Google launched Android 14 again on the I/O 2023 Developer convention in Could 2023. And now, together with the discharge of the Pixel 8 sequence, the corporate has formally launched the secure Android 14 replace after months and months of testing. Now you can get Android 14 on eligible Pixel units, and units from different producers will comply with go well with quickly.
Whereas Android 14 is not a significant overhaul, it does convey some new minor options and tweaks, constructing upon the inspiration of Android 13 and Android 12. Should you’re interested in what’s new in Android 14, you’ve got come to the fitting place. Right here, we’ll take an in depth take a look at all of the variations between Android 14 vs Android 13 that we have noticed to date:
Android 14 vs. Android 13
Lock display screen customizations
Android 12 launched the Dynamic Theme engine, which Android 13 improved upon. Now, with Android 14, Google is including much more customization choices and, this time, specializing in the lock display screen. Now you can select from completely different clock kinds within the new Wallpapers & Model settings. Along with customizing clock kinds, you even have the choice to customise the app shortcuts on the backside corners of your lock display screen.
Moreover, there is a new wallpaper creation characteristic. You possibly can both select an emoji wallpaper or, on Google Pixel units, generate wallpapers utilizing AI and text-to-image expertise. Simply describe the kind of wallpaper you need in just a few phrases, and the AI will create it for you. Lastly, there are new additions to the colour theming, together with the flexibility to set monochrome themes should you choose simplicity over vibrant colours.
The AI wallpaper creation characteristic hasn’t rolled out simply but however will likely be obtainable on Google Pixel units later this yr as part of a Function Drop replace.
Photograph picker permission
With Android 13, Google made some enhancements to the “Pictures & movies” entry permission, and so they’ve taken it additional with Android 14. Now, as an alternative of granting apps entry to your complete photograph library, you’ve the choice to pick out particular images that the app can use. This can be a nice privateness characteristic because it ensures that the apps can solely see the photographs and movies you need them to.
App pairs
Android has had the flexibility to make use of apps in split-screen for fairly a while now, and now, with Android 14, Google is taking it a step forward. Whenever you use two apps facet by facet in split-screen mode, this new characteristic permits you to shut or reduce each of them collectively. Whereas it is probably not a fantastic characteristic for smartphones, given the smaller display screen dimension, it is a invaluable addition for Android tablets, such because the OnePlus Pad and Google’s Pixel Pill, the place the bigger display screen makes multitasking extra handy.
Notification flash
Android 14 brings a helpful accessibility characteristic known as “notification flashes.” This characteristic could make your display screen and/or machine flashlight flash to warn you to incoming notifications. ‘s notably useful for folks with listening to difficulties. To allow this characteristic, head over to Settings > Show > Flash notifications > and toggle on Digital camera Flash and/or Display screen Flash as per your desire.
Auto-confirm unlock when utilizing PIN
The inventory Android expertise has all the time had one little quirk in terms of setting a PIN to unlock your cellphone: you often should press “Enter” to unlock it. However with Android 14, Google is (form of) enhancing this expertise. Now, when you’ve a six digit pin arrange, your cellphone can auto-unlock after you enter the right pin. It’s, nonetheless, value noting that this characteristic is unique to six-digit passcode. For dour-digit passcode, you’ll nonetheless should press “Enter” to unlock. To allow this characteristic, go to Settings > Safety and Privateness > Gadget unlock > Gear Icon > Activate Auto-confirm unlock.
Improved Font Dimension and Show Textual content settings
Android 14 additionally brings a fantastic characteristic for senior residents and other people with imaginative and prescient challenges by enhancing how font dimension and show textual content scaling works. Not like Android 13, which solely allowed as much as 130% scaling, Android 14 now gives 200% scaling. Plus, it makes use of nonlinear scaling, guaranteeing that headings and different already enlarged textual content will not grow to be disproportionately bigger, making the textual content extra readable.
Different tweaks
Listed here are some extra tweaks and adjustments Google has made in Android 14 in comparison with Android 13:
- Now you can verify your cellphone’s manufacturing yr within the “About cellphone” settings. This may turn out to be useful when buying a used smartphone.
- Android 14 introduces a major enchancment: separate quantity controls for ring and notifications. This implies if you would like your cellphone to ring quietly and your notifications will not be affected.
- Google has optimized Android 14 for higher battery efficiency, with many quality-of-life enhancements below the hood. Moreover, now you can simply observe your screen-on time for the reason that final cost within the battery settings, serving to you gauge your smartphone’s battery life in a greater method.
When Is Android 14 Coming to Your Gadget?
Google has already launched Android 14 for Pixel units which can be appropriate. For these interested in units from different manufacturers like Samsung, OPPO, OnePlus, HMD, Motorola, Realme, Sony, Xiaomi, and Asus, Google says that these producers will launch the Android 14 replace for his or her units “later this yr.”
You possibly can strive Android 14 on these smartphones proper now!
-
Google Pixel 7a
$450 $500 Save $50
The Pixel 7a is the brand new inexpensive smartphone from Google, that includes much-awaited options similar to a 90Hz responsive show, a extra highly effective digital camera setup, and help for wi-fi charging. The Pixel 7a is powered by the Tensor G2 chipset, and it is the very best machine within the A sequence but.
-
Google Pixel 8
The Google Pixel 8 contains a 6.2-inch show with adaptive refresh fee (as much as 120Hz). It additionally ships with the improved Google Tensor G3 and a 4,575 mAh cell that can enable for all-day use. And should you take pleasure in capturing photos in your smartphone, its cameras, enhanced by AI will assist seize the very best second in your life.
-
Google Pixel 8 Professional
The Google Pixel 8 Professional, that includes the third-generation Tensor G3, is Google’s flagship cellphone for 2023. It introduces some small enhancements total, a brand-new processor to set it aside, a thermometer sensor, and guarantees an excellent smartphone digital camera expertise.
