Android 13: There’s something for everyone

Google’s mobile OS update -- Android 13 -- isn’t exactly a major overhaul but an improved and refined beast. The idea is to offer a better user experience and a more intuitive interface along with necessities.

The following are the top five features Android phone users can look forward to:
Design that Fits All:
Android 12’s Material You design was a major overhaul with more personalisations, dynamic colour themes and improved animations. Android 13 takes things to the next level with auto-theming icons that adapt to the theme and wallpaper, extended colour palette that puts more controls in the hands of users, and smoother animations. Auto-theming icons, however, work with supported apps only.


Privacy-focused Photo Picker:
This one comes straight from iOS. The new photo picker is all about offering more privacy and control over photos. The photo picker lets only those apps that you allow get access to photos and not the entire photo library. It is also more visually polished and organised.

Audio Goes High-Definition:
Audio quality was a major concern over Bluetooth audio playback. LE Audio and Low Complexity Communications Codec (LC3) solved that problem and Android 13 is onboard on that. Both LE Audio and LC3 support will come built into the operating system, giving users a better audio experience on their smartphones.

No More Pesky Notifications:
One of the most important features of Android 13 is the new notification permissions. While apps have been seeking permissions for calls, contacts, cameras, etc, the updated OS also requires one’s approval before apps can send push notifications.

Straight out of the Apple playbook Fast pair is a feature that allows accessories like Truly Wireless earbuds to quickly pair with the Android smartphone. Fast pair comes built into Android 13 and will make pairing faster and easier, which users of the iPhone have been doing for years.