Google’s next major update to the Android operating system for smartphones — Android 13 — launched a few weeks ago. Among the biggest features is a function that lets you control your connected smart devices right from your lock screen — without having to unlock your phone. Next time you want to dim your lights, start your washing machine or change your thermostat’s temperature you can do it faster and easier.
In this article: Google Pixel 6 Pro, Google Nest Hub (Second Generation) and Google Nest Learning Thermostat.
This feature isn’t on by default, so you need to dive into your settings to turn it on.
However, enabling this setting is only half the battle. For your Android 13-running phone to control connected devices, you need to go into your to-be-controlled devices’ settings and turn on the ability for them to be controlled in this manner. Each device has a different settings structure so there’s no general guide for this. But, if you look through their settings long enough, you’ll find it eventually.
There are many updates in Android 13, but some of the best are:
This is Google’s current flagship phone, packed with all the best technology such as fast charging and 24-plus hours of battery life. It also has the largest 6.7-inch 4K and 120-hertz screen.
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The Google Pixel 6 takes only a small step down from the 6 Pro. It has the same fast charging and long-running battery, but with a smaller 6.4-inch HD and 90-hertz screen.
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The Google Pixel 6 is yet another step down, with a smaller 6.1-inch HD and 60-hertz screen. It also lacks support for wireless charging and isn’t as water resistant.
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The Google Pixel 5 has both better and worse specs than the 6a. Screen-wise, it’s almost identical with a 6-inch HD display, though it has a 90-hertz refresh rate. Battery-wise, it doesn’t last as long, but it supports wireless charging and can use its power to charge other devices.
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Again with the Google Pixel 5a comes specs that are better and worse than the 5. The screen is larger at 6.34 inches and its display is slightly higher quality, but it doesn’t have the 90-hertz refresh rate. Its battery lasts longer, but it can’t charge wirelessly or charge other devices.
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The Google Pixel 4a with 5G is the oldest current model of Pixel that can still take advantage of the current best data speeds, 5G. It has a 6.2-inch HD screen but its battery is the weakest and shortest lasting yet, plus it doesn’t have wireless charging.
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If you don’t need the fastest data speeds, then the 4a is your best bet. It has a 5.8-inch HD display with a solid camera and a fast-charging capable battery.
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If you don’t need the fastest data speeds but still want the best possible specs, consider the 4 XL. It has a larger 6.3-inch display with a quality between HD and 4K and a 90-hertz refresh rate. It also has a better battery with wireless charging capability.
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The Google Pixel 4 is the oldest model still supported by Google. Its specs aren’t good enough for more than basic calls, texts and web surfing, but it’s also practically free compared to most modern smartphones. If you just want the basics, it’s hard to do better.
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Google Nest Hub (Second Generation)
This is the ultimate Google-based smart home hub. It can play music, show you footage from your doorbell, play videos from streaming services and can even make video calls.
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This powerful speaker is built for music lovers. With Android 13 you can control the volume, skip between songs and scrub through your podcasts. It comes in five colors so it can blend on or become your new centerpiece.
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Google Nest Mini (Second Generation)
This is mostly meant to serve as an auxiliary speaker away from your main rooms, such as a bedroom or a bathroom. However, it’s still capable of outputting high-quality music and easily controlling all your smart devices.
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Google Nest Learning Thermostat
This thermostat goes beyond just being able to change the temperature of your rooms by voice. It learns what temperatures you prefer and when you prefer them so it can automatically adjust, both for comfort and to maximize energy conservation.
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Doorbell cameras have become practically a requirement in current times. Google’s version lets you easily access the feed anywhere at any time, plus it has backup protocols if your Wi-Fi goes down. It comes in battery-operated and wired forms.
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Google Chromecast With Google TV
With all the streaming services available now, it can be difficult to keep track of them. This Chromecast puts them all under one controllable roof and lets you manipulate other aspects of your TV too, such as the power and volume.
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Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
