Android 13 is here — If you have this phone
Apple’s iOS 16 will launch later this year. Updates include the ability to edit and unsend texts and check if anyone has your passwords. Tap or click here for more on what to expect with Apple’s next mobile operating system.
If you have an Android phone, you don’t have to wait. Well, at least some of you don’t. Android 13 has launched for Pixel phones, which are usually the first to get new operating system (OS) updates. This is one of the biggest perks separating Google’s phones from other manufacturers. Everyone else has to wait!
The latest Android OS includes more customization options, improved privacy and security features and better compatibility with other devices. Check out some highlights below.
Google jumped the gun
The latest Android OS arrives a little earlier than usual. In fact, we haven’t seen a major August Android release since Android 9 Pie in 2018.
Let’s review some highlights you’ll receive with the latest Android OS.
More customization
- Google introduced Material You with Android 12, giving you greater control over your phone’s theme and color schemes. The update includes new Material presets, themes and schemes. Choose one, and you’ll see it across every part of your phone’s ecosystem, giving you a consistent look.
- You can assign languages to keep your phone’s system in one language and your apps in a different one.
- The updated media player changes its look depending on what you’re listening to. For example, it will dance while you listen to music.
- Android 13 gives you more customization options for Bedtime mode, with wallpaper dimming and dark mode.
RELATED: Google made it much easier to change your compromised passwords
Better security
- With Android 13, you can limit which photos and videos you share with apps.
- If you copy sensitive data to your clipboard (email, phone number, login credentials), Android will automatically delete the information after some time.
- Your apps will now need your permission to send notifications, rather than having the ability by default.
- End-to-end encryption for group chat ensures more privacy and safety for your messages.
Improved compatibility
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