Google has taken the first public step towards Android 13, with the release of Developer Preview and now the first beta. That triggers an update cycle for the mobile operating system, which usually leads to the fall release of the next version of Android. And Android 13 is well on its way to making that journey.
Specifically, the second public beta of Android 13 is out now, after Google’s annual I/O conference. Our vision of the feature set is coming together, although we imagine it is far from complete.
Here’s what we know about Android 13 so far.
Android 13 News (updated June 8)
Speculation on Android 13 release date
The release of Android 13 Developer Preview 1 gives an exact timeframe for Google’s beta release and update schedule. If you remember the release schedule of Android 12, this will look very familiar.
Even before we saw that timeline, we thought the final Android 13 release would happen in the fall, around the launch of the Pixel 7. But Google will likely detail it. about the release time at the annual Google I/O 2022 conference, starting today (May 11).
It’s worth noting that Google’s Android 13 roadmap appears to be closing the first beta of this software in April. Google has already delivered on it, with Android 13 Beta 1 landing on April 26. We’re still expect a big Android 13 rollout at Google I/O.
Now that Android 13 Beta 3 is out, we are getting closer to the final release. The third beta brings Android 13 to the stable platform.
Features of Android 13
We don’t know too much about Android 13’s entire feature set yet – what’s included in Android 13 Developer Preview 1, Developer Preview 2 and Beta 1. But some rumored features from Android Police tell us. What can we expect this year.
Spatial/virtual surround sound: Whatever you want to call it, Google seems to be working on the possibility of giving your audio devices a more 3D effect when paired with your Android phone.
Bluetooth LE support: The latest Bluetooth standard requires less power, provides multi-device pairing and reduces stuttering. That’s why it’s great to see the essential audio codec included in Android 13.
Edit copied text: In the same way you can tap on the preview of the screenshot to make changes before saving it, Android 13 gives you a preview of any text you copied and gives allows you to edit it before adding it to the clipboard, hopefully you will save a few mistakes. If your phone detects that you’ve copied a hyperlink, a button to open the hyperlink immediately in Chrome will also pop up.
Image selector: Added to the first developer preview for Android 13, the new Photo Picker adopts a feature that was available in iOS 15. You’ll be able to choose to share specific photos with an app instead of the whole thing. your library. This feature adds an extra element of security, allowing only apps to see the specific data you want to share with them.
Permissions for nearby Wi-Fi devices: Another addition in the Android 13 developer preview, the Nearby Devices permission now includes a Wi-Fi element. Specifically, the NEARBY_WIFI_DEVICES permission allows apps to access your phone’s knowledge of Wi-Fi hotspots, potentially limiting what you share with external apps.
Themed third-party icons: As you may remember, Android 12 allows icons to shade themselves according to the wallpaper, even if the feature is limited to Google apps. Based on the developer preview, Android 13 extends that capability to third-party apps.
Dual eSIM support: According to a report, Google may provide a way to allow multiple carriers to connect to a single eSIM in Android 13. This dual eSIM support in Android 13 (opens in a new tab) will eliminate the need for a physical SIM card, although that will depend on service providers and phone manufacturers.
New QR code scanner: Screenshot obtained by Android Police (opens in a new tab) shows two new QR code scanner options. The first is allowing you to access your phone’s scanner from the lock screen, meaning you can scan restaurant menus without unlocking your device. This would certainly be welcomed.
Media playback process: Android could get its own media handling to compete with iPhones and HomePods. If you don’t know, you can transfer media to the HomePod mini by tapping your iPhone on it. If Android Police (opens in a new tab)The source of is correct, Android 13 can see “Media TTT” or Media Tap-to-Transfer. This will allow you to tap your phone against certain devices, such as a Nest speaker, to transfer media playback to that device. How this will work is still unclear at this point.
Detailed media access: Android 13 Beta 1 introduced new granular media permissions. Apps will now have to request access to your images, videos, and audio files separately. Previously, apps had access to all your media with a single permission.
Redesigned media output selector: Android Police thinks Google won’t stop with the photo picker, making changes to any of the media output pickers. This is where you choose which speaker will play your media, whether it’s your phone’s speakerphone, Bluetooth headset, etc in Android 12.
Adjustable flashlight: A new report from Esper has found commands in the developer beta that suggest Google will let you adjust the brightness of your flashlight, rather than just turning it on or off. This feature has been available on iOS and some Android brands for a while now, so it would be helpful if it was built in by default.
Application storage: This may not be Android 13 specific, but Google has officially announced a new feature that allows apps to be saved in a smaller storage format on users’ phones, reducing their storage space. until they need it. It seems especially useful for users with limited built-in memory.
Right of notice: Android 13 Developer Preview 2 is introducing notification permissions, essentially replicating iOS exactly. This means that you can completely opt out of apps sending you notifications when you first launch them, as long as the developers integrate this functionality.
Bluetooth LE Audio: Android 13 will add support for Bluetooth LE audio, which means you can get higher quality audio with less power consumption.
MIDI 2.0 support: Android 13 will also add support for MIDI 2.0 devices.
Predictive audio routing: Android 13 has new audio device and audio configuration APIs to better handle audio production and device selection. This will help users choose the best audio format for their music, which will be great for musicians.
Better error reporting in KeyMint and Keystore: Android 13 has a new bug reporting feature in KeyMint and Keystore cryptographic key systems. Developers who rely on these systems will likely see errors when their apps don’t generate keys properly. More importantly, developers will be able to use the errors to identify the problem and try to regenerate the key.
Automatically clear clipboard history: This is self-explanatory, but Android 13 should be able to automatically clear your clipboard history.
Android 13: What we want to see
Android 12 was not a perfect transition to the Material You world, just like Android 5.0 Lollipop was not a smooth path to Material Design. Google employs hundreds of people to do this, but in the end they’re all human. Mistakes and errors are bound to happen.
For Android 13 I’d like to see the following and I’m sure I’ll give it some more thought.
Fewer errors: It’s no secret that Android 12 had a rough launch with lots of bugs. While I personally don’t have too many problems, I know that many other people have had the opposite experience. The move to Material You’ve presented some issues, like when Lollipop came out in 2014. Problems are bound to happen, but I’d like to see Android 13 stabilize things.
Bring back the Wi-Fi Quick Settings tile: For Android 12, Google consolidated cellular data Quick Settings and Wi-Fi controls into something called “Internet”. This makes Wi-Fi switching or network switching complicated. I would like to see this change reversed as in Android 11.
General scrolling screenshot: Android 12 introduced scrolling screenshots, but only for some apps. Developers had to implement a “View-Based UI” element into their apps, the lack of which meant no scrolling screenshots. I’d love to see Android 13 add scrolling screenshots for all apps and situations, like we’ve seen on several other Android phones over the years.
Smart home control in the power menu: In Android 11, you can access your smart home controls from the power menu. In Android 12, they’re behind the Quick Settings tile. Just one more step to do something as basic as turn off my lights. I want Google to bring the controls back to the source menu.
