Google has made its Android 13 stable build available for Pixel smartphones as of Monday. Compatible devices include the Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 6a.
The software is now official after the first developer preview was released in February and the first public beta began in April. While many expected the official build to become available later in the year, likely to coincide with the launch of the Pixel 7, Google surprised users with the public release, seemingly ahead of schedule.
In addition to adding the Android 13 source code to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), Google also said the new operating system will begin updating on smartphones from third-party brands, including Samsung, Asus, HMD Global, iQOO, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, vivo, Xiaomi “later this year.”
Pundits are calling Android 13 an overall incremental update, due to it tweaking and improving on features that were already introduced on system versions. Nevertheless, there are several standout features on the operating system.
- Some feature highlights include the enhancement of Google’s Material You design language. The brand has expanded its uniform customization for wallpaper themes and colors to non-Google apps
- Users can now set different languages to specific apps, which was a heavily requested feature, according to Google.
- Users can select only the photos they desire in their media library to share with others.
- The operating system will automatically clear your clipboard history after being idle for some time.
- Spatial Audio support and head tracking with compatible headphones for a more immersive audio experience.
- Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio support for lower latency, which allows devices to better sync with their source, and retain quality while broadcasting from several devices at once.
To install Android 13, users can access Settings > System > System update on their Pixel device and click the “Check for update.” However, many users should have already received the over-the-air update to their devices.
Once updated, users can check out the Android 13 easter egg, which you can access through Settings > About phone > Android version, and then tap the number “13” until the easter egg appears.
