The first Android 14 developer preview has just been made available by Google, a significant step toward the stable Android 14 release later this year. Utilizing our update guide, Pixel owners can now install this preview on their devices; however, customers with phones from other brands will need to wait for the beta releases in a few months. But the first preview also gives us a good idea of the features and changes we can expect. Let’s take a look at what’s new in Android 14 and go over the best features that you should know about so far.
About Android 14 name and release date
Google just uses the version number, so Android 14 is just called Android 14. However, Android 14 is known as Upside Down Cake because Google still uses dessert names internally.
There is currently no official announcement regarding the final Android 14 release date. However, Android 14 is anticipated to reach platform stability in June, and Google states that developers will have “several weeks” to test their applications before the stable release.
Accessibility features in Android 14
When it comes to implementing accessibility features, Google has consistently performed well over time. Audio descriptions, native braille display support, and a new reading mode for visually impaired users were all added in Android 13. In the meantime, Android 12 gave you the ability to control your screen with facial gestures and improved screen magnification.
Fonts go even larger
Although Android has long supported large fonts, what if the largest option doesn’t fit your needs? Well, you’re in luck because one of Android 14’s most significant features is the ability to use larger font sizes.
Google emphasizes that users of Android 14 can now scale font sizes up to 200 percent, whereas Pixels users of Android 13 can only scale font sizes up to 130 percent. Interestingly, the company says it will also use non-linear font scaling to keep the text that is already big from getting any bigger. A heading, for instance, might not get bigger, but the smaller text below it might get bigger.
Language-related enhancements
Additionally, the Grammatical Inflection API now provides improved support for gendered languages like French and German in Android 14.
Developers can now take advantage of more granular per-app language controls, which is another language-related change. “Customize the language list per region, run A/B experiments, and provide updated locales if your app utilizes server-side localization pushes,” as these controls now permit app developers to do.
Modifications and battery features for Android 14
In an effort to extend battery life, Android 14 introduces numerous modifications. Although these under-the-hood changes should still result in significant savings, you shouldn’t anticipate anything massive like Android Marshmallow’s Doze Mode or an extreme battery saver.
Google modifies Android’s internal workings
To begin, Google is making changes to two Android APIs the job scheduler and background services in an effort to speed up processes like downloading large files and background activities.
“The user-initiated data transfer job will make managing user-initiated downloads and uploads easier, especially when they require constraints such as downloading on Wi-Fi only,” Google declares regarding its modifications pertaining to file downloads and uploads.
Android 14 also makes the platform’s internal broadcast system more efficient, extending the focus on battery life.
A new authorization for alarms
Last but not least, Google is implementing the permission to “schedule exact alarm,” requiring users to grant this permission to any new apps they install that are not calendars or clocks. The company said that precise alarm functionality can affect battery life and other resources to explain this addition.
Changes and privacy features in Android 14
In comparison to previous versions, Android 14 lacks numerous privacy and security features.
Say goodbye to installing outdated applications
The new update now prevents older Android applications from being installed, which is one of the biggest differences between Android 14 and Android 13. According to Google, this modification only affects apps that were developed using Android APIs prior to 5.1 Lollipop.
The search giant claims that malware frequently targets older API levels that do not take advantage of more recent security and privacy safeguards, so this is a significant change.
On Android 14 phones, this modification prevents the installation of many abandoned applications, such as old games and niche apps. If there is any consolation, Google promises that if you upgrade to Android 14, older apps will remain on your device. However, it is evident that this will not be the case for new devices that come pre-installed with Android 14.
Other adjustments related to security
By tweaking the intents system and dynamic code loading, Google is also battling malware and exploits. Despite the fact that neither of these features is accessible to users, they should still provide comprehensive protection against vulnerabilities and malware.
Improvements for developers across devices
Android has been experimenting with cross-device play for a number of years, and Google is continuing this trend with Android 14. This time, developer-focused additions like sliding pane layout and window size classes enable apps to better adapt to various screens.
Last but not least, Google claims to be providing developers with a preview of its cross-device SDK, which it claims will make it simpler for them to develop applications that are compatible with a variety of devices and form factors.
Other rumored and anticipated features for Android 14
The changes and features listed above are only those that Google has officially confirmed will be included in the initial developer preview release. On the other hand, there are a few additional features in Android 14 that have either already been officially confirmed or are anticipated based on hints in Google’s code.
Satellite connectivity
In the past six months or so, companies like Qualcomm, Huawei, and T-Mobile have all announced satellite communication capabilities. Thankfully, native satellite communication support is indeed coming to Android 14 as well.
In September 2022, Google executive Hiroshi Lockheimer tweeted the information. Sadly, the company did not elaborate on specific capabilities here, such as support for multimedia formats and two-way communications. However, native support ought to make things simpler for smartphone manufacturers and service providers.
The question of whether the Pixels of 2023 will include native support for satellite connectivity is one that has been raised. But for the time being, all we can do is wait and see.
Predictive back gesture
The back gesture functionality of Android can occasionally be erratic. Will this move you to the home screen or the previous screen? Who can say? Fortunately, it appears that Google is developing a solution for Android 14.
Mishaal Rahman, a seasoned journalist and code sleuth, discovered evidence that Android 14 will include a predictive back gesture feature by default (after Android 13 made it optional). This will show you where the back gesture will take you visually.
Integrated Health Connect
The Health Connect app serves as a central location for gathering health information from your various fitness and health apps. It does, in fact, support data on health and fitness from well-known companies like Samsung, Fitbit, and Peloton.
Despite the fact that this app can still be downloaded, Rahman has discovered hints that Google might automatically integrate it into Android 14 (either as an app or through Project Mainline). In any case, the subsequent version of Android may not necessitate the installation of this app.
Cloned Apps
You can clone an app with a feature available from some OEMs. When using two distinct accounts to sign into a single application, this is helpful. Simply clone the app, sign in to the secondary account contained within the clone, and then launch the app of your choice.
There is evidence to suggest that Google is developing an Android 14 app cloning. Because all Android phones would have it, you wouldn’t have to buy a phone from an OEM that supports it to clone apps. We don’t know for sure if this will make it into the final build, but it looks like it’s still in the works.
Bloatware finder
Bloatware is a significant issue. Your carrier has some of the worst bloatware. When you insert your SIM card into a phone, sometimes a large amount of software will download and install automatically. A feature that Google is working on for Android 14 aims to combat this. This feature, which is currently referred to as “Apps installed in the background,” will let you quickly uninstall any apps that have downloaded in secret. It’s possible that this feature won’t be included in the stable Android 14 release.
