making it easier for its users to add tiles to Quick Settings With the introduction of a new Tile API. With this developers will be able to add their apps tile directly to the active Quick Setting Tile. This also makes it easier for users to discover tiles in the quick setting area.
More Material You Design
Google introduced this feature in Android 12 which is a system-wide theme engine. On Android 13 the company is expanding the material to all icons., allowing users to inherit the wallpapers and other themes. Developers can add a monochromatic app icon and a tweak to the adaptive icon XML, this will allow their app to the Material you Theme.
Per-app Language
This feature has been in the talk for a while now and is finally available. With this functionality, the users can choose the language in which they want to operate a particular app without changing the default language. At first, few apps will only come with this functionality, this is a great feature for multilingual people. The settings can be accessed by heading to Settings > Apps > All apps > <select any app> > Language.
Install Apps on Guest Profile
In Android 13 if you are the owner, then you can also create a guest profile. The user will be allowed to download apps on the guest profile. The data between the guest and the owner won’t be shared. In case the guest has to use any app, then they would have to sign in.
App Drawer in the taskbar
With Android 12L Google started prioritizing tablets and foldables. The taskbar was first found on Android 12L and version 13, if you happen to have a large screen device, this will be enabled by default and you will see six apps along with an app launcher.
Clipboard editor overlay
Google has added a new clipboard tool. When copying something (text, pictures etc) a small preview will appear on the bottom of the screen. The preview contains what you just copied and it also comes with an edit button, in case you want to quickly edit something. In case you copy an address, you will see Google Maps intent next to the edit button and the same also applies to phone numbers and links copied.
New Quick Settings Tiles
Tiles in the quick settings are the quickest way to access shortcuts. With Android 13, Google has added a few handy ones to the tiles. These include:
Colour correction quick setting tile
One-handed mode quick setting tile
Security and Privacy Controls quick setting tile
Device Controls quick setting tile to control smart home devices
QR code scanner quick toggle
Switch Screen Resolution
This feature is already present on some smartphones. Google is bringing the ability to change screen resolution with Android 13. This option can be accessed under Display settings. Users will be able to switch between QHD+ and FHD+ screen resolutions.
Media Player Squiggly Progress Bar
The music player now supports a squiggly progress bar, instead of just a straight progress bar. The unplayed part of the media/ song stays straight, but the current playing media moves up and down like a waveform.
Predictive Back Gesture
The feature was announced as a part of Beta 2 and is a new gesture for tablets and foldables. Once this feature is completely implemented, it will let users preview the destination or other result of a back gesture before they fully complete it, allowing them to decide whether to continue or stay in the current view.
You can enable this feature by heading to Settings > System > Developer options and then selecting Predictive back animations.
Resource Files For Specifying Per-app Language Support
With Beta 1, Google introduced Per-app Language support and with beta 2, developers will be now able to specify what languages the app supports in the res/xml/locales_config.xml, which allows users to choose languages on a per-app basis. Once the developers update this on their app, users can go to Settings > System > Languages & Input > App Languages > (select an app) and change the language.
Other Android 13 Features
Optimized experience for tablets, foldables, and Chromebooks
Flashlight toggle in a quick tap
MIDI 2.0 support
Activate dark mode at bedtime
Revamped screen saver
NFC payment support for Work profiles
Support for spatial audio
Smart home control without unlocking your phone
USE_EXACT_ALARM allows apps to use exact alarms without needing to request this permission from the user
Android 13 Beta: List of Eligible Devices
Google Pixel 6 Pro, Google Pixel 6, Google Pixel 5a 5G, Google Pixel 5, Google Pixel 4a / 5G, Google Pixel 4 XL, Google Pixel 4