Highlights:
- Android 13 is majorly focused on privacy and security updates, as well as device personalization.
- Google Wallet will also get major upgrade with Android 13.
- Google Assistant will be available on Samsung Galaxy watches starting with the Watch4 series.
At Google IO 2022, Google introduced several new Android 13 features. The latest Android version adds a slew of new features while also making your smartphone experience safer and more private. The Android 13 release is set for later this year, and ahead of that, here are some of the new features introduced at Google IO 2022.
Android 13:
Google stated that Android 13 is mainly focused on improving privacy and security, as well as personalising devices, notably those with huge screens. Some of these features were seen in the Android 13 beta 1 and developer previews, when apps were needed to acquire the user’s permission before pushing notifications.
Google is also bringing new ways to make conversations private and safe, store your digital identity, and engage you in physical world. According to the company, it has been working with carriers and smartphone makers all around the world to improve SMS text messaging to a new standard known as Rich Communication Services (RCS). RCS provides end-to-end encryption for secure messaging while allowing users to exchange high-quality images, see typing indicators, and even interact in groups.
The Mountain View-based company also claimed that its Messages app has half a billion monthly active users using RCS and is rapidly increasing. End-to-end encryption is already available in Messages for one-on-one conversations. Google will release beta encryption for group chats later this year.
Google Wallet:
Google Wallet will also get significant upgrade with Android 13. Users will be able to keep and retrieve hotel keys and office badges from their Android smartphones in the near future. In addition, Google is collaborating with international partners to store digital driving licences and IDs in Google Wallet. The government of India currently permits users to keep their documents in apps such as DigiLocker and mParivahan.
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Google intends to take this a step further by incorporating Wallet features into other apps. When you add a transit card to your Wallet, your card and balance will appear on Google Maps when you search for directions. If your balance is low, you can tap and add a fare before arriving at the station.
Safety and Emergency:
Android 13 also has additional functions that might be handy in an emergency. The latest Android update includes critical infrastructure such as Emergency Location Services (ELS) to assist first responders in locating you when you call for help. The feature was recently introduced in Bulgaria, Paraguay, Spain, and Saudi Arabia, and it is now accessible to over one billion people globally.
The company also revealed that early earthquake alerts are already in place in 25 countries, and that this year Google will introduce them in many of the world’s remaining high-risk areas. In addition, the company is collaborating with partners to introduce Emergency SOS to Wear OS, allowing you to contact a trusted friend or family member or call emergency services directly from your watch.
WearOS Gets New Updates:
According to Google, with the launch of a unified platform with Samsung in 2021, there are currently more than three times as many active Wear OS devices as there were last year. The company is now collaborating with other partners like as Fossil Group, Montblanc, Mobvoi, and others to develop smartwatches powered by WearOS.
Google Assistant will be available on Samsung Galaxy watches starting with the Watch4 series. With faster, more natural voice interactions, the Google Assistant experience for Wear OS has been enhanced. Users can utilize features such as voice-controlled navigation and reminders.
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Updates For Large-Screen Devices:
Google announced that Android 13 has been optimised for large-screen devices such as tablets. The new update will also provide new features. For example, press the toolbar to see the app tray, and then drag and drop apps to see them side by side. More than 20 Google apps, including YouTube Music, Google Maps, Messages, and others, will be optimised to take use of the extra space.
The company also collaborates with famous third-party applications such as TikTok, Zoom, Facebook, and others.
Multi-Device Experience:
Google wants users to enjoy a smooth, seamless experience as the number of connected devices increases. The company has also shown out features such as Fast Pair, which allows customers to swiftly connect Bluetooth devices to their smartphones. With built-in Matter integration on Android, you’ll be able to utilise Fast Pair to swiftly connect new Matter-enabled smart home devices to your network, Google Home, and other accompanying apps.
There is also a Phone Hub feature that lets Chromebook users to access the messaging apps on their Android phones. Users will be able to send and reply to messages, check conversation history, and access messaging apps from their laptop via streaming from their phone.
