Android 13 Starts Rolling Out to Pixel Devices Today

The latest major Android update, Android 13, is now ready to go and is already being rolled out to Pixel devices – a little earlier than in previous years.

Credit: Google

Google announced Pixel owners can expect to be notified about the update starting today, while other Android devices from brands like Samsung, Asus, OnePlus, Oppo and Xiaomi, among others, are set to get it later this year. So if you're a Pixel user, you should be prompted to download and install the update very soon, if you haven't yet.

The update adds a host of nifty new features and functions that enhance the personalisation and security of your devices. Chief of which is perhaps the ability to change the appearance of non-Google app icons to match your Android home screen wallpaper, creating a more uniform and cohesive look for your device. You can also assign specific languages to apps that are different from your system language.

Credit: Google

Meanwhile, when it comes to security and privacy, you can now select specific photos or videos from your media library that apps have access to. What's more, the software clears your clipboard history if you copy sensitive information like email addresses, phone numbers and login credentials. You also have to give apps permission to send you notifications instead of it being enabled by default, which lets you enjoy greater control over what you see on your device.

Credit: Google

Other key features of the update include spatial audio support, Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) connectivity, an overhauled media player, improved stylus detection on tablets, as well as the ability to copy content, be it a text, photo or video, from one Android device to another.

Android 13 is compatible with the Pixel 4, 5 and 6 family of devices. The search engine giant also noted that once you've updated your device, you won't be able to flash it and revert it back to Android 12. So in case you're still unsure, do think twice before hitting the update button.

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• Google has announced that Android 13 has started rolling out to Pixel devices starting today.

• Other Android devices from brands like Samsung, Asus, OnePlus, Oppo and Xiaomi, among others, are set to get it later this year.

• The update adds a host of nifty new features and functions that enhance the personalisation and security of your devices, including the ability to change the appearance of non-Google app icons and select specific photos or videos from your media library that apps have access to.