Android 14 release updates;
Google was supposed to launch Android 14 on Pixel phones in August, and other companies would follow. Nevertheless, we have already entered the last week of September and Google hasn’t said anything about stable Android 14. Yet, rumors are also circulating that the update might be delayed until the Pixel event in early October.
Except for the year 2021, every significant Android OS update usually arrives one or two months before the launch of a new Pixel phone. This pattern continues with Android 14. After the fifth beta was sent to testers in early August, the final version was expected to be on devices either in the same month or by September. However, things took a different turn, and instead, two smaller software updates were recently provided as part of Beta 5.
Google Sceheduled new date for Android 14 release:
According to information from developer Mishaal Rahman, Google might share the Android 14 source code with device makers on October 4. This decision follows an announcement that the important security updates for Android 14 would also be available on the same date for manufacturers.
Google has an event planned for October 4. During this event, they are expected to unveil the new Pixel 8 series and the Pixel Watch 2, which has an aluminum build. This is noteworthy because it’s the first time they will announce Android news and present the new Pixel devices on the same day, as mentioned by the account.
Is there any schedule for the release of Android 14 for other brands?
Android 14 may become available soon, but when it comes to Android updates? it’s important to note that Google typically releases the stable version first for its Pixel phones and tablets. Other manufacturers may get the code later, so availability could vary.
In contrast, the rumor was contradicted a few weeks before OnePlus’ recent announcement about launching Android 14 on September 25. Nevertheless, the recent updates reveal that One Plus OxygenOS/ Android 14 will be available in mid-November.
Android 14 features and leaks.
Over the years, Google has made impressive strides in including features for accessibility. With Android 13, they introduced a reading mode for those with visual impairments, support for braille displays, and audio descriptions. Android 12 also brought enhancements like better screen magnification and the option to control your screen using facial gestures.
Larger fonts:
Android has been offering support for large fonts for quite some time. But what if the largest font size available still isn’t big enough for you? Well, you’re in good fortune because one of the significant features of Android 14 is even larger font sizes.
Google has mentioned that in Android 14, users have the ability to increase font sizes by up to 200%. Meanwhile, in Android 13, it was limited to 130% of Pixels. What’s interesting is that Google will use a non-linear approach to scaling fonts. This means that text that is already large won’t get even bigger. For instance, headings might stay the same size, but smaller text beneath them could become larger.
Enjoy the new Flash notification feature:
Android 14 offers a handy notification feature where you can use your camera flash and display to alert you. In order to set it, go to the Accessibility section.
Here you will find options: either go for the camera flash, the display flash, or both simultaneously. When using the display flash, you can even pick your preferred color. However, keep in mind that you can’t customize how the flashes appear (like pulsing or waving), and you can’t set it differently for each app. It’s a simple on or off setting for this feature.
Android 14 battery features:
Android 14 comes with several changes aimed at making your phone’s battery last longer. It’s not a huge overhaul like Android Marshmallow’s Doze Mode or a super battery saver, but these behind-the-scenes tweaks should still help you save a lot of battery.
A precise Alarm functionality:
Google is making a change. Now, when you install apps that aren’t clocks or calendars, they’ll have to ask for permission to set precise alarms. Google says this is because setting exact alarms can affect the battery and other resources.
Android 14 security features; No more super-old apps:
Android 14 brings a significant change when compared to Android 13. Now, it prevents older Android apps from being installed. Google made this change to target apps designed for Android 5.1 Lollipop APIs and earlier versions.
This is a substantial shift, as Google believes that older API levels lack modern security and privacy features, making them more vulnerable to malware.
With Android 14, some apps, like old games and niche ones, can’t be installed anymore. Nevertheless, if you already installed such apps on your device and upgraded to Android 14, they’ll remain on your phone.
Updates you about App’s policies:
Imagine you download an app on Monday and agree to its permissions and privacy policies. Then, on Tuesday, the app updates those policies. Until now, you wouldn’t find out unless the company reached out to you. But with Android 14, you’ll receive a pop-up notification informing you of any changes made to the app’s policies.
Now customize the lock screen with Android 14:
Normally one can enjoy personalizing his home screen with widgets, wallpapers, and icon packs. But when it came to the lock screen, there weren’t as many options to make it your own. That’s changing with Android 14. Google showcased the ability to customize various parts of the lock screen at Google I/O 2023, and now it’s available to users in the third Android 14 beta.
Create customized wallpapers:
During Google I/O 2023, the company introduced three new ways to make custom wallpapers. The first one adds a cool 3D effect to your own pictures. David Burke, on stage, used a child’s photo as an example. Then, they unveiled an Emoji wallpaper creator. You pick your favorite Emoji, choose some colors, and you’ll have a vibrant, fun design with cartoons. Lastly, Burke showcased an AI system that makes wallpapers from text. The first two options will be available with Android 14’s official release, while the AI-generated wallpapers will come later.
Language-related updates in Android 14:
Android 14 comes with some improvements in language support. It’s now better at handling gendered languages like French and German using the Grammatical Inflection API.
In addition, developers have more control over language settings for their apps. They can now customize the language list for specific regions, conduct A/B experiments, and update locales for apps that use server-side localization pushes.
Other rumored updates of Android 14:
Apple’s Find My Device feature
Google is taking a cue from Apple’s Find My Device feature. In Android 14, users may soon find it possible to track their devices even when they’re turned off. Google is said to be developing its own Find My Device network. This network will enable a powered-off device to send signals to nearby Android devices through Bluetooth, helping you get a rough idea of where your offline device might be.
Floating search bar feature:
Google seems to be experimenting with a floating search bar for the Pixel Launcher in Android 14. We discovered this feature tucked away in the initial beta release for Android 14 QPR1.
Satellite connectivity feature of Android 14:
Recently, companies like Qualcomm, HUAWEI, and T-Mobile have introduced satellite communication features within the past six months. The good news is that Google is also joining the club by adding built-in satellite communication support to Android 14.
This update was shared by Google executive Hiroshi Lockheimer in a tweet in September 2022. However, the tweet didn’t provide details about the specific capabilities, such as whether it supports two-way communication and various media formats. Nevertheless, having native support should simplify things for smartphone manufacturers and service providers.