The world’s most-used mobile operating system (OS) – Android 13 – was launched by Google on August 15, 2022. It was first launched in Google’s own Pixel phones and later in Samsung, Nokia, OnePlus, Motorola and others.
At the launch, it was suggested that Android 13 isn’t as big of an update as Android 12 was, nonetheless it builds on Android 12 as it has introduced several noticeable improvements in terms of features, especially safety and privacy features.
Let’s dig in and find at least seven such features.
- Easier to Access QR Code Scanner
Covid-19 has changed the way we communicate; some fear permanently. Some high end restaurants in Pakistan, for example, have stopped carrying a traditional, book-type menu. Instead, you will be expected to access the menu by scanning a QR code.
Android 13 update makes QR code reader a bit easier to access. Simply open your Quick Settings and look for “Scan QR code”. Tap on it and scan the code. Enjoy your meal.
- Redesigned Media Player Widget
In the redesigned media player widget, there are two noticeable changes: a bigger play button moved to the right and a squiggly effect on the progress bar whenever you have a podcast, song or a video on.
- Revamped Audio Output Selection Screen
The latest OS also offers you a revamped audio output selection screen. This is beneficial especially when you’ve connected your phone with your bluetooth speakers or other such devices. The revamped feature helps you switch effortlessly between, for example, your wireless headphones and your connected car stereo and also adjust the relative volume levels, etc.
- Different Vibration Levels
With Android 13, you now get different vibration levels for calls, alarms, and other notifications like SMS, etc. Now, you can make your phone vibrate first during incoming calls, while the audible sound would start later.
To avail this, simply go to “Settings” and then tap on “Sound and Vibrations”. Now tap on “Vibration and Haptics”.
- Auto-theming Icons
If your phone has Android 13, then the app icons on your home screen would be automatically changing their colors to match your wallpaper.
If you want to use this feature then from “Settings” tap on “Wallpaper and Style” and turn on “Themed icons” toggle switch.
- Apps Need Permission to Access Phone’s Location and Camera
With the Android 12 update, your apps had to ask for permission to access your camera and phone’s location. With Android 13, now app notifications have to ask for permission as well.
To change app settings, simply go to “Settings” and tap on “Apps”. Now tap on “See all apps” and select an app and pick “Permissions”.
- Limited App Access to Phone’s Photos
Previously, when you permitted an app to access your phone photos, it had access to all of them. Now, you can select the images and videos they can access.
So these are some of the noteworthy features in the latest Android OS. As you can see, they aren’t insignificant as the new OS builds on its predecessor.
Let us know if you would like to highlight more noteworthy features in Android 13 which we might have missed in this blog.
Don’t forget to read these blogs:
Exciting New Features Introduced in Android 12
iPhone vs. Android Smartphones: Does It Matter Which Is Better?
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