by An expansion of dynamic icons, fresh security settings, desktop layouts for foldable devices, and more.
Google has announced the release of Android 13 Developer Preview (DP), aimed at developers. While this is a very early build, it already offers some improvements. We chose the main ones that Google herself talked about.
Privacy and security
In Android 13 DP, we added the function of choosing photos and videos, which can be accessed by applications on demand. This will be useful when a new app requires access to media files, but some of them you would like to keep private.
Over time, this feature will appear on all devices with Android 11 through system component updates using Google Play .
Also added is a new permission to access nearby Wi-Fi networks without needing to determine the user's location.
Interface
Application developers will have a new API for placing Quick Settings tiles in curtain android. In one click, you can add a new context function there.
One of the major design improvements of Material You is the ability to use themed icons for all applications. True, for this, developers will have to provide monochrome options for icons, which will be colored by the system.
In Android 12, icon colors adjust to the wallpaper palette only for standard Google programs (and the function itself is still in beta).
Other visual innovations include the ability to customize the language on a per-app basis, as well as improved blur and scroll effects in the interface.
Application Optimization
In Android 13, Google will expand the ability to update system tools through Google Play (Project Mainline) to make apps and OS features more consistent and secure across many older devices. This will allow you to maintain the system even without major updates from smartphone manufacturers.
Google also promises to optimize the system and applications for tablets, foldable devices and Chromebooks. There are plans to switch to fully responsive programs suitable for any screen.
Other improvements
The first developers have already begun to get acquainted with the system and share their findings. We chose a few interesting changes that Google kept silent about:
- The launcher on the Pixel began to support two desktop layouts – for different screens of foldable gadgets. This may be a hint at the imminent release of the corresponding novelty by Google.
- The taskbar for large screen devices now holds up to six icons and can offer pinning apps.
- Guest profiles can access installed apps from the main profile.
- Silent mode now disables keyboard vibration and other tactile feedback by default.
- Added the ability to disable the Assistant call by holding the Home button while using three-button navigation.
- The Now Playing tab in the YouTube Music shade has received new buttons.
- Three new quick settings tiles have been added: color correction, one-handed mode, and QR code.
- Added the ability to turn on the flashlight on some Pixel smartphones (flash) double tap on the back cover (Quick Tap).
Now Android 13 DP can be tested on Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 5a (5G), Pixel 5, Pixel 4a ( 5G), Pixel 4a, Pixel 4 XL, and Pixel 4. System images are available on the Android developer site.
The next Developer Preview build will be released in May, followed by beta versions for everyone. Stable Android 13 is expected in the fall.
