Google has announced the first developer preview of Android 13, which focuses on privacy, security, and developer productivity, and it builds on some of the newer updates the firm made in 12L.
“Today, we’re sharing a first look at the next release of Android, with the Android 13 Developer Preview 1,” Google vice president Dave Burke writes. “This is just the start for Android 13, and we’ll have lots more to share as we move through the release.”
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Some of the key updates in this release include:
System photo picker. This new photo picker allows users to share photos and videos securely with apps, and without needing permission to view all media files on the device.
Wi-Fi permissions. A new nearby Wi-Fi devices permission for apps lets you manage the device’s connections to nearby access points over Wi-Fi, and it will be a requirement for many commonly-used Wi-Fi APIs.
Quick Settings Placement API. Google is making it easier for users to discover and add app-based tiles to Quick Settings, using a new tile placement API that includes a new system dialog so that it can happen without leaving the app.
Themed app icons. Android 13 is extending the Material You dynamic color beyond Google apps to include all app icons, so that users can opt into icons that inherit the tint of their wallpaper and other theme preferences. I’m actually surprised that Android 12 shipped without this feature.
(There’s a lot more. Check out the original blog post for the full list of changes.)
Android 13 Developer Preview 1 is available now for the Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 5a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 4a, Pixel 4 XL, and Pixel 4. Or, you can get an OS image for the Android Emulator in Android Studio.