After months of developer previews and beta releases, Android 13 has finally gone official and has officially made its way to Pixel phones — starting with the Pixel 4 and 4 XL.
Google calls it a lucky number.
In a blog post, Google has announced the launch of Android 13 and it is the newest Android release yet. From an evolved Material You theming system to strict management of app permissions, Google describes it as an operating system with “jam-packed” features.
Obviously, the Pixels are the first to get it, but the company said that other phone brands are to follow “later this year,” including Samsung, ASUS, Nokia, iQOO, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, vivo, and Xiaomi.
So, what’s new?
One of the notable Android 13 features is the aforementioned “evolved” version of Material You. It is a slight overhaul to the last year’s Android 12 wallpaper theming system which allows the customization of non-Google apps to match the palette of your phone’s wallpaper and call it home.
Next up is the brand new music player that automatically changes its appearance based on the music or podcast you’re listening to. Well, it’s not really brand new but it comes with a playback bar that dances as you progress through a song, which gives an aesthetic vibe to start your day. (Now that is something to look forward to.)
With that aside, Android 13 also gives you the ability to assign a specific language to a certain app. There’s also an updated bedtime mode and an added protective layer of your media library, preventing apps from unauthorized access to your gallery (by selecting only the specific photos or videos they need to access).
Moreover, Android 13 has other privacy-focused features that keep your data in the clipboard for a short period of time and notification management from apps, which ensures that you only get the alerts you ask for. Entertainment-wise, Android 13 comes with built-in support for Spatial Audio and Bluetooth LE Audio (Low Energy).
Additionally, Chromebook users will soon be able to stream their messaging app to their notebooks. Other features include using a clipboard across Android devices, a new taskbar on tablets for an uncluttered multi-tasking experience, and more here.
Supported Pixel Devices
Google concluded the announcement with a statement that Android 13 is now rolling out on Pixel devices starting today. So far, the Pixels involved in the rollout are the Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 5, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6 Pro. Of course, other Pixel A-series phones are included too: Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 5a, and Pixel 6a.
Via: GSMArena, Source: Google Blog
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