Android 12 is not even old and already there is the first information about the first developer version of Android 13. The most important feature of the upcoming version are improvements in security functions. In a recent post, Dave Burke, Vice President of Android Development, shows us the first innovations of the Android update.
- First developer version of Android 13 has been released.
- Privacy and security settings improvements.
- New features for developers.
The first beta version of Android 13 has already been released, although not all current smartphones have Android 12. The main focus should be on two different aspects: improving the privacy and security options and new features for developers to increase their own productivity.
In the area of privacy, a “Photo picker API” is implemented. This will allow you to allow apps to only share certain images and not the whole gallery at once. As a result, the API not only prevents apps from accessing your images without being asked, but also that these apps no longer require explicit permissions. Also, Google is adding a new permission for apps to target nearby WiFi connections.
New developer tools and QoL changes
As another main aspect for the first developer version of the operating system, Burke calls new functions for developers. Above all, these should save time and money in app development. In addition to a new API for adjusting the options in the notifications, developers will have the option of implementing a language API in the future. Users: inside can select their preferred language directly without producing unnecessary code for the changeover. Also, work now begins on OpenJDK 11 LTS to improve outdated data libraries. Developers can also provide their apps with the light or dark theme, regardless of the system theme.
Developers can now apply different themes to their app icons! / © Android Developers
There are also some quality-of-life changes. Above all, the Google Play Store will receive more updates in the future and will therefore be more secure. In addition, applications will be better implemented on tablets and foldable smartphones in the future. You can install the new Android beta on all Pixel smartphones from the Pixel 4. However, this is a developer version. That means it is not intended for everyday use, as there are still too many bugs and errors.
What do you think of the update? Do you think the new features would be interesting for the live version of Android 13? Let us know in the comments!