New Android 13 beta makes it easier to track battery usage on Pixel phones

Date:
Fri, 07 Oct 2022 19:35:26 +0000

Description:
Android 13 QPR1 Beta 2 tells you which apps are the most power hungry while slightly redesigning certain menus.

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Googles Android 13 QPR1 Program has launched the second beta of Android 13 , focusing on improving and redesigning certain aspects of the operating
system.

If you look at the official release notes , theres very little information available. We do know that only Pixel phones will get this beta. More specifically, the devices are the Pixel 4a , 4a (5G) , 5 , 5a , 6 , 6a , and Pixel 6 Pro . However notable Android expert Mishaal Rahman broke down everything he found on the beta in a Twitter thread . He points to specific changes being made to the Settings app, the addition of new animations, and more battery usage information. Changes and redesigns

Within the Settings app, Rahman discovered a new App battery usage page that gives users a brief overview of which apps use the most power. The beta also reintroduces Battery Health, a feature that was first seen on Android 12, under Settings Services. This tool offers a more detailed look at how a Pixel phone uses its battery. Itll go as far back as the last time the device was fully charged , however long ago that was, plus tips on how to prolong the battery life. Other reports show Battery Health showing users their device habits .

New support for a predictive back gesture was discovered on Settings. This is an animation that lets you peek at where you will go before swiping on an app so people can decide if they want to stay or leave. Speaking of animations, a new one was shown off on the Google News Telegram channel for Pixels
biometric authentication tool . Now, a checkmark will appear on-screen after the phone's fingerprint reader successfully reads your fingerprint. Nothing major, but still a helpful indicator.

The last group of noteworthy changes revolves around redesigning menus. For example, Clear Calling, a feature that reduces background noise during calls, has a new image and description, although it isnt available to use, according to Rahman. And the Safety Center has been slightly redesigned, surfacing
tools like Google Security Checkup. Joining the program

If youre interested in trying out the beta, youll first have to sign up for the Beta Program on Googles website (presumably you have an eligible phone). It may take up to 24 hours to receive the update. You can check if you have
it by going to System Updates in the Settings app. Google is also asking for feedback, which you can provide by either sending it directly via Settings or hopping on the official Android Beta Program subreddit .

Considering this is a beta, you will probably experience performance
problems. Be aware that reverting back to a more stable version of Android after trying out the beta will require you to wipe your device clean of all locally saved data, according to Google. For that reason, its probably better that you dont use your daily device.

This beta was released in the shadow of Google revealing the Pixel 7 phone,
so it went mostly unnoticed. If you're interested in learning more, we recommend checking out TechRadars recent hands-on experience with the Pixel 7 .



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/new-android-13-beta-makes-it-easier-to-track-ba ttery-usage-on-pixel-phones/


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