Google launched Android 14 again on the I/O 2023 Developer convention in Might 2023. And now, together with the discharge of the Pixel 8 collection, the corporate has formally launched the steady 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 have come to the precise place. Right here, we are going to 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 function. 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 a number of phrases, and the AI will create it for you. Lastly, there are new additions to the colour theming, together with the power to set monochrome themes in the event you desire simplicity over vibrant colours.
The AI wallpaper creation function hasn’t rolled out simply but however will likely be out there 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 “Images & movies” entry permission, and so they’ve taken it additional with Android 14. Now, as a substitute of granting apps entry to your whole picture library, you’ve gotten the choice to pick out particular pictures that the app can use. This can be a nice privateness function because it ensures that the apps can solely see the photographs and movies you need them to.
App pairs
Android has had the power 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. If you use two apps facet by facet in split-screen mode, this new function lets you shut or decrease each of them collectively. Whereas it might not be an important function for smartphones, given the smaller display screen dimension, it is a beneficial 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 useful accessibility function referred to as “notification flashes.” This function could make your display screen and/or machine flashlight flash to provide you with a warning to incoming notifications. ‘s significantly useful for individuals with listening to difficulties. To allow this function, head over to Settings > Show > Flash notifications > and toggle on Digicam Flash and/or Display screen Flash as per your choice.
Auto-confirm unlock when utilizing PIN
The inventory Android expertise has at all times had one little quirk on the subject of setting a PIN to unlock your telephone: you often should press “Enter” to unlock it. However with Android 14, Google is (form of) bettering this expertise. Now, when you’ve gotten a six digit pin arrange, your telephone can auto-unlock after you enter the proper pin. It’s, nonetheless, price noting that this function is unique to six-digit passcode. For dour-digit passcode, you’ll nonetheless should press “Enter” to unlock. To allow this function, go to Settings > Safety and Privateness > System unlock > Gear Icon > Activate Auto-confirm unlock.
Improved Font Measurement and Show Textual content settings
Android 14 additionally brings an important function for senior residents and folks with imaginative and prescient challenges by bettering how font dimension and show textual content scaling works. In contrast to Android 13, which solely allowed as much as 130% scaling, Android 14 now provides 200% scaling. Plus, it makes use of nonlinear scaling, making certain that headings and different already enlarged textual content will not turn into disproportionately bigger, making the textual content extra readable.
Different tweaks
Listed below are some extra tweaks and adjustments Google has made in Android 14 in comparison with Android 13:
- Now you can test your telephone’s manufacturing yr within the “About telephone” settings. This will turn out to be useful when buying a used smartphone.
- Android 14 introduces a big enchancment: separate quantity controls for ring and notifications. This implies if you would like your telephone 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 beneath the hood. Moreover, now you can simply observe your screen-on time because the 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 System?
Google has already launched Android 14 for Pixel units which can be suitable. 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!
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Google Pixel 7a
$450 $500 Save $50
The Pixel 7a is the brand new inexpensive smartphone from Google, that includes much-awaited options akin to a 90Hz responsive show, a extra highly effective digital camera setup, and assist for wi-fi charging. The Pixel 7a is powered by the Tensor G2 chipset, and it is the perfect machine within the A collection but.
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Google Pixel 8
The Google Pixel 8 contains a 6.2-inch show with adaptive refresh charge (as much as 120Hz). It additionally ships with the improved Google Tensor G3 and a 4,575 mAh cell that can permit for all-day use. And in the event you get pleasure from capturing photographs in your smartphone, its cameras, enhanced by AI will assist seize the perfect second in your life.
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Google Pixel 8 Professional
The Google Pixel 8 Professional, that includes the third-generation Tensor G3, is Google’s flagship telephone for 2023. It introduces some small enhancements general, a brand-new processor to set it aside, a thermometer sensor, and guarantees an excellent smartphone digital camera expertise.
