Google has officially presented Android 14 during the I/O 2023 event, providing a comprehensive showcase of its key new features. While the update had previously been released as a beta version, Google now offers an extensive preview of what’s new, as it does every year during its elaborate keynote.
Android 14 may not be the most groundbreaking update, but it certainly brings forth significant improvements. In this article, we will explore the most important enhancements, giving you a glimpse of what to expect later this year.
Exploring the New Features of Android 14
Android 14 introduces expanded options for personalizing the software. Material You, in particular, receives significant upgrades, enabling users to fully customize their home screens. Now, you can modify the clock’s font and reposition it as desired. Additionally, you will soon be able to create your own wallpapers using emojis and other icons.
Android 14 allows you to select this new feature and choose your favorite emoji, which will then be transformed into a whimsical background. Another exciting addition is the “Cinematic wallpaper” capability, which turns a photo stored on your smartphone into a 3D image. This feature will be available next month for Google Pixel phones.
The latest Android version also grants the ability to customize the buttons on the lock screen. Normally, you would find shortcuts to the Camera and Wallet apps there. Google also showcased the new WhatsApp app for smartwatches, enabling users to respond to messages via voice commands directly from their wrists.
Furthermore, the Find My Device app has been expanded to facilitate the easier tracking of earphones, headphones, tablets, and other devices. This feature proves handy when you’ve misplaced your belongings and can’t recall where you left them. Additionally, Android 14 will notify you if a Bluetooth tracker appears to be following you.
Enhanced Privacy and Security Measures
Android 14 continues to prioritize privacy and security, surpassing its predecessor. When entering a PIN code to unlock your smartphone, the numbers you input will no longer be displayed on the screen, making it more difficult for others to spy on you. Moreover, Android 14 has been optimized to deliver better performance on tablets and devices with foldable screens.
Release Date for Android 14
The official release of Android 14 is still a while away. Google is expected to roll out the update in August or September, with Pixel users being the first to receive it. Other manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus will subsequently work on bringing the new version to their smartphones.