Historically, Google releases its main Android replace of the yr throughout the summer season. After about six months of beta testing, the most recent Android model is often able to be deployed to Pixel gadgets in August or September. That’s a number of weeks earlier than the next-gen Pixel telephones launch. However Google is doing issues in another way with the Android 14 launch this yr. The software program replace missed its anticipated summer season launch window. Nevertheless it’s rolling out on Wednesday, on the identical day Google introduced the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional telephones.
The brand new Pixel 8 telephones will run Android 14 out of the field, full with a number of unique options that Google created for the brand new telephones. I’ll additionally level out that the Pixel 8 telephones are set to obtain seven years of OS updates, safety updates, and have drops. That’s a lot better than any earlier Pixel mannequin.
That stated, lots of the current Pixel telephones on the market are prepared for the Android 14 launch. The checklist consists of the Pixel 7, 7 Professional, and 7a, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6a, the Pixel Fold and the Pixel Pill. As well as, older fashions just like the Pixel 4a, Pixel 5, and Pixel 5a additionally help Android 14. You’ll be able to replace these gadgets as quickly as Android 14 launch is out there in your space.
In the event you’ve been an Android 14 beta tester, you possibly can proceed to check future releases. Or you possibly can select to get on the steady model and neglect in regards to the beta till Android 15.
Like Apple’s iOS 17 launch for the iPhone, Android 14 doesn’t function any large new software program options. Google can be going for an improved Android expertise, releasing tweaks to the design and options.
For instance, Android 14 now provides extra Lock Display screen customizations, together with help for added clock designs. It’s also possible to add Lock Display screen shortcuts to your display. Altering the wallpaper, whereas simply as straightforward as earlier than, will get you a unique person interface that will help you customise the appears to be like of the handset.
Different neat new additions to Android 14 embrace help for colourful flash notifications and a brand new Share sheet UI. The latter is extra fascinating, because it ought to assist enhance the expertise of sharing content material together with your contacts. Share sheet helps extra apps, so it needs to be simpler to choose targets.
Android 14 also needs to enhance person privateness, as app builders have to clarify why location information is shared with any third events. The OS may even present a location-sharing historical past every month.
Lastly, there’s a Well being Join app in Android 14 that ought to aid you hold observe of all of your well being parameters and train classes. This may come in useful, particularly when you rock wearable gadgets just like the Pixel Watch 2.
Android customers who don’t personal Pixel gadgets must wait some time longer to get their very own Android 14. Pixel patrons can uncover all of the novelties in Android 14 beginning Wednesday. You’ll discover extra details about Android 14 at this hyperlink.
