Android 14 is here: These new features are now coming to Pixel devices
Android 14 is ready for installation - at least if you have a Pixel smartphone. For all other manufacturers, you still have to wait for the new functions.
With the launch of the Pixel 8, Google has released Android 14 for installation on more Pixel devices. The new version of the operating system brings some visual adjustments as well as improvements for data protection and people with poor eyesight or hearing. A simultaneous feature drop brings further new functions to the devices.
More customisation options
Android 14 gives you even more control over the appearance of the software. It's now easier to switch between wallpapers. There is even an AI generator for wallpapers on the Pixel 8. You can also make further adjustments to the style of the colour palette and the buttons.
If you prefer a minimalist look, you can now also select a monochrome topic. On the lock screen, you can now select other apps for the two shortcuts and are no longer limited to Google Home and Wallet. There are also numerous new watch variants for the lock screen.
New design for camera app and energy-saving mode
Support for photos with ultra-HDR has been added. The feature drop changes the interface of the camera app, which should now make it easier to switch between shooting modes. You can also specify that RAW images are automatically opened in a RAW editor.
The energy-saving mode has also been redesigned. You should be able to see better which functions it restricts. You can also exclude individual apps from extreme energy-saving mode and continue to use them without restriction. From the Pixel 6 onwards, devices with Android 14 will also issue a warning if a power adapter or cable is charging slowly or not at all.
New features for devices with large displays
All in all, Android 14 will be better adapted for devices with large displays. App developers will also receive better tools to adapt their applications to larger touchscreens. The feature drop also brings innovations that only apply to the Pixel Fold or tablet.
Source: Google
Google Translator now also uses the outer display on the foldable smartphone. When the Pixel Fold is unfolded, the other person can now read the translation. With the "Google Kids Space", the Pixel Tablet also has an extra children's mode. This contains suitable apps and a simplified navigation bar.
Data protection and security
"Health Connect" is no longer a stand-alone app, but collects your health data as an integral part of the operating system. You can now find control over the data stored on your smartphone in the settings
Source: Google
In addition, Android 14 should now give you a better overview of how apps use the data they access. In this context, you will also be informed if an app shares location data with third parties.
If you already use a six-digit PIN, you won't notice that the length is the new standard. This means: four-digit PINs must be renewed.
Making Android more usable for more people
There are further improvements to Android 14 for people with impaired vision or hearing. The magnifying glass for enlarging the screen content can now be operated by zooming in and out. There is also a quick settings tile for the font size. Font scaling is no longer linear. This means that large text elements such as headings are enlarged less than the actual text.
Source: Google
Users of hearing aids have a special hearing aid setting in the settings. There, for example, they can route audio signals to different outputs. The controls for hearing aids are also quickly accessible via a button combination. With "Light up on notifications" in the accessibility settings, smartphones can emit flashes of light when notifications are received.
Android 14 is available for these devices
You can now install Android 14 on the following Pixel devices via "Settings -> System -> System update":
- Pixel 4a (5G)
- Pixel 5 and 5a
- Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro have Android 14 on board ex works.
You'll have to wait a little longer for smartphones and tablets from other manufacturers. Nothing, Samsung, Sony and Xiaomi, among others, have already started beta tests. So far, however, there is only the vague indication that Android 14 will be released "later this year" on devices beyond the Pixel series.
Cover photo: Google
As a primary school pupil, I used to sit in a friend's living room with many of my classmates to play the Super NES. Now I get my hands on the latest technology and test it for you. In recent years at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, now at Digitec and Galaxus.