Android
[Beta 1 Rolling] Google Android 13 Tracker: Everything we know so far
First published on December 24, 2021
In October 2021, Google launched the Android 12 operating system for mobile phones, which comes with radical design changes in addition to a bunch of new features. Going ahead, Google confirmed to unveil the foldable and big screen-focused version of Android 12L in the first quarter of 2022.
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Apart from this, we’ve started hearing more and more about the next major jump of Google in the segment of the Android operating system. To date, we’ve encountered a number of leaks and rumors regarding the Android 13, revealing all new features and changes coming next year.
- Read More: [List] These Samsung phones may get One UI 4.1 with Android 12 update, skipping One UI 4.0
Google Android 13 Tracker
Through this Android 13 tracker, we’ll maintain a record of all the upcoming (genuine/authentic) early info about Google’s next mobile platform.
April 26, 2022
Beta 1 Rolling
Google finally releases Android 13 Beta 1. Any Pixel device owner who wants to try out the next version of Android can download the Beta update on their phones and can give feedback for further improvements.
Google Android 13 beta 1 Features include:
- More granular access to media files: Google is introducing three new permissions:
- For images and photos
- For videos
- For audio files
- Copy/clipboard notification, like screenshots
- New ‘Control from locked device’ setting
- Priority mode reverted to ‘Do Not Disturb’
- Security & Privacy Quick tile disabled
- More ‘Basic colors’ in Wallpaper & style
- Media player squiggles
- More
March 01, 2022
Flashlight brightness adjustment toggle
It is reported that Google has seeded a new feature with the recent Android 13 release that lets users adjust the brightness of their phone’s flashlight.
To be noted, the same feature is already available in the Samsung Galaxy devices, while we can expect it to be more useful with the Android 13 software.
February 10, 2022
Developer Preview 1
On February 10, 2022, Google announced the Android 13 operating system, at the same time, began the Developer Preview ahead of its expected release later this year.
January 28, 2022
Faster games loading feature
A new report reveals that a new API is being under development that allows games to communicate their current operational state to the operating system.
If the game takes time for loading, the OS will send a nudge through to power management, followed by the CPU for a speed boost in order to reduce the load times.
January 14, 2022
Four new dynamic themes revealed
According to AndroidPolice, Google is working on four new styles of the theming system for the future Android version.
The four new color combinations are codenamed – TONAL_SPOT, VIBRANT, EXPRESSIVE, and SPRITZ.
January 13, 2022
Android 13 to allow profile switching from lockscreen
The upcoming Android 13 will allow users to switch profiles from the keyguard (PIN/pattern entry page). [Read more]
- Keyguard user profile switcher
- Home button Assistant toggle:
- More Panlingual bits:
January 11, 2022
Tap-to-transfer feature for media
Android 13 to feature a tap-to-transfer feature for media that could be similar to Apple’s Handoff feature that lets iPhone owners transfer media to and from the company’s HomePod speakers. [Read more]
January 10, 2022
Redesigned audio output picker
Android 13 will come with redesigned audio output picker. An audio output picker is a part of media controls. It is a button on the top right corner that allows users to quickly switch the output of audio or video to a phone speaker, earphones, Bluetooth speakers, or other devices. [Read more]
December 24, 2021
Android 13 early build revealed four new features
XDA-Developers reportedly got a very early Android 13 build that exposed four new features that are under development by Google. The leaked Android 13 features are as follows: [Read more]
- App Languages
- Runtime Permission for Notifications
- TARE: The Android Resource Economy
- Lock Screen Clock Layout
December 14, 2021
Android 13 to let users disable new background app limits
With the Android 13, Google is rumored to allow users to disable the background app limits (Phantom Processes). Read more
Google has released the November 2024 Play System Update for Android devices including phones, Wear OS, Android TV, Google Auto, and PCs. This update makes your device faster, safer, and more reliable.
This update brings changes to the Play Store so that users will now see more relevant content when they install or update apps. This means the Play Store will better recommend apps based on your interests and usage.
In addition to the Google Play Store, the November 2024 Play System update also improves your device’s overall performance. It includes updates to system management services that help with things like device connectivity, network usage, security, and stability.
There are also bug fixes for system management and diagnostics which help keep your phone running smoothly and improve the process of downloading future updates.
In addition to the Play Store and Play System updates, other Google apps are also getting improvements. Apps like Android System Intelligence, Android WebView, and Device Health Services have been updated to provide better performance.
What’s New
Google Play Store v43.5 (2024-11-04)
- [Phone] You’ll find more relevant content when you install and update apps on Google Play.
Google Play system update (2024-11-04)
- [Phone] Updates to system management services that improve device connectivity, network usage, security, stability and updatability.
- [Phone] Bug fixes for System Management and Diagnostics-related services.
October 2024 Google Play System update rolling out to Samsung devices
Android 16 could be released early in 2025, paving the way for faster One UI 8 arrival. Per the official announcement, Google plans to release Android 16 in Q2 2025, rather than the conventional Q3 timeframe.
Recently, Baklava surfaced as Android 16’s codename, suggesting a major shift in dessert and internal naming strategy. It seems the naming strategy isn’t only changing, but Google is preparing a faster Android debut, starting in 2025.
Early Android 16 debut could help Samsung deploy One UI 8 earlier than the One UI 7. Google believes early OS launch will “better align with the schedule of device launches across our ecosystem, so more devices can get the major release of Android sooner.”
The strategic change will also help Android vendors to launch their latest devices with the most updated OS from day one. Those Android flagships won’t have to wait for a major upgrade to adopt new changes and features.
Google revealed that there will be a major release in Q2, along with a minor SDK release in Q4. It indicates that the Android 16 could launch in the second quarter, while Android users can expect a big feature drop in the fourth quarter.
Google’s proposed new schedule could make it easier for non-Pixel Android vendors to release new devices with the latest capabilities available on day one instead of waiting for future updates to add things like Circle to Search.
Aside from this, the company disclosed improvements to the Play Store. Users will be able to share preferences for better recommendations on new apps. More Gemini AI features also coming to Android Studio to “write, refactor, and document” code in apps.
Google could bring a Dynamic Island-like rich notifications feature to Android 16. Smartphone vendors have recently started the Android 15 rollout. However, the company is already working on the next version of Android.
According to AndroidAuthority, Google may bring a new API, letting apps create Dynamic Island-like Rich Ongoing Notifications in Android 16. These notifications will appear as chips in the status bar, sharing a similar look as Apple’s Dynamic Island.
Android phones usually feature the modern punch-hole cutout display for selfie cameras. Apple’s Dynamic Island is a stunning visual creation that manages to hide the large pill-shaped cutout on the iPhone display.
Rich Ongoing Notifications would mark the return of pill shape notifications on Android. Before Apple’s Dynamic Island, Android debuted chips for ongoing notifications, but an improved version is likely to come next year.
Rich Ongoing Notifications (Mock)
- Google Clock: An alarm is about to go off in 10 minutes
- Uber: Ride will arrive in 5 minutes
- United Airlines: Flight will board in 9 minutes
This means, not only Google apps but third-party apps will also be able to display rich notifications. It’s a great visual upgrade to be welcomed, potentially offering an even more dynamic user experience to Android users.
Should Samsung adopt?
Android 16 could come to Galaxy phones with One UI 8 upgrade. Samsung is already running late in Android 15 adoption and distribution to consumers. Therefore, discussing One UI 8 of 2026 is like a crime for the time being.
Well, there’s the possibility of this rich notifications feature’s arrival on Galaxy phones. Samsung has its own One UI skin based on Android. The company isn’t forced to adopt any visual change, but it should consider bringing rich notifications.