While Android 13 isn’t yet in the sort of state where we can recommend most people get it, the software is now in its second developer preview phase, and this update includes a number of new features and improvements that have been unearthed.
First up, we’ve got a new feature called Foreground Services Task Manager, and this one was big enough for Google to write a whole page about it .
This takes the form of a little icon at the bottom of the quick settings screen which shows how many apps are currently running in the foreground. Tap this icon and you’ll get full details of the apps in question, including their name and how long they’ve been running for. There will also be a button to instantly stop any apps that you don’t want to be running.
The service will also alert you if any app has been running for over 20 hours, so it’s basically another way of seeing if apps are using up battery and RAM when you don’t want them to, and if you stop them with this task manager then it will be almost like force closing them, meaning that a lot more of their processes are stopped than if you just swipe them closed from the recent apps screen.
Next up, there’s a new wallpaper effect you can apply called Cinematic Wallpaper, which dims your wallpaper as you can see in an image above.
The second Android 13 developer preview also has redesigned media controls, with a new larger widget on the quick settings screen that can fit a track’s full title and description. On a related note, the media output picker now has a new look to move it in line with the rest of Android 13, and it also now lets you pair a new device from the output picker menu.
Finally, Android 13 may launch with some new user profile features. Dug up by Esper , these aren’t actually fully enabled in the current build, but they can be switched on by changing configuration values and other things that end users wouldn’t be delving into.
These features include a profile picker button on the status bar, along with a full screen profile switcher, which is likely intended for big-screen devices. You can also now choose from various different colors for profile icons if you don’t add a profile picture to them.
However, since these features aren’t currently enabled, we’re less sure that they’ll make the final Android 13 release.
Analysis: The Android 13 timeline
If you’re itching to get your hands on Android 13 then, well, you’ve still likely got a while to wait – at least if you want the finished version.
That probably won’t land until September, but the first public beta could arrive in April based on Google’s roadmap, with the first relatively stable release probably landing at or around Google IO 2022 on May 11.
That’s the earliest point that we’d really recommend jumping in, but for most people waiting until September will be the safest bet – that way you’re getting a feature-complete and relatively bug free version.
Of course, even in September it will likely only be Pixel phones and select other handsets that get Android 13, with other models receiving updates weeks or months later.
Via GSMArena and XDA Developers
Garmin's super-smart new watch is built for pilots, but runners should check it out too
Garmin has unveiled a new smartwatch built specifically for pilots, but packed with tools to keep you fit and healthy out of the cockpit too: the Garmin D2 Mach 1.
In terms of design, the D2 Mach 1 closely resembles the recently released Garmin Epix (Gen 2) , with a 74mm reinforced resin case topped with titanium, and visible screws on the lugs for a tough, industrial look.
The new Garmin watch sits alongside the D2 Air X10 – a device that's around half the price, but a simpler specs sheet. The D2 Mach 1 features a choice of leather or metal bands rather than silicone, a new interface, superior battery life, multi-frequency positioning, and other advanced features like the ability to access and download apps from the Garmin Connect IQ app store directly from your wrist.
For pilots, alongside existing features like support for multiple time zones (including Zulu/UTC) and the ability to receive plans wirelessly via Garmin Pilot, D2 Mach 1 also offers a moving map showing aviation airports, roads and bodies of water, aviation alerts, and compatibility with Connext Avionics so you can link your watch to your cockpit.
Out of the cockpit
When you're on land, you'll find that the D2 Mach 1 borrows many new fitness features from the Epix (Gen 2), including an interval training mode, customizable workout modes, and real-time stamina monitoring so you can see how much energy you have left during your workout and adjust your effort accordingly.
Unlike the vast majority of Garmin watches, the D2 Mach 1 also has a built-in microphone, allowing you to make calls and use your phone's voice assistant from your wrist provided your handset it within Bluetooth range. This is something we've only seen on the Garmin Venu 2 Plus so far, but we're hoping it'll find its way to many other watches in the coming months.
The Garmin D2 Mach 1 is available to buy now from Garmin , and costs $1,199.99 / £1,099.99 (about AU$1,600) for the edition with a titanium bezel and leather band, or $1,299.99 / £1,199.99 (about AU$1,700) for the all-titanium version. The watch doesn't seem to be available in Australia yet, but hopefully prices will arrive soon.
No, leaving your PS5 and Xbox on standby isn't the reason your energy bill is so high
Big companies are always blaming video games for something. Usually, it's violence, as any long-term player will tell you. But rising energy bills is definitely a new one. This time around, British Gas has claimed that turning off ‘vampire devices’ could save you “an average of £147 per year” or $183.
Outlined in a BBC News report, British Gas advised customers to check which devices are being left plugged in – laptops, TVs, phones, consoles, you know the drill – and turn them off to save money. It’s standard advice, but given UK’s recent cost of living crisis, it’s gone down like a lead balloon with many calling these figures inaccurate.
As spotted by Eurogamer , one response reads: "This is factually incorrect and is shameless scaremongering by British Gas. TVs have been required by law to use 0.5 Watts or less per hour in standby since 2013. That's 4.38kW per year. With electricity at 30p/kW, it will cost £1.31 per year. Saying it costs £24.61 is a lie."
For the unaware, we’ve seen some awful cost of living increases in the UK recently, which has significantly impacted Britain’s poorest. Rent costs are rising, food prices have increased by 6% on average, and general inflation is up by 7%. Yet perhaps unsurprisingly, average wage increases don’t match. Soaring gas and electric prices are one of the most pressing concerns, thanks to an increase in Ofgem’s price cap this month.
Given this context, British Gas has been criticized for deflecting high bill price blame onto consumers and, in my opinion, rightly so. For clarity, I’m not a British Gas customer but my own electric bill is seeing an £80 rise in June to £157 each month (around $195), and that’s just for a two-bed flat. People everywhere are being squeezed and blaming video game consoles for this increase is, frankly, ridiculous.
What energy saving settings do I have on consoles?
Times are hard but that doesn't mean you should shut off your home entertainment entirely. There's only so much money turning off devices can do when they're not being used. So, if you’re looking to find ways at reducing your electric bill when gaming, there are a few things you can do.
Beyond turning down the screen’s brightness or putting it in ‘Flight Mode’, there aren't many options specifically on Switch, though Nintendo’s revised models significantly decreased power consumption . When carrying out a power-draw test, Digital Foundry discovered some gaming scenes used 40% to 50% less power on these newer variants, as opposed to the original Switch.
On both PS4 and PS5, you can go into System Settings > System > Power Saving and Rest Options, though there isn’t much here. All this provides is options for automatically putting your PS5 into Rest Mode after a certain time, choosing what features are available in Rest Mode like USB charging, and how long before controllers will automatically turn off. There’s also automatic screen dimming when your PS5 is inactive.
However, Xbox Series X|S consoles go significantly further thanks to Energy Saver mode , which was recently updated to let you download system and game updates. Using 20 times less power than Standby mode, it’s also the default option when players initially set up their console too. The only trade-off is waiting a few seconds longer to load your console but personally, I’ll take the hit. I’m just pleased such action is being taken by Microsoft.
You can certainly save a couple of quid over the course of the year by keeping your devices switched off, but don't be fooled into thinking it will suddenly save you loads of money. The BBC's report is the equivalent of telling people that if they cancel their Netflix subscription , they'll be able to afford a house in a couple of years. Good one.