Android 13 Beta 1 is now available on Pixel devices weeks ahead of the Google I/O conference

In previous years, Google’s I/O conference has typically preceded the release of the first beta version of an upcoming Android OS version. That slightly changes this year as the company starts rolling out Android 13 Beta 1 on Tuesday.

“It’s already April and we’ve been making steady progress refining the features and stability of Android 13,” Android’s Dave Burk said in an announcement post. “Today we’re moving into the next phase of our cycle and releasing the first Beta of Android 13.”

Those who have yet to enroll in the Android Beta Program can sign up through this page with their Google Account. While the schedule for Android 13 tests was slightly tweaked this year, its availability remains the same. The early beta versions will remain available on Pixel phones only, including Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6 Pro.

Note that a Pixel device can only enroll in one ongoing Android beta program. That means if a Pixel phone is already part of the Android 12 beta, users will have to opt-out and re-enroll for the Android 13 beta. Once a device is successfully registered, the beta version will be delivered through an over-the-air update.

Google has also released two Android 13 builds in Developer Preview in previous months, so there are already details available on the changes and new features planned for the next Android OS version. Before the first beta was released, Google confirmed that Android 13 will require developers to ask permission first before displaying push notifications.

The release of Android 13 beta 1 has also revealed several changes, including a new animated squiggly line for the progress bar when playing music. Esper’s Mishaal Rahman also found references to a “spatializer” effect in beta 1 and added that spatial audio support similar to Apple’s will be released on the Pixel 6 series.

In Android 13 developer preview 2, Google appears to have changed the Do Not Disturb mode’s name to “Priority Mode.” But the company seemed to have reverted to the more familiar label upon the release of the first beta update. The Google Calendar launch icon will also start displaying the current date, while more color options have been added to the Wallpaper & style settings.

Photo by Daniel Romero on Unsplash