Google releases beta 1 of Android 13 for Pixel 4 and newer
Google has released beta 1 of Android 13 for owners of newer Google Pixel devices. It’s common for Google to release the first public beta of the new version of its OS at its I/O developer event, but now it’s pulling the trigger sooner.
A prominent new feature from Android 13 is that users can grant more granular permissions to apps. For example, there is no longer a permission variable for the storage space; that is now divided into images, video and audio. This ensures that a gallery app cannot access audio files, for example, which is also not necessary for it to function, but was possible with the storage permission of Android 12 and lower.
For developers, Google has introduced better error reporting. The system needs to provide more details when an app crashes to try to prevent developers from being left empty-handed. Also for developers, there’s anticipatory audio routing, which helps media apps make sure their audio plays properly on the intended output device.
A developer preview of Android 13 was already available, but this new version is more aimed at the end user and can therefore also be downloaded over the air within the Android system. Those on the developer preview will also receive this update. Erasing all data on your phone is also not necessary to participate in the beta, that is only required if you want to go back to Android 12.
The beta is available to owners of the Pixel 4 and newer, up to and including the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. Officially, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL will be provided with security updates and version upgrades at least until May, but these devices are still excluded for this beta.
Android connoisseur and former XDA editor Mishaal Rahman has a extensive overview made of everything new in Android 13 so far. It is expected that Google will reveal even more noteworthy features of Android 13 during I/O 2022, on May 11 and 12. The company estimates that there will be platform stability from June; then the third beta is expected. The release of Android 13 is only expected after July this year.
Timeline development Android 13 according to Google