Google To Offer Privacy And Security Hub To Android 13 Smartphones

As the Pixel lineup matures, Google is working harder on the smartphone’s privacy proposition in order to lure Apple users to switch to Android. During the keynote presentation at the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro launch, Google launched a free VPN service for Google One users in a bid to protect user privacy online. Furthermore, it announced that Android 13, which the Pixel 7 smartphones ship with, will feature a new privacy and security hub. 

At the launch event of the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro and the Pixel Watch last week, Google took a moment to talk about its privacy and security commitments. Sure it rolls out monthly security updates to all Android smartphones using Google services, but this time, it’s taking an extra step to highlight the Pixel 7 series’ privacy and security. 

The new Privacy and Security Hub in Android 13 basically merges privacy and security in one place in the Settings app, in a bid to help users manage that aspect of the smartphone experience. The new hub will include action cards notifying users if any safety leakages need to be plugged. There will also be tips, suggestions, and easy steps to help users protect their privacy. 

The new Privacy and Security Hub will roll out to the Pixel 7 smartphones running Android 13 first at a later date this year. Google has also confirmed it will come to other Android smartphones running the latest Android version after that. 

The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro launched in India this week. The smartphones feature a new Google Tensor G2 chip, which now powers new experiences like super-res zoom, cinematic blur, and face unblur in the camera, along with driving improvements in speech, video, and security. While most of the specs remain similar to its predecessor with only incremental improvements, the biggest news is that Google is finally launching the flagships in India after a long hiatus. 

The Google Pixel 7 is priced at ₹59,999 while the Pixel 7 Pro is priced ₹84,999. The smartphones will be available for purchase starting October 13, 2022, with pre-orders already on.