Android 13, the newest version in Google's nearly decade-long line of Android OSs, brings a host of changes, both subtle and impressive. While most people have heard about big changes like a settings redesign and improved performance, there is much under wraps with this upgrade that actually will help amplify your smartphone experience. In this blog, we go into full detail about five of these hidden features in Android 13, along with practical solutions and interesting tips on how to achieve more with your device.
1. Improved Privacy Controls
What It Is: But perhaps the pièce de résistance in Android 13 has to be the more advanced controls over privacy. Users are increasingly concerned about the security of their data, and so Android 13 ups the ante where user privacy is concerned by making permissions for apps even more granular. You now have more leeway in controlling which apps can have what type of data and how they can use it.
How to Use It:
Enable access permission settings: Under setting tap Privacy and find Permission Manager. Permission Review-In this section, there are multiple categories of permissions, such as location, camera, and microphone, among many others. Tap any category; check which application has access, then change it if needed.
Change Permissions: You can set them to only while using the app, ask each time, or don't allow. It infers that if you do not want any particular app to use your location, then you can restrict it to 'Don't Allow'.
Special Permissions: This allows you, through the settings in Privacy, to control permissions of those applications that require sensitive data access or action at the system level—for instance, installation of unknown apps or changing system settings.
Why It Matters: Permissions have been considerably improved and are now much relevant to your information protection. Improved permissions management means that apps can now only access what they really need. This reduces the chances of privacy violation and improves safety at all levels.
How to manage app permissions: Have a look at this article from the Android Help Center.
2. Improved Battery Management
What It Is: Android 13 introduces some of the key features in battery management, increasing your device's battery life by offering better power consumption optimization. It offers new modes of power saving and even smarter algorithms for battery usage.
Usage Directions:
- Enter Battery Settings: Tap Settings > Battery to see what options are available to manage batteries.
- Turn on Battery Saver: Once you tap on Battery Saver, the mode will be enabled. You also can adjust settings to determine whether Battery Saver automatically turns on when the threshold—for example, at 20% of the battery level—is reached or lower.
Android 13 also had Adaptive Battery, which deploys machine learning to learn application usage patterns. Therefore, it serves battery power in priority for frequently used applications and restricts power for less-used applications. The process is as follows: Settings > Battery > Adaptive Battery - Turn it on.
Battery Usage Details: Tap into the details in the Battery settings on which apps are using more power. Further action that can be taken is setting limitations on background activity for those apps.
Why It Matters: These balance your battery more, reducing frequency of charging, while extending usage during the day. Keeping your battery optimized will prevent running out of power at an inconvenient time.
View this Android Battery Guide for more on how to optimize your battery usage.
3. Customizable Widgets
What It Is: Android 13 introduces further widget capabilities to users, hence empowering them with better ways to customize the look and feel of the widgets on home screens. This allows for the personalization of the home screen, hence quick access to much-needed information.
How to Use It:
- Accessing Widgets: Long press on any part of your home screen and then select Widgets from the menu.
- Add Widgets of Your Choice: Browse through the available widgets and drag your preferred widget onto your home screen. Android 13 supports various widget sizes and styles; choose whatever works for you.
- Widgets configuration: Tap the widget after you place it on your home, to go to settings. You can resize some widgets by dragging its edges. Some of the widgets have more settings that you can reach by tapping the widget and then Settings.
Android 13 introduces widget stacks, allowing multiple widgets to stack in the same space. Thus making the home screen more organized and versatile while being able to swipe through other widgets within the stack.
Why It Matters: Custom widgets can turn your home screen into more of a command center than an ornament. Instead of looking good, they'd be making it easier for you to get information and take action faster. You will also be able to provide users with an intuitive and personalized experience thanks to plenty of customizations.
4. Advanced Multitasking
What It Is: Android 13 will be even better at multitasking. Working with a number of open apps should be much easier with this in place. All these kinds of streamlining make for more productivity and less hassle no matter what you're doing.
Using it:
- Access Multi-Tasking: Swipe up from bottom and hold to access the app switcher. You can see here all recently used apps.
- Split-screen mode: Within the app switcher, drag one app to the top or bottom of the screen to initiate Split-screen mode. Tap on any other app to open it within the remaining space so you can see and
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