Google just rolled out the first Android 13 Developer Preview for testing. This next-generation Android update will bring lots of new features, such as a new photo picker and theme-appropriate app icons.
Android 13 Developer Preview can already be installed by users who have compatible phones. But it's worth noting that this update is aimed more at developers, not regular users, because it's still unfinished and has lots of bugs.
If you really want to download Android 13 right now, it's recommended to do it on a second phone that you don't use every day. The reason is, this operating system is still very early usually makes applications can't be opened so that phone calls and SMS can't come in.
So how do you update the Android 13 Developer Preview? If you understand the risks and consequences, you must first have a Google Pixel phone.
Just like in previous years, Google only released the latest early version of Android to some Pixel phones. Google will announce more Android 13 compatible phone models at the upcoming Google I/O event.
The following is a list of cellphones that got the Android 13 Developer Preview, as quoted from ZDNet, Monday (14/2/2022):
Pixel 4
Pixel 4 XL
Pixel 4a
Pixel 4a (5G)
Pixel 5
Pixel 5a 5G
Pixel 6
Pixel 6 Pro
Before proceeding to the next step, it should be noted that to install the Android 13 Developer Preview, you have to factory reset and wipe all data on the phone. Because it is recommended not to use the main phone.
After that, prepare a computer or laptop, a USB-C cable to connect the phone to the computer, and a browser for the installation process. There are two ways to install Android 13, namely using the Android Flash Tool and sideloading a factory image using ADB.
Even though they are both complicated, the easiest way is to use the Android Flash Tool. Before starting, you have to enable developer options on your Pixel phone by opening the Settings app > About Phone > Build number > tapping seven times until a small pop-up appears saying that Developer Options is active.
If you have seen the message, return to the Settings menu > System > Developer options. Find and enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking options.
Once the process is complete, connect your phone to your computer using a USB-C cable and go to the Android Flash Tool page here. After that, just follow the on-screen instructions.
Once again emphasized, the Android 13 Developer Preview update is intended for developers, not ordinary users. If you find the steps complicated and confusing, it's best to step back and wait until Google rolls out a more stable Android 13 update.
The Android 13 Developer Preview phase will take place in February-March 2022, followed by a beta release starting in April. The final version of Android 13 is likely to be released in August 2021