Android 12L gave a preview of how Google is looking to improve the experience on mobile devices with large displays, an intent that looks set to evolve with Android 13 by the end of the year.
According to a new report from Esper, the first developer preview version of Android 13 contains hints on other important changes related to tablets.
Android 13 could offer a new hub mode designed for tablets
Among the novelties of Android 13, there would be a new Hub mode for tablets, as well as improvements in the use of the tablet with a dock, a significant renewal of the screen saver and more.
Android 13’s Hub mode aims to allow users to share apps between profiles without borrowing logins or switching between profiles. In addition, Hub mode will allow users to configure networks to prevent others from accessing applications or shared data unless they are connected to the specified network.
In addition to Hub mode, Android 13 DP1 contains clues to the kernels’ ability to recognize charging docks as a distinct type of power supply that could be linked to a new idle power-saving behavior.
Android 13 DP1 also includes new code that points to a major overhaul of the screen saver, and the launcher app in the developer preview version suggests a “kids mode” for the navigation bar.
Kids mode could act as Android’s screen lock feature and lock current activity on the screen to prevent users from exiting it. Other noteworthy changes include a new attribute that specifies whether an input method supports handwriting using a stylus or not and a couple of optimizations that could improve the tablet gaming experience.
We have no further details on these upcoming changes for now, but we should learn more from the subsequent developer preview builds of Android 13 that will roll out in the coming months.