Android 14: What’s New and How to Get It

Android is the most popular mobile operating system in the world, powering billions of devices from smartphones and tablets to smartwatches and TVs. Every year, Google releases a new version of Android with new features, improvements, and security updates. The latest version is Android 14, which was officially launched on October 4, 2023, along with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

Android 14 is not a major overhaul of the system, but rather an iterative update that builds on the previous versions. It brings some new features to make your device more personal, protected, and accessible, as well as some enhancements for developers and app makers. Here are some of the highlights of Android 14 that you should know.

Personalization

One of the main themes of Android 14 is personalization. Google wants you to be able to customize your device to suit your preferences and express your personality. Here are some of the ways you can do that with Android 14.

• AI-generated wallpapers: Android 14 introduces a new feature that lets you create unique and truly customized wallpapers powered by artificial intelligence. You just need to follow some guided prompts to express yourself however you imagine, and the system will generate a wallpaper that matches your style and mood. This feature is coming first to Pixel phones soon.
• Lock screen customization: Android 14 also gives you more tools to customize your lock screen and home screen. You can choose from different clocks, shortcuts, widgets, and themes to make your device more you. Pixel devices also get some exclusive options, such as monochrome themes and notification flashes.
• Larger fonts and smarter scaling: If you have trouble reading small text on your screen, Android 14 has a solution for you. You can now scale the font size up to 200% in Android 14, compared to 130% in Android 13. The system also uses non-linear font scaling, which means that text that is already large won’t get bigger, while text that is small will get larger. This way, you can enjoy a balanced and comfortable reading experience.

Privacy and Security

Another theme of Android 14 is privacy and security. Google wants you to feel safe and in control of your data and device. Here are some of the ways you can do that with Android 14.

• Data sharing details: Android 14 proactively gives you easy-to-understand information about the data permissions of the apps you use. You can see what access you grant to each app, and how often they use it. You can also revoke or change the permissions at any time. This feature is available in the Settings app, under Privacy.
• Passkeys for third-party apps: Android 14 introduces a new way to sign in to your favorite apps and websites without using passwords. You can use passkeys, which are secure and unique codes that are generated and stored on your device. You can use your biometric authentication, such as your fingerprint or face, to unlock your passkeys and sign in. This feature is compatible with apps that support the FIDO2 standard.
• Restricting photo and video access: Android 14 gives you more control over who can access your photos and videos on your device. You can choose to grant access to only the photos and videos that you select, instead of giving access to your entire gallery. This way, you can protect your privacy and avoid accidental or unwanted sharing of your personal media.
• Enhanced security: Android 14 also brings some improvements to the security of your device and data. For example, you can now use a recommended 6-digit unlock password, which is stronger than the 4-digit one. You can also unlock your device automatically once you enter the correct PIN of six digits or more, reducing the friction of unlocking. Android 14 also prohibits the installation of apps that are too old or outdated, as they may pose a security risk.

Accessibility

The last theme of Android 14 is accessibility. Google wants you to be able to use your device easily and comfortably, regardless of your abilities or disabilities. Here are some of the ways you can do that with Android 14.

• Health Connect: Android 14 introduces a new feature that lets you connect your favorite health and fitness apps, and see your health and fitness data in one place. You can also stay in control of your privacy, and choose what data you want to share and with whom. Health Connect is available in the Settings app, under Health.
• Better hearing aid support: Android 14 improves the support for hearing aids on your device. You can now pair and connect multiple hearing aids at the same time, and switch between them easily. You can also adjust the volume and settings of your hearing aids from your device, and enjoy a better sound quality and battery life.
• Better support for large screens: Android 14 also improves the support for large screens, such as tablets and foldable devices. You can now use more apps in split-screen mode, and resize them to your liking. You can also use the new App Pairs feature, which lets you create and launch pairs of apps that you use together, such as YouTube and Gmail, or Maps and Spotify.
• Notification flashes: Android 14 also adds a new accessibility feature that lets you use your camera flash as a notification indicator. You can enable this feature in the Settings app, under Accessibility, and choose which types of notifications you want to flash for. This can be useful for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who prefer visual cues over sounds.

How to get Android 14

If you are wondering how to get Android 14 on your device, here are some things you need to know.

• Pixel devices: If you have a Pixel device that is eligible for Android 14, you should receive a notification on your device when the update is ready. You just need to follow the instructions, download, and install the update. The eligible Pixel devices are: Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 7a, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 6a, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 5a, Pixel 5, Pixel 4a 5G.
• Other devices: If you have a device from another brand, such as Samsung, OnePlus, or Xiaomi, you will need to wait for the manufacturer to release the Android 14 update for your device. This may take some time, as they need to customize the system with their own software skins and features. Google has said that Android 14 will be available on phones from Samsung, iQOO, Nothing, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, vivo, and Xiaomi later this year.

Conclusion

Android 14 is the latest version of the Android operating system, and it brings some new features and improvements to make your device more personal, protected, and accessible. You can customize your device with AI-generated wallpapers, larger fonts, and lock screen options. You can protect your privacy and security with data sharing details, passkeys, and photo and video restrictions. You can also use your device more easily and comfortably with Health Connect, better hearing aid support, and notification flashes. If you have a Pixel device, you can get Android 14 now. If you have a device from another brand, you will need to wait for the update to arrive later this year.