Google Releases Android 13 Beta 1 for Supported Pixel Devices

Apr. 27, 2022

Android 13’s First Public Beta Released

Google recently took toan official blog postto announce the rollout of the first public beta of Android 13. While the public beta version contains all the new features of Android 13’s previous developer previews, it brings a few more new features and changes for end-users that are focused on boosting their privacy and security of using Android.

The Android 13 Beta 1 includes features like the new iOS-like photo picker fromAndroid 13 DP 1and the notification permission feature and per-app language support, both of which were added with thesecond developer preview. There’s also support for features specified for tablets and foldable devices.

To further improve the privacy and security of Android 13, Google hasadded more granular permissions for media file access for apps. Previously, apps just needed access to the external storage of a user’s device to get hold of their images, videos, and audio files.

With Android 13 Beta 1, however,third-party apps will have to request access to each type of media file in shared storage. If an app requests permissions for two kinds of media files simultaneously, the system will show a single dialog box to users for granting both permissions at the same time.

Android 13 Beta 1 alsoadds better error reporting in Keystore and KeyMint and an anticipatory audio routing feature for apps. Furthermore, Google is expected to add support for the new MLGRU featureto help Android keep apps open in the backgroundfor longer periods. Although, we are not sure if the company added it to Beta 1 of the OS or not.

These features are more focused on developers than end-users and aim to improve the privacy and security of the Android platform. Other than this, Android 13 also brings in various visual changes like new Material You themes, new home screen lock controls, a new clipboard editor, and loads more. We are expecting more details on this next month.

So, if you have a supported Pixel device, you can go to Google’sofficial Developers forumto get the latest Android 13 Beta 1. Also, let us know your thoughts on the same in the comments below.

A geek at heart, you’ll find me fidgeting with an iOS device or sitting in front of the laptop, scouring the internet to find interesting technological innovations. In my free time, you’d find me playing Valorant or listening to Pink Floyd.