Google releases Android 13 Beta 2; OnePlus, Oppo, Asus, Realme and other brands get the beta update | Digit

Google has announced Android 13 beta 2 for users of OnePlus, Oppo, Nokia and several others smartphone brands. The Android 13 Beta 2 will be rolled out in phases, starting as a developer preview program on these devices. Pixel users have availed of this preview program since February, and if you have not yet, you can do it here.

The enrolment process is a one-click-affair, and once done, Android 13 Beta 2 and all the subsequent betas and over-the-air updates as well as the finalised Android 13 (arriving this fall) will be available on your device.

Android 13 is set to build upon the Material You on Android 12 by matching icons to the wallpaper/theme colour. You will also get Google Wallet with Digital IDs like Driver’s License, support for HDR video, Bluetooth LE audio, improved app permissions for sending notifications, accessing clipboard (data will be auto-deleted in frequent intervals), pairing with another device, and access to media files. There is even a privacy-protecting photo picker in the latest version of Android. 

Phone, keys … Google Wallet. Coming soon to Android, Google Wallet gives you fast, secure access to all your everyday essentials — including payment cards, boarding passes, vaccine cards, event tickets and soon even your driver’s license. #GoogleIO pic.twitter.com/BJXKbykaSw

— Google (@Google) May 11, 2022

Speaking of Privacy, Google has also promised, in its later releases, a new unified Security and Privacy settings page which will be a “simple, color-coded way to understand your safety status and will offer clear and actionable guidance to improve it.”  The company says, “The page will be anchored by new action cards that notify you of critical steps you should take to address any safety risks. In addition to notifications to warn you about issues, we’ll also provide timely recommendations on how to enhance your privacy.”

Big screen, big changes. We’re optimizing the Android experience for larger tablet screens. 20+ Google apps will get makeovers so they’re easier to use and easier on the eyes. Many of your other fave apps are getting updates too. #GoogleIO pic.twitter.com/qbfs0DLkZM

— Google (@Google) May 11, 2022

The upcoming beta release in June will reach Platform Stability, according to Google. This means it will have the final Android 13 SDK and NDK APIs along with final app-facing system behaviours. After that, Google just needs to bug-fix till it can ship the stable release of Android 13 later this year. 

Google has announced that betas are available on devices from Asus Zenfone 8, Lenovo Tab P12 Pro, OnePlus 10 Pro, Oppo Find X5 Pro, Realme GT2 Pro, Sharp Aquos sense6, Tecno Camon 19 Pro 5G, Vivo X80 Pro, Xiaomi 12, 12 Pro, and Pad 5, and ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. 

The beta is finally out and one big name missing from the list is Samsung, although it may be only a matter of time before it  joins the extensive list of eligible devices.