Google has rolled out the first developer beta of Android 13 that is now available to install and explored by devs and tech geeks. Android 13 will be the successor to Android 12 and will include significant updates, such as improved theme options, privacy features, and various backend changes.
Interested app devs can install Android 13 Developer Preview manually by flashing its factory image on a supported device. Android 13 compatibility is currently limited to the Google Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 5, Pixel 5a 5G, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6 Pro.
Android 13 Release Date
- Google launched the first developer beta on February 10, 2022
- According to Google's timeline, the first public beta will roll out in April 2022
- The official Android 13 stable release will happen in June 2022
This 2022, Google aims for a public beta launch of Android 13 (codename: Tiramisu) in April, as per its own timeline.
Here's the full rollout schedule for the Android 13 operating system:
New Features of Android 13 (Developer Preview 1)
The following are some of the most notable changes in Android 13:
1. Themed app icons
Google is introducing dynamic color-themed icons for all app icons in Android 13. The Material You dynamically adjusting color engine is extended to all app icons. App developers will be needed to use a monochromatic app icon and update their apps' adaptive icon XML to support themed app icons. According to Google, themed third-party icons will initially be available on Pixel smartphones, and the company is working with device OEMs to bring the feature to their custom skins.
2. Adding custom tiles to Quick Settings
With Android 13, Google makes it easier for developers to promote their custom Quick Settings tiles. Soon, devs will be able to use the new tile placement API to prompt users to add the app's tile to the active Quick Settings option. Previously, users had to drag the custom tile from the inactive tiles region to the active tiles region in order to see it in the Quick Settings panel.
3. Faster Access to QR Code Scanning
Android 13 will enable users to access the QR code scanner directly from their phone's lock screen. Additionally, they'll receive a Quick Settings tile for quick access to the QR code scanner. Google included a QR code scanner Quick Settings tile in the first developer preview of Android 13, but it is currently not functional.
4. New Photo picker
Android 13 introduces a new system photo picker as a safe and optimized method for securely sharing local and cloud-based images. It extends the functionality of the Android document picker (which enables file sharing without the app requiring permission to view all media on the device) to photos and videos.
5. Nearby device permission for WiFi
With the new update, apps will be able to discover and connect to nearby devices through WiFi without needing location permission. Specifically, Google is introducing the new NEARBY_WIFI_DEVICES runtime permission in Android 13, which provides those apps a new option that doesn't require unnecessary location access.
6. "Panlingual" per-app language settings
Android 13 includes per-app language toggles. This would enable users to configure language settings for specific apps independently of the system setting. This new feature will be ideal for users who want to read some apps in their local language.
What can you say about these Android 13 updates? You can leave a comment below.
Sources: Android and Android Developers blog
