IT House February 11 news that even though Android 12L was still in beta planning before the first quarter of launch, Google today announced the first Android 13 developer preview.
Android 13 once again features "Privacy and Security" as a major update, with a focus on "building a responsible, high-quality platform for all by providing a more secure environment on devices and giving users more control." This starts with the System Photo Picker in Developer Preview 1 to provide a "standard and optimized way for users to securely share photos locally and in the cloud."
It allows users to pick and choose shared pictures and videos, while the Photo Picker API allows applications to access shared media without "no need to view all media files on the device." Google plans to bring this functionality to Android 11 (except go) and later in the future with updates to the MediaProvider module.
Google is planning to release six versions in the coming months, and then launch a consumer version to Pixel phones and other devices later this year. Users can install Android 13 DP1 on compatible Pixel 4 (XL), Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6 Pro.
Here are some of the highlight features of the experience (from 9to5 Google):
Pixel Launcher supports two home screen layouts, and of course also supports folding screen devices.
A sixth application slot has been added to the taskbar for large-screen devices.
The Split button returns to picture-in-picture.
This feature was removed in Android 12L Beta 3
Guest profiles can access installed applications from the main profile.
Silent mode now disables keyboard haptics and other vibrations.
Disables the ability to hold down the assistant / three-button navigation.
Now play the update of the notification.
For YouTube music, the thumb up/down movement is replaced by a repetitive transformation
New output selector with volume slider
The playback icon is currently low resolution
Three new Quick Settings tiles.
Color correction
One-handed operation mode: on/off
QR code: Currently damaged
Quick tap (on Pixel 5+) adds "Switch Flashlight".