Google ships Android 13 to Pixels; adds customization options, spatial audio

The company announced today that it has begun the roll out of the new version of its mobile operating system. The update for the Pixel phones is now shipping, as well as the release of the new version of the operating system.

According to the post, the new version of the operating system will come to devices from a number of different manufacturers.

Enhancements to customization options, audio, and security are included in the new version of the mobile operating system. The Material YouUI, which was introduced with the new version of the operating system, is being expanded so that other apps can coordinate with your wallpaper and theme.

Adding wallpaper dimming and a dark theme to Bedtime mode is one of the changes. The media player has been updated to show album art and a bar that dances as you progress through a song.

Speaking of audio, there's a new feature in the 13th edition of the operating system that supportsBLE low energy audio. The new spec is said to provide better audio quality, including from farther distances, than other forms ofBluetooth Classic, while being more power- efficient. A device can be broadcast to more than one device.

Spatial audio support for headphones has been added.

New downloaded apps have to get permission before sending notifications and sensitive clipboard data, as well as email addresses and login credentials, in order to be included in the new security features that are being introduced with the new version of the operating system. After a period of time, it will remove these items from the clipboard.

In an effort to encourage people to use more hardware from the company, Android 13 will allow users to stream messaging apps to Chromebooks and will eventually allow them to copy text, video, and pictures between their phones and tablets. The latter feature was not specified a release time.

Unlike in the release of Android 12, which saw a source code release ahead of the OS coming to devices, the AOSP will be the first to get the new OS.

An enhanced multitasking taskbar, more large-screen layout and optimizations in systemUI and apps, improved compatibility modes for apps, and more are some of the new features in the latest version of the software.