Android 13 Update Available for users
The first public beta of Android 13 is now available for anyone with a compatible Pixel device to download and try, the search giant has now announced. The release comes ahead of Google's annual developer conference next month, when the company is expected to specify its plans for an update to be released later this year.
For end users, the most exciting features are already seen in the first two Android 13 developer previews. Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio support is available, a new selection of photos that lets you control which of your photos applications can access. new application icon theme options and new access rights that can reduce alert spam.
In contrast, the new features for this public beta are more developer-oriented, such as changes that allow the application to access shared media files on local storage. In a blog post, Google's vice president of engineering, Dave Burke, says permission can now be specific to the type of media an application needs access to - images, videos, or audio - instead of just asking for permission to access all files.
Keystore and KeyMint, Android's features that manage cryptographic keys, have been updated to provide more information about error codes. New audio playback APIs are also available.
For more information on how to register and download the beta, visit the Google Android 13 developer page. Anyone who follows the example of developers should receive a new beta automatically.