The Android 13 Developer Preview is As Smooth as Tiramisu

Developers can now check out the Android 13 Developer Preview 1 which will allow them to experience it first-hand and design or modify their applications to suit the new version.

On February 10, Google released a preview for Pixel Phones, which means that Google systems might receive the update sometime later this year. The tech giant mentioned that with this update it is focusing on privacy, security, and developer productivity. Since this is just the first preview, it means that Google will be incorporating feedback and making additional improvements before releasing the final version for phones, tablets, and PCs.

The final version of Android 13 is expected to release around Q3 of 2022. It will be downloadable for PCs through Android Emulator and for Pixel devices via device-specific flashable image. The developer preview is only intended for developers so that they can plan ahead on what kind of changes need to be made for applications and devices to run Android 13 smoothly. Developers must install it manually and test out its features. Google has also sought critical feedback as it builds on the newer updates that were made in 12L.

The final version of Android 13 is expected to be available by late August.

Android 13 Features

Privacy

While privacy has been modified for sharing files, the Privacy Dashboard is being reworked to reveal apps that have accessed permissions marked dangerous for the past seven days. 

Earlier, Wi-Fi APIs could derive location data from your devices. But with the new update, there is a runtime permission called NEARBY_WIFI_DEVICES, which will allow a device’s connections to access nearby points over Wi-Fi. The feature will allow users to discover and connect to nearby devices over WiFi without giving away their location details. 

New System Photo Picker

The new system photo picker will help one curate the photos and videos that need to be shared through apps. Earlier, apps would request access to files and directories to enable the user to send the requested data. Android 13 safeguards user data by allowing the user to only share specific photos or videos that are stored locally or on cloud storage. This can be done without apps requiring permission to access the complete media file.

Language

Taking cognizance of its wide and diverse customers, Google allows users to set their preferred language. Android 13 has a new platform API called LocaleManager which helps users with the language setting.

QR Code Scanner

QR codes made transactions easier while avoiding physical contact. Google is implementing a shortcut to launch a QR code scanner to provide ease of business. Android 13 will have a component that makes it possible to launch a component that can easily scan a QR code.  

Quick Setting Tiles

Apart from a Quick Setting Tile for the QR Code Scanner, quick setting tiles will also be available for foreground service manager, to toggle color correction, and to toggle one-handed mode.

Clipboard

All forms of text, across apps, will be available on the clipboard for easy retrieval. 

Guest profiles

Android 1 makes it easier to install apps in the guest profile, and ensures that no data is shared between the owner and guest profiles. Furthermore, by using system navigation, you can disable the “hold Home to invoke assistant” feature. 

Speedier Updates

With the expansion of Project Mainline, Google aims to provide speedier access to software updates via Google Play. The new feature will enable the tech giant to directly update modules from previous versions, instead of the entire operating system.

Silent Mode

Enabling silent mode on Android 13 will disable all haptics, including gesture navigation. 

Android 13 Release Date 

To help developers plan out their work, Google shared a release timeline for the new operating system.

The first Android 13 Developer Preview 1 released in February will be followed by Preview 2 in March. Thereafter, Beta 1 will be available in April, followed by Beta in May, Beta 3 in June, and finally, Beta 4 in July. 

It is expected that the final update will be first rolled out to Pixel phones sometime in August.  

Availability 

The update will be available for Android 11 devices and higher later on through the Google Play system updates.  Although Google did not officially confirm what Android 13 will be called, under the Android Version settings, its name appears as Tiramisu. More updates are expected in the coming months.