Tech

Android 13: the first public beta is available, how to install it?

Android 13 is now open to all Google Pixel users. Google has just released the first beta intended for the general public. The update contains a host of new features. We take stock of these and explain how to install the update on your smartphone by joining the beta program.

android 13 first beta

Android 13 is no longer just for developers. A few weeks before the Google I/O conference, the Mountain View giant deployed the first beta version intended for the public. For the record, Google will push a total of 6 beta versions on compatible smartphones before the deployment of the final version, which is scheduled for September 2022.

Unsurprisingly, only owners of a smartphone from the Google Pixel range can already install Android 13 Beta 1. The compatible phones are as follows: Pixel 4 and 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Terminals from other brands will gradually be able to join the beta program in the coming weeks.

Also read: Android 13 will no longer constantly close background apps

What’s new in the first public beta of Android 13?

android 13 media player

Android 13 Beta 1 has a plethora of new features. First, Google has adjusted media player progress bar. This progress bar now takes the form of a dashed line rather than a straight, flat line. This broken line is reserved for the part already listened to. This change allows you to see at a glance where you are in the progress of a title.

android 13 lock

The update also allows control all connected devices of your smart home even if your smartphone is locked. It is no longer necessary to unlock your phone, with your fingerprint or your face, before turning on a connected bulb or activating your connected thermostat.

android 13 clipboard

Android 13 also features a new interface for the clipboard. When you make a copy of an item, Google will briefly display an illustration of the copy at the bottom left of the screen. By clicking on this illustration, similar to a screenshot, you will be able to modify the copied element. Similar logic is found on iOS.

android 13 colors material you

Android relies on the tints of your wallpaper to personalize the interface of your smartphone. The mobile OS allows you to refuse the use of the colors of your wallpaper. By going to the settings, it is possible to choose several themes. Google enriches the offer with 16 color options. It is also possible to combine colors to create the interface that you like best.

android 13 colors

The new version of the operating system is enriched with a new measure aimed at protecting user data. Now it is possible to limit an application’s access to a category of files. Indeed, it is not uncommon for an Android app to request access to a phone’s storage. Until now, the user had to provide access to all stored files. With Android 13, you can choose to give access to photos, videos or audio files. De facto, an application specializing in audio will no longer obtain access to your photos for no reason.

Android 13 beta 1 also adds haptic feedback vibrations when interacting with the interface. When you type text or tap the screen with silent mode enabled, you will feel a slight vibration from the haptic motor under the touch screen. It is obviously possible to adjust, or even remove, these effects directly in the sound and vibration menu of your smartphone.

android 13 not disturb mode

There are also a host of small, minor changes. For example, Android 13 Beta 1 reverts to the original name of “Do Not Disturb Mode”. A previous beta version for developers had indeed renamed the mode “priority mode”. Note also that the Google Calendar app icon will now display the exact date rather than a 31.

Finally, it should be noted that the features that have already appeared in the beta versions for developers are making a comeback in Android Beta 1. Among the major new features is a new API that speeds up the opening of applications, the transfer of music to a speaker only by approaching, support for Bluetooth LE Audio, the possibility of changing profiles from the lock screen and a completely redesigned taskbar, with a total of 6 apps on the counter.

How to install Android 13 Beta 1 on your Google Pixel?

As always, the beta intended for the general public is much easier to install than the versions confined to developers. To be able to install the update, all you have to do is join the beta program on the Google website. We explain how to do it:

  • Meeting on the page dedicated to the beta program on the Google site
  • Activate the smartphone on which you want to install the beta (at the bottom of the page)
  • Accept Google’s Terms of Service
  • Go to the Settings from your smartphone
  • Meet in System
  • Click on Advanced preferences
  • Choose System update
  • The Android 13 update should be offered automatically. If not, click Check for available updates. If nothing appears, we advise you to restart your smartphone.
  • Once done, your smartphone will restart.

Before installing this second beta, we advise you to back up the data of your Android smartphone, such as your SMS. Remember that this is an unfinished test version. It is very likely that you will encounter bugs, slowdowns and malfunctions. Finally, we remind you that you will be deprived of monthly security updates as long as your smartphone is running under a beta version.

How to uninstall the beta of Android 13 and revert to a stable version of Android?

A possible accumulation of bugs may lead you to want to uninstall the beta of Android 13. Rest assured, it is obviously possible to leave the beta program to return to a final version of Android. Here’s how:

  • Go back to the page dedicated to the beta program on the Google site
  • Go into your eligible devices
  • Deactivate the smartphone on which you installed the beta
  • Go to the Settings from your smartphone
  • Meet in System
  • Click on Advanced preferences
  • Choose System update
  • An update will allow you to return to the version of Android you had installed

We told you everything that the beta of Android 13. If you have installed the update on your phone, do not hesitate to share your opinion in the comments below.

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