Google I/O: Android 13 Beta 2 and other innovations for Android
During its developer conference I/O, Google introduced new features for Android and released the second beta version of Android 13 for testing.
Google is adapting over 20 of its apps for tablets. In addition, Google Wallet returns to the digital collection of IDs, credit cards, car keys, and more. The Phone Hub strengthens the connection between Chromebook and smartphone.
Android 13: Individual languages for each app
Google adds new language options, a visually customizable media control and improvements for tablets to the previously known innovations of Android 13 with Beta 2.
The media control between notifications and quick settings is supposed to adapt to the music you are listening to and displays the respective album cover for this. However, this is only a small visual change. On the other hand, the new option to select a separate language for each app has a practical use. Until now, the apps were bound to the system language.
Tablets get their own apps
Google has set out to make Android tablets better again. Android 13 gets some adjustments for display and use on larger screens. This includes a new design for notifications and quick settings, for example. The taskbar is also supposed to remain visible in full-screen mode and thus facilitate multitasking. However, the most important announcement might be that Google wants to optimize over 20 of its own apps for viewing and use on tablets. In addition, third-party providers would also adapt their apps. Google cites Facebook and TikTok, among others, as examples.
Google Wallet returns
Not tied to an update to Android 13 is the return of Google Wallet. It is supposed to ensure that you only need your smartphone and can leave your wallet at home. Various documents can be stored digitally in it. For example, credit cards for Google Pay can be stored here along with student IDs, car keys or vaccination certificates. Depending on the country, you should also be able to store identification documents in Google Wallet. In the USA, it starts with driver's licenses, which can even be "shown" via NFC or a QR code.
Connections to other devices
Google also wants to improve connections between smartphones and other devices. This includes extending Fast Pair for faster pairing and setup to more devices and supporting the new "Matter" smarthome standard, which is scheduled to launch in the fall of 2022.
Also in the fall, the Phone Hub of Chromebooks is to be expanded. Then messaging apps on the smartphone should be able to be used even more extensively directly from the connected laptop - without installation on the Chromebook. Google also showed a shared clipboard for different devices, for example to paste the link from the smartphone to the tablet, at the I/O keynote.
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