Android 13 rolls out to Pixel devices today – TechCrunch

In a blog postGoogle today confirmed that the latest Android version is now rolling out to Pixel phones. The release of the beta was almost exactly one month ago. Users with non-Google handsets will have to wait for an unspecified point “later this year” to get their hands on the mobile operating system.

Android 13’s highlight is the new version of the Material You UI, which was introduced with Android 12. It is now possible to match non-Google applications with the wallpaper themes and colors. Google is also adding the ability to customize languages for different apps – meaning you can have the system’s settings in one, and apps in another.

With the ability to copy, paste, and video on Android devices, the latest OS makes it easier to move content between them. Multitasking has also been improved. Says Google, “Multitasking on your tablet is even easier with Android 13. With the newly updated taskbar on tablets, you can see all your apps at a glance and easily drag and drop any app in your library into split-screen mode.”

Bedtime mode is expanded with customizable wallpaper and dimming and a dark theme, to help wind you down from the phone usage that you’re definitely not doing immediately before sleep. The media player gets an upgrade as well, adjusting based on the music you’re listening to.

Image credit: Google

Google notes, “For example, when you’re listening to music, the media player spotlights album artwork and has a playback bar that dances as you progress through a song.” The company is also joining the Spatial Audio bandwagon, adding the feature for supported headphones. It can be enabled once it is enabled and will maintain the same sound source as your headphones movies. Bluetooth Low Energy Audio has been added to the board.

Image Credits Google

App permissions for photos have been modified to allow you to share selected images and videos with third parties rather than sharing the whole thing at once. Google has also modified notifications to require users to opt in to receive them on certain apps rather than all of them (annoyingly).

You can find the complete list of new features here over here.