Image source: CNET
Android recently launched the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system – Android 13, which was previously previewed in February.
The update comes after four beta cycles, and users were able to get a glimpse of the update earlier this year, sparking excitement among users.
Android 13
Android is currently the most widely used mobile operating system in the globe, boasting a global market share of 86.2%.
Since 2014, Android’s global market share has stood in the line of 80, with the lowest rank being 81.1%.
Android 12 previously brought the biggest changes to the platform, especially with Material You.
Material You brought a new look and feel for Android, giving it a refreshing experience with current aesthetics.
With how impactful Android 12 was, Android 13 could be a disappointing operating system for some users.
However, with new features and changes set to be rolled out, there is a whole new horizon in sight.
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Features
With the incoming update comes new features, and here we take a look at some of the features users can expect.
Updated Material You color schemes
Android 13 will be updating its Material You color schemes, giving users access to three new “tonal spot” colors:
- Vibrant – supplemental accents
- Expressive – a wider range of colors that extends to the background
- Spritz – a monochromatic scheme
Improved notifications
The Android 13 system no longer allows apps to display notifications unless the user allows it.
Upon installation, opening new apps will open a pop-up for permissions that require users to allow or disallow notifications.
Faster QR code scanning
Previously, Android devices would require users to download a third-party app of Google Assistant to scan QR codes.
The apps would often lead to delays or fail to work altogether, but Android 13 will introduce QR code scanning on the Quick Settings tile.
Improved battery information
Android 13’s system adds a significant upgrade to the battery life, especially with how apps affect the battery.
When an app causes excessive battery drain, Android 13 alerts users with a silent notification so they can force close the app or restart the device.
UWB support
Ultra-Wideband or UWB is new in the tech scene and makes it possible for users to act as a car key or locator for lost devices.
UWB also improves NFC and Bluetooth connection.
The issue with old UWB support was that it required a built-in UWB.
With Android 13, a hardware abstraction layer adds the functionality so all Android devices can implement UWB.
Customizable lock screen
When Material You initially launched, users complained about the size of the lock-screen clock.
Android 13 allows users to disable the clock by switching off the double-line clock toggle in the settings.
Android 13 privacy and security
Android 13 will introduce an improved privacy and security experience for users, adding more limitations on apps and allowing users to select which permissions and what data are accessed.
Permissions will include file types like audio, images, and videos.
Among the security updates the system will introduce is the automatic deletion of clipboard contents after a certain interval.
In doing so, apps no longer have access to older items in the clipboard, a recurring problem in the past.
The security update also prevents users from accidentally sharing copied texts to the wrong people.
Android 13’s opt-in app permissions includes automatically revoking permissions from apps that haven’t been used for a period.
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Android 13 release dates
Google Pixel devices were among the first to receive Android 13, receiving the update on August 15, 2022.
However, the Pixel 6 Pro is yet to receive the update,which may indicate that not all Pixel phones will receive the update.
Pixels 1 through 3 are among the devices that will no longer support Android 13.
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