Everything we know about Google's next-generation operating system, Android 13.

 It feels like Android 12 was just released, yet the new operating system has yet to make its way onto the great majority of phones on the market. However, Google's development cycle calls for a new Android version every year, and to guarantee it's bug-free and application-ready, the firm releases developer previews in the early months of the year, with more fully-featured betas coming later on. Given the open-source nature of Android and the large number of individuals engaged in the enormous project, we know quite a bit about Android 13 well before its official release date.

What is Android 13 DP2?

The first developer preview for Android 13 was released in early February, giving us a sneak peek at Google's next big update. A month later, as predicted, Google released Android 13 DP2, laying the basis for the first beta release, which is scheduled for April. Meanwhile, Google I/O, the company's developer conference, is scheduled for May 11th. With this year's update, expect to get a comprehensive look at what's to come. In general, Android 13 is anticipated to focus on behind-the-scenes adjustments, especially after a major overhaul with Android 12 last year.

What's new in Android 13 DP2?

Unlike Android 13 DP1, which didn't feature many improvements that weren't already included in previous 12L betas, DP2 has a lot going for it, both on and beneath the surface. While Google chose only a few modifications to highlight when OTA files were sent over the world, we discovered a plethora of changes, both large and minor, on our own.

We have visual modifications if that's what you're searching for. The new media player and output selector in Android 13 are now here, and they're just as beautiful as we'd anticipated. Power and settings shortcuts have been moved to a new location in the Quick Settings menu, making them easier to identify and use. Material has received its first official glance. You have additional colour options, as well as three new styles for dynamic themes. The lock screen notification overflow now has a new design, with a bar that adapts to the amount of notification icons in it. The app drawer symbol is returning to the Android taskbar, but only on tablet-sized devices. And, while we haven't seen it in action yet, a snazzy new 3D wallpaper mode seems very interesting.

If you explore Android's numerous settings, you'll discover even more innovative features. Do Not Disturb has been renamed "Priority mode," following Google's annoying practise of renaming things. Per-app language settings are now available, however not all apps support them. A few new vibration options are interesting, notably the new "media haptics" slider, though it doesn't seem to do anything right now. Google has combined the display and font size options into a single menu, and the screen saver selector has been completely redesigned. Finally, after going missing in 12L, Android's touch indications when recording have returned.

There are a slew of incomplete and hidden features, like with every development preview. A new "kids mode" taskbar reintroduces some classic Android elements. Smart home controls will eventually be available without the need for your phone to be unlocked, albeit this feature is not yet available in this release. A split-screen feature from 12L allows you to open two apps in multiple windows at the same time from alerts. Android 13 will alert you if your battery is being used too quickly, especially if you have apps operating in the background. A bevvy of hidden additions, such as an automatic dark mode and a new location for the app drawer's search box, round out a big version.