After I/O 2022, Google is rolling out Android 13 Beta 2 for TV, which brings new features and quality of life (QoL) changes.
Please note that the new beta version is currently available to Android developers only as a way to test apps on the operating system and provide feedback on them. However, it is likely that most, if not all of the features listed will be coming to your smart TV in the future.
develop features
The central theme of this new Android 13 beta for TV is to increase customization options by allowing users to adjust their interaction with the platform. A key new feature is picture-in-picture, which will pin a show to the side of the screen as you navigate through your smart TV menus. The idea is to allow people with large TVs to get more out of their screens and improve multitasking.
The release notes don't specify the size of the mini window, but according to a recent in-depth look at Android 13 Beta for TV 2, developers will be able to choose between a 1:2,39 or 2,39,1 aspect ratio. None of this is set in stone, so it can change.
New changes are also being made to the keyboard layouts API to support different layouts in addition to the traditional QWERTY standard most are familiar with. Android 13 Beta 2 includes performance changes to the system's HDMI and audio interface, but it's unclear how these will manifest to consumers. If you're really curious about these changes, Google has provided a set of instructions on how to install the beta and recommends that you purchase the ADT-3 SDK.
the road map
Google rolls out its beta version of Android 13 for TV pretty quickly. Beta 1 was released less than a week ago, on May 6. Again, this was just for the developers to test if their app was compatible with the OS and how the audio would be routed.
After that, there will be two more beta releases and then it will be the official Android 13 Beta for TV release. Beta 3 will see Android 13 beta for TV in a more stable state. Beta 4 is ready for final app and feature testing. Looking at the roadmap, Android 13 is expected to be released after July.