Google’s next mobile OS, Android 13, is expected to be released to the public in late August or early September. Let’s introduce the evolution points and new functions of the latest OS, which is currently released as a beta version, based on a trial.
Google’s next mobile OS “Android 13” will improve the usability of Android smartphones and tablet terminals as before, and will also be equipped with new functions (As usual, the name of sweets is adopted as the internal code name., this time it’s “tiramisu”).
When I actually tried this new OS, it was an evolution compared to Android 12, but the impression was that it was not revolutionary. Don’t expect dramatic changes.
It’s currently in beta, and Google expects to launch the official version in late August or early September. Let’s take a look at the major new features. If you’d like to try the beta for yourself, we’ll also show you how to download it.
How to Download Android 13 Beta
To download the Android 13 beta, you’ll need Google’s Pixel series smartphones (Google Pixel 4, Pixel 4a and newer), or other eligible Android phones. Google has a list of manufacturers offering devices that can run Android 13 betas. If your device supports it, sign up for the Beta Program first.
Register to download and install the latest beta over-the-air (OTA). Be warned, however, that beta versions are unstable and buggy. We highly recommend backing up your Android device before installing. You run the risk of losing valuable data.
If you are using the beta version, an update notification will be displayed automatically. To check if your OS is the latest version, go to Settings > System > System Updates and tap Check for Updates.
If you want to exit the beta and go back to Android 12, go to Google’s Android Beta Program page, scroll down and select “Unsubscribe”. Since all the data stored on the device will be deleted when the cancellation is executed, it is recommended to back up the device in advance. When you actually unlock it, you should receive an update notification to revert to the older version.
13 New Features to Watch in Android 13
Here are 13 features and improvements we love about the latest version of Android 13, but there are other smaller improvements as well. For more information, check out Google’s developer site. Android 13 is not final at this time, so some features may change before official availability.
1. Supports further customization
Google’s design language “Material You”, which supports detailed customization, will be further developed in Android 13, and you will be able to choose the theme from more colors. On the current OS, you can choose from 4 wallpaper colors and 4 basic colors, but Android 13 will increase to 16 colors each.
You can select a new color by long-pressing an empty part of the home screen or by going to “Settings” and then “Wallpapers and Styles”. If you enable “themed icons”, you’ll notice that this option is also expanded. are).
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2. Enhanced privacy measures
Android 13 brings some improvements to the ability to limit the information apps can access. First, when an app asks the user for permission to view media files, the permissions are now subdivided into image, video, and audio files.
Also, when selecting photos, you no longer need to give the app permission to see all the photos. Instead of viewing all the photos in your library, you can limit your viewing to specific photos and videos (the iPhone has implemented this feature since iOS 14).
Giving an app permission to scan for nearby Wi-Fi-enabled devices also previously allowed it to track your location. Thankfully, this has also been improved. The “Scan Nearby Devices” permission is now a separate item.
The device’s privacy dashboard (Settings > Privacy > Privacy Dashboard) used to show all apps that accessed camera, microphone, location and other permissions in the last 24 hours.. From Android 13, you can check the history of the past 7 days.
3. Improved copy and paste function
On Android 13, when you copy something, a small panel appears at the bottom of the screen. By tapping this panel, you can edit the copied content.
Depending on what you copied, you may see other options. For example, copying a URL gives you the option to open it in a browser.
You’ll also be able to copy content on one Android device and paste it on another nearby device. This eliminates the need to send emails from your smartphone to your tablet device.
In addition, Google may add a feature that automatically deletes the contents of the clipboard after a certain amount of time (perhaps an hour) to protect user privacy.
4. Notifications from apps now require user permission
When you install an app on Android, the app is already authorized to send notifications to the user. With Android 13, this has changed. Apps will not be able to send notifications without the user’s permission.
5. Enhanced support for tablet devices
Google finally got serious about supporting tablet devices. Android 13 includes several improvements that make it easier to use large screen devices.
On Android tablets, the taskbar that displays frequently used apps now appears at the bottom (can be hidden). Quick settings and notifications have a two-row design, and screen switching (multitasking) of apps can be easily done by dragging and dropping. You’ll also be able to pin pairs of frequently used apps to the Recent Screens menu.
It is also expected to support automatic unlocking of tablet terminals and audio switching with smart watches equipped with “Wear OS”. Audio switching is a mechanism that, for example, when you start playing a movie on a tablet device, you can easily switch the sound of the connected wireless earphones from the smartphone to the tablet device.
Google has also improved the interfaces of more than 20 of its own apps, including YouTube Music and Google Maps (available without Android 13), to make them easier to use on larger screens. Updates to these apps are expected to be available around summer 2022.
6. Quickly launch the QR code scanner
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many people to frequently scan QR codes. It would be nice to be able to launch the QR code scanner more quickly.
Now you can add a QR code scanner to your quick settings. Pull down the notification screen on Android 13 and tap Edit (pencil icon). Drag the QR code scanner item to add it to your quick settings.
7. Improved media player
In addition to the lock screen, the media player that appears when you swipe down from the top of the screen has been improved and looks better. The progress of the song or podcast you’re playing is indicated by a squiggly line, and an album image of the song you’re listening to appears in the background when available.
There is also a new button for selecting the audio output destination. You can easily switch between speakers and headphones connected to your device.
8. You can now control your smart home from the lock screen
You no longer need to unlock your smartphone to operate your smart home. Now you can do it all from your lock screen.
Go to Settings > Display > Lock Screen and enable Control from Locked Device. With this, you can quickly and easily reach the operation screen of smart home-related devices such as smart lights and cameras from the “Google Home” icon on the lock screen.
9. Turn on the light by tapping the back twice
The quick tap function installed in the “Google Pixel” series smartphones is a function that allows you to take screenshots and view notifications by tapping the back of the smartphone twice. Android 13 added the ability to turn on the light on this quick tap. To enable this feature, go to System > Gestures > Quick Tap and enable Lights.
10. Compatible with Bluetooth “LE Audio”
Android 13 supports Bluetooth “LE Audio” (LE stands for low energy) and LC3 (Low Complexity Communications Codec) codec. Simply put, wireless headphones, earphones and other compatible devices consume less power and sound better.
11. Group chats are now encrypted
With the adoption of the RCS (Rich Communication Services) standard for Google’s Messages app, the sharing of text and images over Wi-Fi has become more generous. For example, it has a function to display that the other party is in the process of entering a reply.
Android 13 takes this one step further, with end-to-end encryption for group chats (1:1 chats are already encrypted).
12. App multilingualization
For those who use multiple languages, the ability to select the language of each app will be convenient. You can set the language for specific apps by going to Settings > System > Languages & Input > App Languages.
13. “Google Wallet” is renewed and resurrected
Google Wallet, which aims to be a full-featured digital wallet that includes payment, loyalty cards, hotel keys, vaccination certificates, train tickets, and even identification such as a driver’s license, is back with Android 13.
Without having to carry a physical wallet, Google Wallet aims to enable quick information sharing as a secure alternative to physical cards. Google Wallet works with other Google apps and works with Google Pay.
