Google made exciting announcements during the Made by Google event on Wednesday, including the release of Android 14, alongside the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones. This major update to the Android mobile operating system brings new features and enhancements to Android smartphones.
One notable feature of Android 14 is the inclusion of AI-generated wallpapers. These wallpapers are generated using artificial intelligence and provide dynamic and personalized backgrounds for your device. Additionally, passkeys for third-party apps have been introduced, offering an extra layer of security when accessing these apps.
Android 14 also introduces monthly reminders for data-sharing. With this feature, users will receive notifications regarding any changes in data-sharing practices for third-party apps, ensuring transparency and control over data privacy. The camera has received multiple improvements with Android 14, including support for high-quality Ultra HDR images and enhanced low-light photography on compatible devices. The in-sensor zooming feature allows zooming in and out without loss of image quality in select third-party apps. Furthermore, a document scanner service has been added, making it easier to digitize physical documents with the device’s camera.
The update also focuses on accessibility, offering larger fonts scaled up to 200% for visually impaired individuals. Camera flash notifications have been introduced for those who are hard of hearing, using the phone’s flash to notify users. Customization settings for hearing aids have been expanded, providing more options for individuals with hearing impairments.
Android 14 brings enhancements to the lock screen, offering a new customization picker with custom clocks and lock screen shortcuts. For privacy and security, the update provides notifications for changed data-sharing practices, stricter app permissions, enhanced PIN privacy, and encryption for all cellular connections.
It’s important to note that not all Android devices support the latest Android OS in the same way. Google devices, such as the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, will ship with Android 14. However, other manufacturers, including Samsung, Nothing, OnePlus, and Sony, will release Android 14-based updates for their devices later this year.
To download Android 14 on a supported Android device, users can go to the Settings application, scroll down to “System,” and tap on “System update.” If the update is available, users can download and install it from there. In cases where there is insufficient storage space, users will need to free up storage before updating.
Overall, the release of Android 14 brings exciting new features and enhancements to Android smartphones, ensuring users have a more customizable, secure, and user-friendly experience.