Android 13 has some new features designed to improve the experience of using a single device for work and play at the same time. According to Google, Android 13’s redesigned “Work Profile” builds on improvements made last year to keep employees’ personal data separate from their work data, making the user experience better and more efficient while still adhering to IT department management policies.
An improvement in Android 13 lets employees specify whether an app should open in their personal or work profile. in one example, Google suggests that this is useful for preventing corporate videos from entering personal YouTube watch lists. Employees can also have two photo libraries on their devices (one for personal use and another for work use) for a more curated sharing experience across personal and corporate apps.
Android 13 also adds smart dictation to the Work Profile app for Pixel users, which Google says will keep “corporate jargon dictated for work emails away from personal chatter.” Meanwhile, a new central hub feature allows employees to more easily manage their device security and privacy settings and see what data is shared with company managers and any restrictions they have on the device. Administrators can also have more control over Wi-Fi connections on their devices, adding security logs of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and password activity according to the National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP).
More features are listed as “coming soon” to Android 13. Lost Mode will allow IT administrators to lock down access and find lost or stolen company devices, while Maintain Privacy on Work Wi-Fi will automatically encrypt traffic when employees switch personal profiles for use on the company’s wireless network. Finally, employees will be able to securely manage messages, notifications and pictures on their phones from company-issued Chromebooks.
