Android 13 Beta 1 Is Out For Google Pixel Smartphones

Google has made the first Android 13 beta build available for public testing today, following the release of two Developer Previews in February and March. And, like all prior Android betas, this one is only accessible for Pixel devices for the time being. These betas are significantly more stable and simple to install than the two Developer Preview releases we’ve seen so far.

Even if these betas have less serious flaws, you could end up with a bricked smartphone if something goes wrong with the update. This is the first of four betas planned before the final release later this year, so things will get better with each build. If you still wish to try out Android 13 Beta 1 and own a supported Google Pixel smartphone, simply go to the Android Beta Program website and enroll your device.

You should receive Android 13 Beta 1 as an over-the-air (OTA) software upgrade within a few hours of registering for the Beta Program. Following builds will be distributed via over-the-air software updates. When the final Android 13 build is ready, it will be distributed as an OTA update, or you can choose to install it from scratch.

Android 13 Beta 1 Features

So, let’s have a look at what’s new in Android 13 Beta 1. The new media player widget in the notification panel, for example, now features new squiggly lines for the parts that have previously been played. In the accessibility options, there is also a new Dark theme. There are new permissions for more granular media file access, as well as better audio routing APIs. Apps that wish to access media on your phone now have three permissions based on the file type—one for images and photos, one for videos, and one for audio files.

The phone now sends you a notification for the copied text. The notification also includes an edit button, which allows you to modify the copied content. Other UI changes are more minor, such as the return of the old Google logo in the launcher. It includes the addition of the new Control from Locked Devices option, which allows you to control external devices without having to unlock your phone or tablet. A new privacy option and additional basic wallpaper are now available, bringing the total to 16 colours.