With multiple significant updates to the user interface and underpinning technical features categorized under the "reliability, usability, and customisation" tentpoles, Google introduced and described Android 13 (Go edition) today.
Starting with "four appropriate color schemes to choose from," Dynamic Color and wallpaper-derived Material You create the initial scene (instead of 16 on the full release). As with Pixel phones, Google demonstrated theming on the lock screen and Quick Settings. The Go launch from last year omitted the design elements in favor of introducing a ton of user-facing capabilities.
Right now, swiping on the homescreen brings up a "Discover" feed. The "selected list of articles and other information" that is a mainstay on all other devices could see a significant expansion as a result, however it is unclear whether they will be identical. The full version's Notification Permissions and App Language Preferences are further noteworthy features.
Under the hood, Android 13 (Go edition) adds support for Google Play System Updates (Project Mainline), which makes it possible for devices to receive crucial software updates via the Play Store "frequently, outside of the major Android release." According to Google, "storage availability on the device" won't be affected. Google's requirement that Android Go hardware have at least 2GB of RAM is another significant change.
The final result is a phone that stays up to date over time, saving you the wait for new releases or software updates from the manufacturer.
Additionally, Google stated today that "over 250 million monthly active devices powered on Android Go" are in use, and that new Android 13 Go devices should be available in 2023.