Since Tuesday, Google has started rolling out the latest Android version: Android 13. The latest Android version is currently only available as an update for Google Pixel devices, later Android 13 will also be available for a number of other devices and new models.
After a test period of several months, Android 13 has been officially rolled out. That went faster than Android versions 11 and 12. They appeared in September 2020 and October 2021 respectively. The release of Android 13 may be earlier than the previous Android versions because the update does not bring such major changes.
It mainly builds on the new visual style ‘Material You’, which radically changed Android 12. For example, system colors are adjusted based on your personal preference and background. In Android 13, that has been worked out a bit further, with more available pallet colors and styled icons. Although at the time of writing, only Google apps have icons that are adjusted to your personal preference.
Also striking are the new playback notifications. And speaking of notifications: every app you install now has to ask for permission to send notifications. So nice. From the quick settings, you can launch a QR code scanner (a feature Samsung Galaxy users have known for years) and the clipboard has changed. For example, if you copy text, you can update it before pasting it. Finally, a handy option has been added to determine the language per app.
The updated clipboard.
Other features allow for better collaboration with a Chromebook, such as syncing messages. Bluetooth Low Energy is supported and will enable more in the future, especially for wireless audio. Read more about the new features of Android 13 on your de android site or in our Android 13 article.
Availability Android 13
For now, Android 13 is only available for Google Pixel smartphones of the fourth, fifth and sixth generation. These smartphones are officially not available in the Netherlands. The rollout for Pixel smartphones is not like iPhones, where all devices get the update simultaneously. Android smartphones are being rolled out in phases. If you have a Pixel smartphone and the update has not yet appeared, you can force it by enrolling your Pixel for the Android beta program (and then unsubscribe again).
Do you own an Android smartphone from another brand, you have to be patient before Android 13 is rolled out and the manufacturer announces which devices will receive an update when.
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