Google has released its third public beta for Android 13 as development for upcoming operating system cruises.
Android 13 Beta 3 (opens in new tab) it is an important occasion as the mobile OS reaches platform stability, which means that all its system behaviors and APIs are being finalized. All that’s left is for Google to work out the remaining bugs and for developers to put the final touches on their apps in time for launch.
Final test
Google has assured developers that they can finish their apps knowing that Android 13 will not change and recommends that they start their final tests. The release date for Android 13 has yet to be revealed, but according to Google’s chart, the new OS is scheduled to be released sometime after July this year. Obviously, this is still pretty vague.
On the surface, the Android 13 Beta 3 updates appear to be aimed at developers. There are new types of permissions that developers may encounter during testing that they will have to support in their applications. These changes include new permissions to send notifications from an app and access body sensors.
The latest addition to Beta 3, at least according to Google, is testing support for tablets and large screens.
It seems, though, that Google left more than a few things out. Android Senior Technical Editor for wait (opens in new tab) Mishaal Rahman scoured Beta 3 and found several new features that Google failed to reveal.
hidden resources
According to Rahman (opens in new tab), the new notification settings will appear once your Android phone has finished installing the beta version. The operating system will provide you with a list of your recently used apps where you can turn notifications on or off. Pixel Launcher will now show web results next to your apps on the home screen. If the results are too intrusive, you can turn them off.
Speaking of search results, new app shortcuts will appear on Google Search. For example, Rahman showed how when he seeks (opens in new tab) for the word “taco”, the results include information regarding “taco”, but also the ability to search for that word on YouTube, Maps and the Play Store.
There are also UI related changes. The gesture pill stands out more, the colors are brighter in the Vibrant theme, and the in-game panel is now gone, according to Rahman.
Compared to its predecessor (opens in new tab), Android 13 seems to be doing well. You may download Beta 3 from the Android developer blog (opens in new tab). The page will have a list of all eligible devices. If your phone’s brand isn’t listed, you’ll have to wait for the full public release.
While waiting, we recommend checking Android 13 Coverage (opens in new tab) and see what the mobile operating system has to offer.
