The launch of Android 13 and the beginning of upgrades for Pixel devices

 If you've been following the mobile industry closely lately, you'll be aware that Google's track record for releasing new Android versions has been all over the place. Early in October of last year, Android 12 made its appearance. The 13th version of Android is now available.

According to the firm, updates should start rolling out to supported Pixels today, with support coming "later this year" to Samsung, Asus, HMD Global, iQOO, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, vivo, Xiaomi, "and more" smartphones.

What then is new? You're getting a progression of the Material You theme in terms of aesthetics. The theming engine now supports the icons of outside apps, and the revamped media player adapts its look based on the music or podcast you're listening to.

Additionally, Bedtime mode is becoming more configurable with wallpaper dimming and a dark theme. You can assign particular languages to particular apps.

If you copy sensitive information like your email address, phone number, or login credentials, your clipboard history will be cleared automatically "after a period of time" and apps won't automatically be given permission to send you notifications; instead, you'll have to explicitly grant them permission before they can do so.

Android now supports spatial audio, providing your headphones are compatible with the head tracking capability. Again, you'll need compatible accessories to use Bluetooth LE Music, but if you do, you can anticipate shorter latency Bluetooth sound, improved quality, and support for simultaneously broadcasting audio to many devices.

You can effortlessly drag and drop any app in your library into split-screen mode using the newly improved taskbar on tablets, which allows you to see all of your installed apps at a glance. When a stylus is used, tablets are also getting palm rejection functionality so that there are no more unintentional touches.

In Android 13, a new media output switcher, braille displays for Talkback, and HDR video compatibility are all included. You will soon be able to copy content from your Android phone to your Android tablet and vice versa, such as a URL, image, or text. Similar to that, if you have a Chromebook, you'll soon be able to stream your messaging apps to it so that you may respond to chats from the laptop rather than your phone.