Google will release Android 13 Feature Drop in March: Here’s what’s new

December 18, 2022 Luisa Rey

In March 2023, we can expect another update from Android 13’s Feature Drop. In the March version, Google is introducing a series of new features and improvements. Thanks to the now released beta, we will find out which features are in development.

Android 13 with Feature Drop March

Several times a year a new Feature Drop update is released for Android. This is an update that mainly shows what improvements we can expect on Pixel devices. The next update is planned for March 2023, and we will also see what improvements we can expect. For example, we see that when the notification panel is fully extended, a larger clock is shown at the top of the screen. Furthermore, Android 13 will feature a new animation of the media player, with the album cover getting a foggy overlay. Android Police shares the images below from the March Feature Drop.

Google also adds an improvement to the lock screen. If you swipe the notifications screen down without unlocking the device, a black screen will be shown where the silent notifications are completely hidden. These were previously visible if you swipe further down on current versions of Android. Work has also been done on the density of pictograms and their filling. App icons are now further apart in folders, so you’re less likely to accidentally touch them.

Other changes have also been found in the code of the new version. This is working on a desktop mode. In this mode, a floating bar appears that allows you to manage windows. Think, for example, next to each other or as a pop-up window. It will also be possible to make a partial screen recording. The option allows you to record or cast a single window (or part of it). Some improvements are also being made for the Pixel devices, for example. You can find these below;

The Google Pixel 6 Pro has received a 1080p display option with this update, similar to what the Pixel 7 Pro already offers.
Spatial Audio has been re-enabled for all supported Pixels (Pixel 6 series through Pixel 7 series). You might be able to notice a difference when you listen to spatial audio sample videos on YouTube with Spatial Audio enabled.
A new adaptive alert vibration option could reduce the strength of notification vibrations when your phone is lying flat on a surface with the screen up, though this feature isn’t live or accessible just yet.
There is further evidence that Google is developing software for its rumored foldable Google Pixel Fold: A new setting will be available for devices with side-mounted fingerprint sensors (which the Fold is rumored to feature), allowing you to only unlock your phone with it when the screen is turned on.
Google is considering separating the ringer and notification volume. In old Android versions, this has always been the case, but Google combined these two options on Pixel phones a long time ago.

As mentioned, this new version of Android 13’s Feature Drop will be released in March. If you are registered for the beta program, you can already download the beta.