Do you think Android 13 is a minor update? This is because you don’t know all the system secrets that may come to your mobile very soon.
It is clear that Android 13 It’s not such a big revolution in the days of Android 12. The latest version of Android introduces less visible changes and focuses instead Improve user experience such as by changing direction Security, Privacy or Performance.
However, this does not mean that Google is not working Make more changes On Android than we’ve seen on phones updated to Android 13. In fact, with the arrival of the December Android update, some new features have been included that were not available with the original delivery… and others that hide in plain sight.
From a blog specializing in the most technical aspects of Android, Espershared something Current changes to Android 13 QPR 1 code (the version of Android 13 that arrived on the Pixel with the December update), and it could land on users’ mobiles for weeks.
Android 13 is a light update, but inside it hides more changes than meets the eye.
Desktop mode
The possibility has been rumored for years Android introduced its own “Desktop Mode”., ready for in the style of Samsung DeX or Motorola. In 2019, with the arrival of Android 10, the first signals about this mode can be seen and everything indicates that Google has not abandoned its plans in this regard. At least for now.
Android 13 has a new sneak peek at QPR 1’s code Desktop mode Under development, which allows developers to test their applications.
As discovered, when Android 13 desktop mode is enabled, Multivent mode From the Recent Apps menu and allow using it lower taskbar.
For now, there is no confirmation that this mod will be available to users in the short term. However, the Android 13 QPR 2 beta program will start this week, and we will probably see new data about it.
Mobile taskbar
Google has been working on this for years. Improve Android to offer a richer experience on larger devices, such as tablets or folding mobiles. With Android 12L, the first steps were taken in this regard, including functions such as Probability Use the taskbar below Similar to what we can find in other operating systems such as iPadOS, Windows or macOS.
Android 13, however, introduces a Hidden option which allows to use this taskbar on phoneRegardless of your screen size or pixel density. Recently, there was already a developer who managed Enable this option And demonstrate how it works:
UX test: Android 12L taskbar on a phone, without tablet display size. Buggy, but it works better than I expected. Thanks for the idea! https://t.co/IiUApPmufZ pic.twitter.com/xkiqfx57o0
— Danny Lin (@kdrag0n) March 10, 2022
Improved screen saver
The Google Pixel tablet is on its way, and it has a great advantage over other similar devices The ability to be a smart display When a connected Doc.
To do this, the device will include a Advanced screensaver, to add “complexity” as if it were a Nest Hub smart screen. Now, we’ve learned that Android 13 QPR1 includes a larger number of these “complications” or widgets. Additionally, this advanced screensaver is expected Available for other tablets Outside of Pixel tablets, though, many widgets will be exclusive to Google tablets.
New type of clock on lock screen
a lot apple as Samsung The latest version of their operating system, iOS 16 and One UI 5 introduced new customization options. Allows one of these options Customize the lock screen clockBeing able to choose between different styles and colors.
Google has experimented with similar features before. However, its development has resumed in Android 13, and it is possible that, soon, its alternative Choose a custom watch type to display on the system lock screen.
Split screen parts
Another innovation lurking in Android 13 QPR1 is Options Share a partial screen recording, where only the content of a specific application is captured. Thus, sharing of sensitive or private information is avoided, since recording is limited to applications selected by the user.
Android 13 QPR1 Beta 1 is testing a new “App” button on the system screen recorder that lets you quickly select an app to launch and start recording. pic.twitter.com/dHr10K4vmi
— Mishal Rahman (@MishalRahman) September 8, 2022
Floating button with application access
Android 13 QPR1 hides another change, which is likely to be used on Google Pixel tablets. This is a new type Floating buttons on the side That lets you open some apps from anywhere, like Google Keep. So, it is possible to take notes in a faster way without having to search for applications in the app drawer.
There is a new button that may appear on the taskbar in Android 13 QPR1 beta 3 on Pixel devices. When you tap the pencil icon, Google Keep’s drawing mode opens (Google is experimenting with turning it into bubbles and floating windows).
It’s probably for the Pixel tablet. pic.twitter.com/1qLeNvZGGd
— Mishal Rahman (@MishalRahman) October 21, 2022
Advanced use of VPN
Android has included VPN support for several years. However, Google plans to add a new function that will allow to “use advanced VPN”, which is always available to activate even if the user does not give permission.
Split screen on Android TV
The version of Android for television has also been updated to the latest version of the system, and some clues have been found in its code that indicate the arrival of one of the best Android features in its version for tablets and mobiles: Split screen support.
For now, this function not foundBut it will probably come with a future platform update.
These are the biggest changes that are hidden in Android 13 QPR1. Some of them may soon reach users of Pixel devices, and others may be canceled, or may appear Future versions of the operating system. However, if anything is clear, it is this Google doesn’t stop working New features that make Android an increasingly complete platform.
