The significant update to Android 13 for Work Profiles adds features like NFC and Pixel dictation.

The Work Profile experience for end users and the Android Enterprise management experience for IT administrators both receive major updates in Android 13.

 

Android divides personal and business apps, as well as data and use, when a Work Profile is enabled. You’ll get two instances of several applications, including as Gmail, Calendar, and Google Drive, in the app drawer.

 

Work Profiles benefit from Android 13’s “simpler design, increased productivity, and enhanced cross-device capabilities.” Depending on where it is installed, employees can choose to open an app in their personal or work profile. When sharing photos with an application, users can alternate between personal and professional photo galleries. Additionally:

 

Instead of using their personal apps, customers can opt to view work-related content through their browser, ensuring that, for example, a YouTube training video does not interfere with their personal watchlist.

 

In order to increase efficiency, “smart dictation is now available in work profile apps on Pixel devices,” with dictation suggestions (such corporate jargon) isolated out of private discussions. Work apps and profiles on Android 13 can use NFC for tap-to-pay and digital access badges, respectively. You’ll soon be able to use Phone Hub on a company Chromebook to respond to and view work messages, notifications, and photographs on mobile devices.

 

Employees will be able to “configure device security and privacy settings, and examine company policies imposed on the device as well as device data shared with IT admins” while a central hub is being developed.

 

The Lost Mode that will be available in Android 13 would enable IT administrators to “shut down and locate company-owned devices, prohibit illegal access, and display company contact information on the device screen.” The planned “Stay Private on Work Wi-Fi” function is another:

 

…would automatically encrypt and route network traffic for personal profiles when workers are using workplace Wi-Fi, significantly enhancing employee privacy. The Android Management API will make both functions accessible.

 

Additionally, administrators have more control over Wi-Fi for tethering, Wi-Fi Direct, and security logs on devices (including Bluetooth and password activities). The Android Management API can now handle user settings and device provisioning, allowing Google to introduce “new features and management capabilities more often” with Android 13.