The ColorOS 13 launcher has been announced globally today with new changes built on top of Android 13 as well as some other added features. It has a neater and more cheerful appearance through a redesigned interface along with various improvements to the existing system. Accordingly, we were given early access to try this ColorOS 13 launcher for ourselves on the Oppo Find X5 Pro to see for ourselves what changes there are. Continue reading this article to learn more.
Home Screen interface
ColorOS 13 offers a brand new interface design with a well organized layout. At a glance it looks the same as before but the actual icon is now easier to recognize through the use of larger dimensions and brighter colors. It is to allow a more enjoyable visual experience to be felt. The appearance is also cleaner than the previous version.
Next, the support of files that can be enlarged is also supported as well as helping to speed up the process of opening the application. It can be done directly from the main dashboard without the need to open a folder. The easy way is to click on the folder until a pop-up appears, then click on 'Enlarge' to change the size. The folder can also be swiped to another home page to make it easier to access.
Then, the technique of arranging letters and text has also been improved to provide a clearer reading experience. At the same time, a card-style layout has also been added with different sizes, then classifying each feature and function according to content type.
The Always-On-Display function is also improved with the ability to easily control several applications while the screen is closed. For example, like controlling the audio on Spotify or checking the status of food delivery. However, our attempts found that only Spotify support is available, while the food delivery app is still not supported for now.
There is also Always-On-Display support with interesting settings such as the animated series based on animals and nature named Homeland which also displays current changes. Next, Bitmoji Always-On Display in collaboration with Snapchat that allows users to create a 3D avatar on the home screen. However, a Bitmoji account login process is required to access this functionality. Then, Insight Always-On Display will display the average frequency of device use as a whole.
In our opinion, the use of the Insight Always-On Display feature is highly recommended because it can help encourage users to enjoy their daily life much better than constantly looking at the smartphone alone.
Control Panel
ColourOS 13 is also equipped with a brand new control panel and looks different than before. It has been redesigned to allow users to easily access every frequently used function. For example, Wi-Fi functions and mobile data networks are now placed in separate rooms at the top. If you notice, both have replaced the bar for Media Output that was present in the previous launcher. At the same time, the functions in this column can be changed according to each individual's needs through the "Edit tiles" setting located on the three-dot symbol.
Next to it, Oppo has added playback settings and audio adjustments to make it easier to control the music being played. A pop-up displaying the full audio player will appear when the user touches the music control. Not only that, the new update also shows that the notification area now has a more prominent background. More interestingly, it also works well in landscape and portrait mode.
Multi-Screen Connect
Basically, this is a continuation of the PC Connect feature introduced in ColorOS 12 before. The Multi-Screen Connect function allows multiple tasks to be performed with one display. In other words, it enables smooth collaboration between smartphones and laptops/tablets, allowing users to control both devices from a single screen.
Various files such as pictures, audio, documents, videos and others can also be easily shared between two connected devices by drag & drop. In addition, it also offers the ability to display three windows with different content from the smartphone simultaneously on the laptop. Users can also copy and paste content between the two devices without the need for any additional applications. However, a WiFi connection that reaches 5GHz is required to guarantee a smooth integration process between devices.
With Android 13, the ability to stream apps across devices is also supported. It works well across Windows laptops and Chromebooks. In addition, the Fast Pair function has also been improved to facilitate the process of tethering bluetooth audio accessories faster. At the same time, it also has the ability to exchange audio between two devices that can be done smoothly. For example, users can play videos on Chromebooks and listen to audio through audio accessories. If there is an incoming call on the smartphone, the user can continue to answer it using the audio accessory without retethering.
Security & Privacy
Basically, privacy is a personal right that we do not want to share or reveal to others. Accordingly, Oppo now provides a feature called Auto Pixelate through the ColorOS 13 update. It is a feature that will automatically blur the avatar or nickname in a screenshot of the chat room. It is also very easy to use, and even supports several messaging applications such as WhatsApp and Messenger. For example, when a screenshot is taken, there will be several additional editing options including Auto Pixelate. Users just need to click on the relevant feature, then swipe on the part they want to obscure and finish.
Next, the Private Safe function built with the AES Algorithm (Advanced Encryption Standard) is also used more widely on private files to increase the level of device security. Through it some setting process needs to be done which includes password setting. We also found that the page does not allow any screenshots to be taken due to the presence of personal information.
Not to be left out, this launcher is also integrated with the new privacy feature on Android 13 for comprehensive protection. For example, the system will automatically delete the clipboard history (clipboard, where copy & paste is stored) to protect confidential information used for authorization on certain resources. In addition, the Nearby Wi-Fi function allows applications to connect to nearby devices via Wi-Fi without requiring location permission.
Other Changes
The Omoji feature was introduced by Oppo for the first time on ColorOS 12. It offers functions such as Memoji, Mimoji, Animoji and other 3D avatar animations that use facial recognition. The Omoji feature on ColorOS 13 has been updated with more diverse face designs, makeup types, social statuses and hobbies. It can also be used as an avatar on contact contacts for a more enjoyable communication experience. According to Oppo, the Omoji feature can only be accessed on devices equipped with 8GB of RAM and above.
Meeting Assistant is a very useful feature for smooth and effective online meeting implementation. Through it, there is a built-in algorithm that can identify whether there is a meeting application in use or vice versa. Next, it will also ensure support for a good network experience. Not only that, it is also able to summarize any incoming notifications and notifications on the device to avoid interruptions during meetings.
Kid Space on ColorOS 13 is updated with more comprehensive protection. It takes full advantage of the device's built-in systems to make it safe enough and suitable for use by children. More interestingly, the eye comfort mode function will be activated automatically when this feature is used. Not only that, some other interesting features are also included with it.
For example, such as a reminder of the sitting position where the system will issue a reminder to ask the user to correct a more comfortable sitting posture. Next, a reminder of the viewing distance to ensure that the children are at the proper level of vision. Finally, an ambient light warning that asks children to use the device in bright lighting to prevent damage to vision.