Google has officially released the first Developer Preview of the latest Android 13 firmware and it advances some of the news of the next major update of Google’s mobile OS. The new update dropped just a day after Google came out with the third beta of Android 12L, which means that for the first time Google has two concurrent beta programs that’ll be expecting official updates in March.
New features and additions with Android 13
Android 13 will be the next big update to the Android operating system. This version is built around the redesign that is been given to Android 12 and it introduces new functions and interface, security, and functionally improvements.
- Privacy and security
Android 13 will introduce improvements that are focused on privacy and security, including a new image selection menu allowing you to share media more securely with apps.
- Quick settings configuration
Starting with Android 13 OS, the apps will be able to display an entirely new dialog to ask the users if they wish to add a new quick setting to the notification bar.
- Language preference per application
On Android 13, the user will be able to configure the language of each application in the system settings individually, either from the language settings or through the Application information.
- Theme icons
Android 12 debuted the Theme Icons beta, which had a new monochrome design for app icons that were previously only available in Google Apps. In Android 13, the developers will have the tools available for adding the new themed icons.
Compatible devices for Android 13 update
Although it isn’t recommended that everyone should install the new version of Android 13 unless you’re an advanced user or a developer, it is still worth mentioning that the update can be installed from today on these Pixel smartphones.
- Pixel 4
- Pixel 4a
- Pixel 4a (5G)
- Pixel 4XL
- Pixel 5
- Pixel 5a 5G
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
How to download and install Android 13 on your eligible Pixel device?
During the developer preview stage, you will only be able to sideload Android 13 builds on Pixel devices. The update isn’t available through an OTA update, which has been reserved for later beta updates. If you aren’t familiar with sideloading updates manually, it is recommended that you should wait for the final release. But if you cannot wait to get your hands on the Android 13 OS and use it, then here is how to install it.
- Download the needed files (OTA download)
- Boot into recovery mode
- Navigate to the ADB sideload
- Connect your handset to a PC with ADB tools installed
- Enter the sideload command
- Reboot your device once the installation is complete
