Android 14: News And Anticipated Price (Free), Release Date, Features And Other Rumors
We cover app cloning, customizable lock screen shortcuts, privacy improvements, and new accessibility features.
The annual operating system update for Android devices is just around the corner. Below is everything about Android 14 (codenamed Upside Down Cake), including the estimated time of arrival of the update on your device, how to install it and all the new things to expect.
Release date of Android 14
Android 14 is already in beta testing and is fully documented on the official Android website: Android 14 | Android developer. It was also mentioned during Google I/O 2023, which was expected since a new major version of Android is released every year.
The Android Beta Program allows you to test beta versions of the operating system. Visit the Download Android 14 page for more information.
Once the update is publicly available, and if it's available for your device, you'll be prompted to download Android 14. You can also manually check for the Android OS update.
Estimated release date of Lifewire
Android 14 is expected to launch in August or September, possibly a first for Pixel devices. Previous versions of Android have been released at the same pace.
Android 14 price
Android updates are provided free of charge.
Android 14 features
Here are the key features of Android 14:
Camera flash notifications : Activate the camera backlight or screen when you receive notifications or sounds.
Selective screen recording : Android 14 introduces app recording. Any apps you open will be included in the screen recording. For example, if you configure this update to only register in Chrome but switch to Twitter, this app will be automatically hidden upon registration, but revert to normal registration when you return to Chrome.
clone app . The ability to create a second version of the app may come in Android 14, possibly exclusive to the Pixel smartphone range. This allows you to use two accounts for the same app at the same time.
Separation of ringtone and notification volume controls : This version adds independent volume controls, effectively splitting notification volume and ringtones. That means you can change the volume of one without affecting the other.
Improved file transfer : Backups and downloads can continue to work on Android 14 until they are completed. It will automatically exit when needed, such as if you lose your internet connection, and resume later if possible.
Oversized Warnings . To prevent hearing damage, you will be notified if you have been listening to loud music for a certain period of time.
Smarter hearing aids : Android 14 lets you choose different ways to play audio in your hearing aid or on your phone's speaker. For example, ringtones can be set to play through the speaker while media and system sounds are sent to your hearing aids.
Larger Text : Later this year, Android will see a 2x font size change to provide better access for visually impaired users. According to Google, the system applies a non-linear scaling curve to avoid oversizing of large text elements.
Another forward-looking gesture . According to this XDA Developers video, Android 14 lets you preview where you are when you trigger the swipe back gesture. You'll see if you're going to the home screen, the previous page in an app, or another app.
Communication Alerts . If an app changes its data-sharing practices, Android 14 will let you know and make it easier to change the app's permission settings. You'll see a system notification when one of two things happens: when the app starts sharing location data with third parties, or when it starts sharing location data for advertising purposes.
Passkey : Only third-party apps can use your phone and fingerprint to log in, so you can forget about creating passwords.
Improve PIN privacy . A new toggle can be added in Android 14 that can be toggled on to disable animations when a PIN code is entered. The idea is to make it harder for strangers to see which keys you're pressing. This 15 second video shows how it works.
Automatically verify the correct PIN : If you want to save a second, you'll be pleased to know that Android 14 lets you change the lock screen feature, allowing you to authenticate yourself with a finishing touch.
Location-Based Loyalty Cards . In Android 14 Beta 1, Mishaal Rahman noted that Google Wallet uses your location to offer a loyalty card that you might want to use in-store, saving you the hassle of fiddling with the Google Wallet app at the time of purchase.
Satellite communications support . Upgrading to Android 14 can enable satellite communications.
Dual SIM Switch : A new option called Mobile Data Switch allows dual SIM users to automatically activate a backup SIM card when the second SIM card is better available for calls and internet access.
Health Connect : You can install Health Connect through the Play Store, but Android 14 is bringing it to your phone. According to Google, this app provides "an easy way to share data between health, fitness, and wellness apps without compromising privacy."
Ultra HDR : You can play anything through this new Ultra HDR image file format, but the bottom line is you can share an HDR image with any device and get a downloadable copy of the image. For example, if an older phone tries to display it, a regular JPEG will open, while a newer device will display the full HDR image.
Dual live wallpaper : Android doesn't allow you to set separate live wallpapers for lock screen and home screen. According to XDA Developers, this could change with the release of Android 14, which includes the Live Wallpaper Offline feature.
Lock screen shortcuts : Android 14 lets you change the lock screen shortcut to one of the following: QR code scanner, flashlight, video camera, take notes, mute, wallet, camera, do not disturb mode, and device control.
Supported devices Android 14
The following devices will receive the Android 14 update (this list is not exhaustive):
Pixel : Pixel 4a (5G) and above
Samsung Galaxy : Galaxy Z Flip 3 and later, Galaxy Z Fold 3 and later, Galaxy S21 and later
OnePlus : OnePlus 9 and later
Xiaomi : Xiaomi 12T and above
Oppo : OPPO Find N2 Flip
None : None Telephone 1
Realme : Realme 9 and 10 series phones and other models
Vivo : Vivo X90 Pro and iQOO 11
The latest Android 14 news
For more information on smartphones, contact Lifewire. Here are some of the latest Android 14 stories.
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