Few days ago Google's Android team unveiled the release of Android 3 Beta 13, which brings its mobile operating system beta testing into its final platform stability phase, a milestone that means developers can expect all app-related behaviors to remain final until full release.
The arrival of Beta 3 of Android 13 marks the entry into the phase called “Stability Platform”, that is, a stage in which the key elements of the operating system (API, NDK and SDK) are no longer modified and are considered definitive.
The release of the next beta version will represent the last version of the operating system before the final release which, as we now know for sure, will coincide with the launch of the Google Pixel 7 series during the month of September/October.
As part of the Beta 3 release, Google also updated its list of behavior changes that will affect apps in Android 13 that developers should pay attention to when migrating from Android 12 to 13. Additionally, 13 builds on the tablet optimizations introduced in 12L, which make Android apps look better on flat screens. large, giving developers the opportunity to prepare for larger devices.
Main news of Android 13 Beta 3
In this new beta that is presented from Android 13 it is highlighted that NEARBY_WIFI_DEVICES permission is now included which allows applications manage and find WiFi connections without accessing the location of the device. You can also use the READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission to use granular media access permissions for data storage that allow access to one or more files without opening access to the entire storage.
There are also new Pixel Launcher settings that give users the ability to enable web suggestions. This feature displays suggested search phrases for web queries as you type your text. It is also possible to click directly on the new “Search YouTube” or “Search Maps” buttons when entering a Google search.
Another change that occurs is in relation to large screens and tablets It seems that they are becoming the norm to run on Android and the changes for large screens on Android are innumerable. Developers will want to check the taskbar's interaction with applications, as the taskbar might cut off or crash your UI. Large screens also allow for multi-window mode, something smaller screens don't have the space to enable, so making sure your app can handle split screens properly is a must.
Developers will also want to verify that their apps are responsive while playing, streaming, or streaming media if you use media projection, especially for foldable devices. Large screen devices will also change their behavior for camera preview, especially when restricted to a smaller portion of the screen in split screen or multi screen mode, so testing will be required.
Of the other changes that stand out:
- Pixel Launcher At-a-glance widget starts showing flashlight on phone
- In the Pixel Launcher settings it is now possible to activate web suggestions directly from the search bar
- The bottom navigation bar is now wider and thicker
- New settings interface for fingerprint scanner
- Fast Pair category removed from phone settings
- Pixel Launcher now has a 6×5 grid
- Pixel Launcher battery widget offers new designs to choose from
- Bug fixes and performance improvements under the hood.
Finally if you are interested in knowing more about it, you can check the details In the following link.
For those interested in this Beta 3 of Android 13, you should know that it is now available to download and install on compatible Pixel devices through the registration on the beta site. Developers already running Android 13 Developer Preview will automatically receive an update to Beta 3 and future releases.