Google released the roadmap for the Android 13 update earlier this year. At the time, the operating system was already in its beta testing phase and was available to some devices until the 15th of August when a stable version of the operating system was released to the public.
The first devices to get the update were Google Pixel devices since they run pure Android without any customizations or overlay. Other Android OEMs had to take some time to prepare an update for their users, which involved working on their in-house software to blend with what the Android update brings to the table.
Android 13 best features
The OS update has begun rolling out to other devices and they do not only improve usability but also the look of the entire operating system. Here are our best features from this update:
- Material You: This feature gives users full control of how their device looks. The entire theme of the devices can be adjusted to suit user tastes. Also, the theme changes to the primary colour on the device’s wallpaper to harmonize the entire look of the system.
- Better animations: With the latest Android operating system, users get better animations across their devices. Actions like opening or closing an application, switching between options in the system UI (like settings), and locking or unlocking the device now have more aesthetic vibes. One of my best animations is turning on or off my device, the entire display seems to gradually dim out when the device turns off and gradually brightens up when the device turns on.
- Privacy: This notifies you of the applications using certain permissions on your devices. For example, if you are on a call and leave the dedicated interface, your device will inform you that your mic is active. Again, if a certain application is making use of your camera, you’ll also get a prompt to inform you of the exact application that is making use of your camera. Google also promises to add a new security and privacy menu to quickly notify users of any compromise to their devices.
- New QR Code tile: The notification drop now has a new QR Code tile for quick access to the scan feature. If you often make use of this feature, there is no need to rely on any other third-party application. The new QR Code scanner tile makes use of the Google Lens feature to scan codes and open links to websites.
- Shortcut accessibility: There are many shortcuts with Android 13, and they might vary from one brand to another. With the Google Pixel devices, users get back tap alongside a host of other features. But more impressive is the new location of the power and settings shortcut keys in the notification panel. They now sit at the bottom of the notification layout, hence improving its accessibility.
There are a number of other impressive features on the Android 13 upgrade, these are just a few. Mainly, stock Android users with Pixel or Nokia devices will enjoy these features in the purest forms. Other brands will add a bit of customization to spice up the entire experience. The update is still rolling out to various devices. Once available on your device, click the notification prompt to install the update.