Android has been around for over a decade and developer previews are often released in the first quarter of each year. As per tradition, the Android team has just released the first developer preview, giving us a first look at all the new features you can expect in the upcoming Android 14 software update.
While Android 14 is still in development, some features may not enter beta and may eventually be included in the final version. Each new developer and beta release includes bug fixes, new features, improvements, and a more streamlined OS.
Before I talk about what’s new and why I can’t wait to get my hands on Android 14 in the fall, I have to warn you that installing a developer preview or beta on your primary and only device is not recommended. I have. These early releases often contain bugs that can render your device useless or break critical features and apps that you rely on.
With that said, let’s take a closer look at the new features that Android and Google have been working on in recent months.
What is Android 14 called?
Google no longer follows the dessert naming scheme and instead applies numbers to each new release. That said, Google continues to add sweet names to his OS versions internally, and Android 14 is officially called “Upside Down Cake.”
Upside Down Cake is the new version following Tiramisu (Android 13), Snow Cone (Android 12) and Red Velvet (Android 11).
When will Android 14 be released?
Source: Google, illustration by Roland Udvarlaki (Pocketnow)
Android 14 follows a similar timeline to previous releases. A timeline shared by Google indicates when the Developer Preview is expected to be released. Google will also confirm the date it plans to roll out the Android 14 beta to the general public and begin the feedback process for anyone with a qualifying device.
To date, the company has always released major versions of Android in August and September, and expects a similar timeline for 2023.
What devices are compatible with Android 14?
Alongside the timeline, Google also announced compatible devices that can participate in the Developer Preview Program. The list usually only includes his latest currently supported Pixel devices, dating back to the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a (5G). Below is the complete list.
If you’re interested in trying out Android 14 on your compatible Google Pixel device, visit our sister site XDA-Developer There is an excellent guide that walks you through the steps.
What’s new in Android 14
Improved accessibility features
Google adds new accessibility features with each new Android release. Android 14 allows users to scale text up to 200%. Scaling options used to reach just 130%. The scaling curve is also changed to the new non-linear option to prevent layout scaling issues.
Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that Android 14 may allow hearing aids and hearing aids to be added via Bluetooth. This setting provides additional functionality for supported devices and may provide better audio for users.
New back gesture animation
Previous versions of Android included an animation for the back gesture, but it wasn’t always obvious. It was often frustrating and confusing as the animation blended into the background making it difficult to see. That seems to have changed with Android 14, as Google unveiled a new design with unique animations.
Mishaal Rahman has activated the necessary flags to try out the new back gestures. As you can see, the application adds a peek animation to indicate that the user is about to leave the app or go back to the previous state or window.
It’s all great and actually looks good, but the main problem seems to be the new way of implementing this. As it stands, developers have to implement and support this feature per app, and it won’t be the default behavior in Android 14. The advantage is that developers can further optimize and enhance the experience with more visual differences. Still, the downside is that using the back gesture can be even more confusing.
Only time will tell if developers will use this, but that could change when the Android 14 beta and final builds become available later in the fall.
Block installation of old apps
Android 14 prevents and limits application sideloading by default. This means that a user cannot download and install applications targeting his SDK version 23 or below. For those who don’t know, the SDK dates back to his Android version 6 in 2015.
Google says outdated SDKs are used to install malware and other malicious software on Android devices, and this restriction is intended to prevent that. This move makes it harder to install malicious software on new Android devices. Luckily, Android allows users to get around this by overriding settings via ADB commands.
adb install --bypass-low-target-sdk-block APPLICATION.apk
Per-app language improvements and new regional settings options
Android 13 introduced the option to change language per app, allowing you to change the language of selected apps. According to the latest findings, developers can display the selected language in the settings, so different options can be displayed for different regions.
In addition, there is another “Regional Settings” option in the settings that allows you to change the temperature units and other numerical settings within the menu. This allows the user to change the temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius, use a different calendar, change the first day of the week or the number system they prefer to use.
Regional Settings options offer even more customization for both users and developers. This option could mean that you don’t need the conversion eventually, and it could be done automatically with just a few taps.
app duplication
Dual Messenger for Samsung One UI 5.1
Many manufacturers allow duplicating applications such as WhatsApp, Messenger and Telegram. These clone apps allow you to add multiple accounts to your messaging app. Otherwise you will be limited to her one account on the device.
According to the latest discovery, the Android team may be working on bringing this new feature to Android 14, allowing users to access the same apps that have been available on some devices for years. can be cloned.
Ability to change networks and switch to eSIM between Android devices
Physical SIM, eSIM, iSIM, Source: Pocket Now
Users who rely on using two SIM cards in their device may have run into the problem of having to switch between the two numbers for better reception. This process could soon be automated, allowing users to automatically switch between her two SIM cards based on local area signals, according to some new findings. This option allows users to temporarily switch networks to improve signal strength for phone calls and Internet access.
Additionally, Android 14 may allow users to convert physical SIM cards to eSIMs on the device itself. Assuming your carrier has built a solution to support this method, it will be much easier to switch and upgrade to new Android devices in the future, and you will have to contact your carrier every time you need to transfer your SIM. You no longer need to contact us.
This feature dates back to Developer Preview builds of Android 13. Coming soon to Developer and possibly a Beta build on Android 14.
Option to uninstall bloatware
Carriers love to install bloatware on smartphones, and Google may be considering adding options to remove these from devices. New findings suggest that “background installed apps” may allow users to quickly remove these applications, which may have been installed by carriers or manufacturer partners. Hopefully this will make it into the final build of Android 14 later in the fall as this will finally free up valuable space on the device and allow users to remove applications they don’t use.
The share menu has gone through some changes over the past few years and has come a long way, but it’s still far from perfect. , it can be difficult and confusing to choose which platform or contact to share information with.
To combat this, share menus may soon become independent of system updates, allowing Google to easily implement and update devices. Google is working on a solution that uses one universal share sheet for all devices running Android 14, so a universal share menu could become a reality.
New in Android 14: more to come
Android 14 is in active development and the Android team has already released the first developer preview, but it’s just a preview. More features will be added and existing options may be incorporated into final and beta builds released later this year. This post will be updated regularly with new updates, so don’t forget to save or bookmark it.
What features would you like to see implemented and supported in Android 14? Let us know in the comments below!
