Through the “Mainline” initiative, the Bluetooth and Ultra-wideband (UWB) blocks will become full-fledged modules in Android 13. This new feature should allow Google to deploy Bluetooth and UWB features more efficiently… without having to go through its OEM partners and their often slow updates.
Android 13 // Source: Frandroid
Unveiled a few days ago the Developer Preview 1 of Android 13 suggests many new features for the next version of Google’s mobile operating system. Beyond the deployment of new privacy controls, a new photo selection API, a quick settings positioning API, but also new tiles for these settings, we learn that Android 13 will reserve a special place. Bluetooth and Ultra-wideband (or UWB, a technology used in particular to allow very precise location).
XDA Developers indeed indicates that these two technologies will be integrated in the form of “Mainline” modules in the next iteration of Android. This novelty is not insignificant, it should allow Google to deploy future functionalities relating to Bluetooth and UWB more efficiently… without having to pass the (often late) updates from its OEM partners (Samsung, Oppo , OnePlus, Xiaomi, Vivo, Sony, Nokia…).
More control from Google over certain functions
Project Mainline, introduced for the first time on Android in 2019, allows Google to manage certain critical components of the framework and system applications, recalls XDA. As mentioned above, this initiative notably allows the Californian giant to offer new functionalities and security updates for these components and/or applications, without waiting for OEM manufacturers to deploy their own software updates.
The time and efficiency saved by this method is therefore significant, since Mainline modules can be updated through Google Play services and the Google Play Store, but Google’s hold on certain functions and components is limited. also finds it reinforced.
In the present case, Google will in any case be able to more easily and frequently push new features for Bluetooth and Ultra-wideband, at least on smartphones equipped in the future with Android 13. We can also imagine that Google will further democratize UWB technology to allow very precise location of a smartphone or certain accessories.
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