Google has released the second beta version of the open mobile platform Android 13. The official release of Android 13 is expected in the third quarter of 2022. A pre-testing program has been proposed to evaluate the new features of the platform. Firmware builds have been prepared for Pixel 6/6 Pro, Pixel 5/5a 5G, and Pixel 4/4 XL/4a/4a (5G) devices. Test builds with Android 13 are also available for some ASUS, HMD (Nokia phones), Lenovo, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Tecno, Vivo, Xiaomi, and ZTE devices. An OTA update is provided for those who have installed previous test releases.
Among the visible user improvements in Android 13 (compared to the first beta version, primarily bug fixes are noted):
- The ability to selectively grant permissions for accessing multimedia files has been added. Previously, to read multimedia files, access to all files in local storage had to be granted; now access can be limited to just images, audio files, or videos.
- A new photo and video selection interface has been implemented, allowing an application to access only selected images and videos while blocking access to other files. A similar interface was previously implemented for documents. It can work with both local files and data stored in cloud storage.
- A permission request for notification display by applications has been added. Without prior permission to display notifications, an application's ability to send notifications will be blocked. For previously created applications designed for use with earlier versions of Android, permissions will be granted by the system on behalf of the user.
- The number of applications that require access to user location information has been reduced. For example, apps performing wireless network scanning operations no longer require permissions related to location determination.
- Opportunities aimed at enhancing privacy and informing users of potential risks have been expanded. In addition to warnings about application access to the clipboard, a new branch ensures automatic deletion of clipboard history after a certain period of inactivity.
- A new unified settings page has been added security and privacy, featuring a visual color indication of security status and recommendations for enhancing protection.
- A set of pre-prepared interface color themes has been proposed, allowing minor adjustments to colors within the selected color scheme. The color options affect the appearance of all components of the operating system, including wallpaper.
- The ability to adapt the background of icons for any application to the theme color scheme or background image color has been provided. In the music playback interface, images of album covers are used as the background.
- The ability to bind individual language settings to applications has been added, differing from the language settings selected in the system.
- Performance on large-screen devices, such as tablets, Chromebooks, and foldable smartphones, has been significantly improved. The layout of the notifications dropdown, home screen, and system lock screen has been optimized for large screens, making full use of the available screen space. In the panel that appears with a swipe gesture from top to bottom, quick settings and the notifications list are now separated into different columns on larger screens. Support for a dual-panel working mode has been introduced in the configurator, where the settings sections are now constantly visible on larger screens.
Compatibility modes for applications have been improved. A taskbar has been proposed, showing icons of running applications at the bottom of the screen, allowing quick switching between programs and supporting app transfer through a drag-and-drop interface in the split-screen multitasking mode, which divides the screen into parts for simultaneous work with multiple applications.
- Usability for drawing and text input using an electronic pen has been enhanced. Protection against false strokes appearing when touching the touchscreen with hands during stylus use has been added.
Source: opennet.ru
