Google released Android 13 to the general public yesterday. The update is now available for all the eligible Google Pixel phones, while the devices from other Android manufacturers will receive it "later this year." As we noted in our comparison post of Android 13 and Android 12, the new OS isn't a major upgrade over the last year's software, but it includes some minor changes and new features that make the whole user experience much better.

We have been playing with Android 13 for quite some time now, and we have spotted many small features throughout the operating system that you might not be aware of. Here are the top 7 hidden features in Android 13 that you should check out:

Android 13 Hidden Features

View 7-Day History in Privacy Dashboard

Android 13 Security Permission

Source: Google

One of the best features of Android 13 is that it unifies the Security and Privacy settings, making it easier to discover all the features under one section. Interestingly, one of the hidden features of Android 13 is in the new Privacy Dashboard itself.

While the Privacy Dashboard is also available on devices with Android 12, the new operating system shows the sensitive permissions that apps have accessed not only in the last 24 hours but also in the last seven days. This 7-day view gives you a clearer idea of which apps are accessing sensitive permissions again and again. The feature, however, hasn't rolled out on Pixel devices yet but is expected to be available in the near future.

Third-Party File Managers Can No Longer Access Android Data and Obb folders

Android OBB folder Pocketnow

Source: Pocketnow

If you have ever installed apps using third-party app stores or APK files, you must have used the /Android/data and /Android/obb folders. These folders are accessible via all the File Managers on Android. Unfortunately, you won't be able to do so on Android 13 when using a third-party file manager, as Google is restricting access to these folders in the latest OS.

Launch Multiple Instances of Same App in Split-Screen Mode

app pairs android 12 pocketnow

Split-screen mode is gaining a number of new features with Android 13. First, the new OS brings a new way to launch split-screen mode directly from the notification shade. You can now simply long press on notifications and drag them to enter the split-screen mode.

Moreover, you can now launch a second instance of the same app when in split-screen view. For example, you can launch two Google Chrome windows side-by-side in split-screen mode. The feature is a part of large screen optimizations in Android 13. It is, however, worth pointing out that all the apps do not support this feature at launch, and developers will have to update their apps to bring support for this feature.

Clipboard Will Autoclear After 1 Hour

Android 13 Copy Paste

Source: Google

Android 13 comes with a revamped clipboard overlay. It not only allows you to view and edit the contents of your clipboard without pasting it anywhere, but it also provides relevant options depending upon the type of content you copy. For example, you'll see an option to open a web browser when you copy a link. Similarly, you'll see a photo editor option if you copy an image.

One less-known feature of Android 13's clipboard is that it automatically clears all the contents that are older than 1 hour. Be it a picture, text, or link, the OS will clear the content of the keyboard after one hour. The feature has been implemented to improve the performance and security of the OS. It is already available in Google's Gboard keyboard app, but Android 13 implements this feature system-wide.

Control Smart Home Devices Without Unlocking Your Phone

Android 13 vs Android 12 Control Smart Home Devices Lock Screen

Source: Pocketnow

In Android 13, Google has added an option in Android 13's Lock Screen settings that allows you to bypass the lock screen and control some smart home gadgets without unlocking your phone. While the previous version of Android also came with a similar ability, it didn't allow users to control smart home devices without unlocking their smartphone, making the entire experience feel slow and clunky. In the new OS, smart home devices can be controlled more quickly thanks to the new option.

Quick Settings Tiles for One-Handed Mode and QR Code Scanner

Android 13 Quick QR Code Scanner

Source: AndroidPolice

Google introduced the one-handed mode with Android 12. It works pretty much like iOS, wherein you have to swipe down from the bottom of the screen to down bring the contents on top of the display. If you don't like to activate the feature via the gesture, or find it hard to do so, Android 13 allows you to add a quick access toggle to trigger one-handed mode in the Quick Settings menu. In addition to this, Google has also added a dedicated QR code scanner in the quick settings menu. You can now swipe down and scan a QR code with just a few taps.

Cinematic Wallpapers and Wallpaper Dimming

Android 13 Wallpaper Dimming

Source: 9to5Google

Android 13 features a new WallpaperEffects API that makes the wallpaper move when your phone moves. Interestingly, it doesn't require users to download compatible wallpapers. In fact, users can apply it to their current wallpapers as well. There is also a new wallpaper dimming feature that darkens your current wallpaper, so bright/vibrant wallpapers become less blinding.

Despite being a relatively small upgrade over last year's Android 12, Android 13 offers several useful features (and stability improvements) that enhance the overall experience. Additionally, these hidden features further add to the quality of the experience. Have you installed Android 13 on your device yet? How has your experience been? Let us know in the comments section below!