Following its yearly pattern, Google plans to release Android 14, the latest iteration of its mobile OS to a broader spectrum of devices this year. The exact release date may not be official yet, so at the time we can only discuss on what features will Android 14 bring to the table. What are the supported devices? Let’s find out in this article.
Android 14 launch date?
Usually XDA Developers is our source on a possible launch date of the next Android operating system. The developers there discovered that it will use the codename “Upside Down Cake.” For those unaware, Google tends to name each version of Android by a dessert name. At the time this article was written, there was still no official information on a name and a launch date. Android 14 might be released at Google I/O 2023, which will be held in May 2023.
In any case, what we know is that the Android 14 Developer Preview 1 became live on February 08, 2023, exclusively for developers. Furthermore, we can expect the Developer Preview 2 next month, i.e., in March 2023. A public beta could arrive in April, to be continued until July 2023. We expect to see 4 beta releases during this period. And finally, the stable build could be released in August 2023.
As always, Google announce on its own when the launch date will take place, so we’re all waiting on them.
Which devices will receive the Android 14 update first?
It is typical that Pixel smartphones are among the first to receive the newest version of Google’s Android system, so users of the following devices could be the lucky ones:
- Pixel 4
- Pixel 4XL
- Pixel 4a
- Pixel 4a 5G
- Pixel 5
- Pixel 5XL
- Pixel 5a
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
This list is based on Google’s update policy, promising 3 years of major Android updates to all its Pixel smartphones.
Gizchina News of the week
Android 14 – Main new features
- Android Beam end of support: Android Beam, a feature first introduced in the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, will no longer be supported in Android 14. It may have been a great way for users to quickly and easily transfer files between two Android devices. However, it seems that Android Beam was not used enough to justify its continued support in the latest Android versions. This is why Google has decided to remove the feature from Android 14 and beyond.
- Satellite Connectivity: Following the footsteps of Apple with the introduction of the SOS Via Satellite feature in the iPhone 14 series, Google could prepare for a similar feature. The company is reportedly working on this feature and planning to bring it with Android 14. This will be a game changer as Android will now natively support satellite connectivity, allowing users to communicate during emergencies.
Android 14 feature list
- Predictive Back Gesture: Another exciting addition is said to be the predictive back gesture. It’s purpose is to allow users to quickly exit out of apps and preview the previous home screen, providing a seamless experience when navigating between different apps and screens. The development of this feature began with Android 13 and should be implemented in Android 14.
- Improved Support for Foldable Devices: Finally, the Android 14 update should also include improved support for foldable devices. This will make it easier for users to use their foldable devices with the latest version of Android. Could this mean that the foldable Pixel Fold is in the works?
- New Sharing Menu: There’s a new Sharing menu coming to us with the new Android 14 update. This menu will look consistent across all Android devices, making it easier for you to share files and keep the menu up-to-date with the latest apps. Google is said to be planning to release this sharing menu via Play Services.
- Mandatory Support for Identity Credential HAL: Google is also planning to bring mandatory support for the Identity Credential HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) with Android 14. This feature provides an important security layer for Android devices by enabling secure authentication for online services and applications.
More technical updates
- More Language Options: Developers will also be able to customize the set of languages displayed per app and easily support users who speak languages with grammatical gender.
- Larger Fonts: At last, the maximum font size has been increased from 130% to 200%, and text won’t increase at the same rate as smaller text on the screen. This way everything will remain readable. I’ve been cheering for this feature for almost 3 years now.
- Updatable Root Certificates: Google may also be introducing updatable root certificates in Android 14. These digital certificates verify the identity of websites and apps and are used to establish trust between the user’s device and the website or app they’re accessing.
- Privacy and Security: Android 14 brings several changes in terms of privacy and security. Users will not be able to easily side load apps on their smartphones that target Android SDK level 22 or lower (Android 8.1 or lower), as this can be a potential security risk.
Simple yet important features
- Improved Battery and System Health: Another important aspect of the Android 14 is battery life and system health improvements. The internal broadcast system has seen some improvements that will help increase battery efficiency and health.
- Screen-On-Time is back: Google removed the ability to see the screen-on-time of your device with Android 12. Fortunately, it’s coming back with Android 14. You will now be able to see the screen on time on your Android 14 devices.
- Warning against unauthorized installation: Android 14 will warn users when an unauthorized app is installed without their permission. The users can then check the app and uninstall it.
- New Battery Saver UI: The battery saver section has a new user interface with a bunch of new options too.
- Fast Pair: Android 14 also adds the Google Fast Pair feature by default in the “Connection preferences” section of the settings page.
- Hearing Devices Integration: Android 14 now directly lets you connect your hearing aid devices using the new Hearing Devices interface.
How do you find all of the above features? Can’t wait for Android 14 to land on your devices? Let us know in the comments below as always!
