The Android 13 QPR1 beta has been released and provides a preview of what’s in store for the next Pixel Feature Drop update. Google is now working on refining the operating system and the update is tipped to bring a lot of features that will eventually roll out to the public. To ensure that the features are working properly, it has been made available for testing for compatible smartphones. Android 13 has already been rolled out to all supported Pixel smartphones.
According to a A string of tweets Posted by Esper Senior Technical Editor Mishal Rahman, Google is working on several new features for the upcoming Pixel Feature Drop update. Rahman also notes some features that were rumored to arrive, but didn’t make it to the Android 13 QPR1 beta update, which comes with the Google Play system update for October 2022.
One of the most notable inclusions in the Android 13 QPR1 beta update is the mention of the Google Pixel tablet. sitting Developer Kuba WojciechowskiRehman noted that Wojciechowski found two animations that purported to be the Google Pixel Tablet (a hybrid Nest Hub rumored to be detachable) as well as the tablet working while charging.
Another key feature in the Android 13 QPR1 beta update is the presence of spatial audio – a technology that captures audio signals and applies directional audio filters to create a more immersive soundscape with compatible devices. This feature is currently supported on select Apple devices. Additionally, there appears to be a new toggle in Developer Options to “Enable Bluetooth LE Audio”. Rehman mentions that this feature can be enabled only if the device supports LE audio.
In the Android 13 QPR1 beta update, it also found Opus (and LC3) codecs available in the Bluetooth audio codec selection, which the developers say are likely for BT Classic audio streams.
As of the Android 13 QPR1 beta update, Google is also working on a feature called “Clear Calling” that reduces background noise during calls. It reportedly works “for most mobile networks” but it’s “not available for Wi-Fi calling” and the content of your calls “is not sent to Google,” Rehman notes.
There is a new “Security Center” which is nothing but unified security and privacy settings. There is no mention of the rumored Face Unlock feature on the Pixel 6 Pro. Furthermore, Android 13 will show device warranties (this could be a Google Pixel-exclusive feature) as well as “battery health” information based on performance.
