Android recently launched the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system, Android 13, which premiered in February.

The update comes after four beta cycles, and users were able to preview the update earlier this year, which got users excited.

Android 13

Android is currently the most widely used mobile operating system in the world, with a global market share of 86.2%.

Since 2014, Android’s global market share has stood at around 80%, with the lowest position being 81.1%.

Previously Android 12 made the biggest changes to the platform, most notably with Material You.

Material You takes on a new look for Android and offers a refreshing experience with current aesthetics.

Like Android 12, Android 13 may be a disappointing operating system for some users.

However, with the new features and changes to be configured, a whole new horizon is in sight.

Features

With the next update comes the new features and here we look at some of the features that users can expect.

Updated Material You color charts

Android 13 updates the Material You colored tones so that users have access to three new “Tonal Spot” colors:

• Vibrant – supplemental accents
• Expressive – a wider range of colors that extends to the background
• Spritz – a monochromatic scheme

Improved notifications

With the Android 13 system, applications can no longer display notifications unless the user allows it.

Once installed, opening new apps will open a permissions pop-up asking users to allow or deny notifications.

Scan the QR code faster

Previously, on Android devices, users had to download a third-party app from the Google Assistant to scan QR codes.

Apps often slow down or don’t work at all, but Android 13 introduces QR code scanning in the Quick Settings panel.

Improved battery information

Android 13’s system adds a significant upgrade to battery life, particularly with apps affecting battery.

When an app causes excessive battery drain, Android 13 alerts users with a silent notification so they can force the app to close or restart.

UWB support

Ultra-broadband, or UWB, is a first in the world of technology and allows users to act as a car key or a finder for misplaced devices.

UWB also improves NFC and Bluetooth connectivity.

The problem with the old UWB support was that it required the built-in UWB.

With Android 13, a hardware abstraction layer adds functionality so that all Android devices can implement UWB.

Customizable lock screen

When Material You first launched, users complained about the size of the clock on the lock screen.

Android 13 allows users to disable the clock by turning off the double-line clock toggle in settings.

Android 13 privacy and security

Android 13 will introduce an improved user privacy and security experience, add more restrictions to apps, and allow users to choose what permissions and what data is accessible.

Permissions include file types such as audio, image, and video.

Among the security fixes introduced by the system is automatically clearing clipboard contents after a certain interval.

As a result, apps no longer have access to the oldest items on the clipboard, a recurring problem in the past.

The security update also prevents users from accidentally sharing copied texts with the wrong people.

App permissions for Android 13 activation include automatic revocation of permissions from apps that have not been used for a certain period of time.

Android 13 release dates

Google Pixel devices were among the first to receive Android 13, receiving the update on August 15, 2022.

However, the Pixel 6 Pro is yet to receive the update, which may indicate that not all Pixel phones will receive the update.

Pixels 1 to 3 are among the devices that no longer support Android 13.

References:

Android 13 cheat sheet: everything you to know