Unless you have an ADT-3 developer box, be ready to use it
It’s impossible to be an Android fan right now and not be excited about all the work going on on the development of Android 13. We just had our first Beta back in late April and with Google I/ O is out in just a few days, we can almost guarantee we’ll hear about a lot of exciting new functionality being rolled out. So far, however, the conversation about Android 13 has been dominated by discussions about what it means for mobile devices like phones and tablets, and it’s easy to forget the whole thing. range of product categories it exposes – including Android TV. This week, Google gave developers the latest look at that updated platform, with the release of Android 13 Beta 1 for Android TV.
We haven’t heard a ton Android 13’s changes will likely make a big impression on Android TV, but there are a few changes. One cool addition seems to be adding support for different content aspect ratios when viewing picture-in-picture windows – not a game changer by any means, but sort of polish that we still appreciate seeing.
Another, potentially more impactful change in Android 13 on Android TV involves the introduction of a new low power mode, which can cut power and bandwidth usage when devices operate in standby mode.
Unfortunately, unlike the Android 13 Beta 1 releases that can be easily installed on any modern Pixel phone, testing this version of Android TV is a bit more difficult, and chances are you don’t have one. suitable hardware to access. For now, your only option outside of the emulator is Google’s ADT-3 development box – just like we saw with the Android 12 Beta.
Android expert Mishaal Rahman has the new release up and running, but so far it doesn’t look like the new PiP experience nor low power mode is present – we’ll probably have to wait for a build in the future. future, assuming Google continues with them.
That’s understandably a bit frustrating, so try and be patient as we wait a few more months for a public release – and hopefully some updates to our existing Android TV hardware. friend.
UPDATE: 2022/05/06 20:01 EST BY STEPHEN SCHENCK
Features not yet available
Update with Report by Mishaal Rahman about expected features not yet available.
