disappointment (like last year)

For several years now, the Android system has stagnated a bit. It must be said that Google adds a few changes here and there and moves on to the next issue every year. It definitely feels like Alphabet “forces” itself a bit to produce a new version every year. The good news is that some new features that land on recent Android games are retroactively compatible with older versions. This will still be the case with Android 13 since the new storage management will eventually be adopted on Android 12 devices. deploy the latest version of the OS on their devices, even high-end ones. For example, the Sony Xperia Pro-I released in December 2021 has just adopted it. But if you’re here it’s because you want to know more about Android 13. So we’re going to list the new features and explain how to install it if you’re not afraid of beta versions…

So what’s up ?

• The ability to add a tile in the notification area

When you scroll down the notification menu from top to bottom, you have tiles that can be hidden or rearranged (Internet, Bluetooth, Flashlight, etc.) From now on, applications may ask you if you want to place a tile in this area to quickly invoke a feature. For example, a VPN may ask you to place its tile to activate the encryption of your connection more quickly. On the other hand, it will always be necessary to go through an alternative launcher to remove this cursed irremovable search bar backed by Chrome…

• Better management of storage authorization.

When an app wanted to access your media files, it asked for the “storage” permission. From now on, Android 13 will make the difference between music, photos, videos and other documents. Suddenly a music application will not have access to your PDFs. A revolution, no?

When we tell you that the system is going a bit in circles… The Material You functionality in Wallpaper and style was the showcase for Android 12. Remember that this aesthetic feature allows you to adapt the color of the font and icons to the colors of the wallpaper. In Android 13, we will go from 4 to 16 color combinations. And yes, it is once again the functionality that is put forward. Great huh?

So of course this is a first beta version and we imagine that Google will reveal more in the weeks to come, but we are still a little unsatisfied with this Android 13…

How to install Android 13 on your device?

Like last year, only Pixel devices are eligible for this first beta. Exit Pixel 3, too old. You will need a Pixel 4, 4XL, 4a, 4a 5G, 5, 5a, Pixel 6 or 6 Pro. Armed with your device, you will need to register at beta program. A few minutes later you can directly download the 2.14 GB update from Settings>System>System update. Remember that the installation is not risky but you may encounter problems with the beta version. But hey, if you have a Pixel 6 running Android 12, it won’t disorient you too much…