Android retains getting higher with each launch, so it’s with keen anticipation that we await every replace.
Whether or not it’s a visible overhaul, a plethora of recent options, or safety updates behind the scenes, the following new model of Android is at all times a giant occasion within the tech calendar.
Right here’s all we all know to this point concerning the technology that’s due subsequent for common launch – Android 14. Google showcased loads of new options at its Google I/O occasion on 10 Might 2023, which we’ve dived into under.
Since then there have been a number of developer and public betas for us to get our tooth into too. Right here’s the newest.
When will Android 14 be launched?
Though Google confirmed off new Android options at Google I/O, it didn’t really say when Android 14 will likely be launched, and nonetheless hasn’t. The date could also be confirmed on the Made by Google evetn on 4 October the place the Pixel 8 and Pixel Watch 2 are confirmed to be launching.
Early every year, Google teases the following model on Android with what it calls developer previews earlier than releasing it absolutely round Q3 when the flagship Pixel telephones normally come out.
These early builds of the upcoming Android replace permits builders (but in addition anybody) to obtain them suitable units to check out the brand new options, which helps Google to identify bugs. It’s additionally a means so that you can take a look at new Android options earlier than they’re formally launched.
Following the newest Android Developer Preview being launched for current Pixel units, Google then pushes a public beta that anybody with a suitable machine can obtain.
The general public beta launch of Android 14 is now obtainable and is on its Beta 5. You may enrol your suitable Pixel telephone on the official beta web site now.
That is the final public beta that may introduce tweaks and new options that permits Google to check the soundness of the platform earlier than the total launch.
In spite of everything these public betas, Google generally rolls outs the brand new model of Android with the discharge of its new technology of Pixel telephones, however generally it does it for present units beforehand.
Whereas there’s no official launch date but for Android 14, we anticipate it to seem in Q3 2023 across the anticipated launch of the Pixel 8 sequence, which would be the first units to ship with 14.
Google has been a little bit erratic over the previous few years with its releases, however they normally fall after the summer season. Right here’s when the final full variations made their debuts:
- Android 13 – August 2022
- Android 12 – October 2021
- Android 11 – September 2020
- Android 10 – September 2019
What’s going to Android 14 be known as?
Google has a moderately whimsical method on the subject of the names it offers every model of Android. These had been historically based mostly on deserts, however this pattern stopped when Android 10 got here out in September 2019 and the corporate went with the quantity as an alternative. This hasn’t stopped the inner codenames making their means into the general public although, replete with its confectionary connotations. As an illustration, right here’s how the numbered Android variations have been affectionately known as in-house at Google:
- Android 10 – Quince Tart
- Android 11 – Pink Velvet Cake
- Android 12 – Snow Cone
- Android 13 – Tiramisu
As you possibly can in all probability inform, every model begins with the following letter within the alphabet, that means Android 14’s desert of selection will start with U. Whereas this appears a moderately troublesome letter to make a pudding reference, 9to5Google has reported that Google engineers have dubbed it Upside Down Cake. Little bit of a stretch, which might be why the corporate now sticks with model numbers as an alternative. With Android 14, Google is over midway by the alphabet anyway.
What new options will we see in Android 14?
Google confirmed off just a few new options for Android at Google I/O, despite the fact that we nonetheless don’t know when Android 14 will come out. We’re assuming most of the new modifications are for Android 14 nevertheless it’s price noting it’s not clear if they are going to be, or will come to older variations of Android too.
Android 12 was an enormous visible overhaul for the platform, and 13 added to it with some new options. It appears as if Android 14 will do the identical – evolution, not revolution.
AI
Google loves AI. From its Bard chatbot helper proper by to enjoyable present instruments on Android telephones like Magic Eraser in Google Pictures, synthetic intelligence through software program is built-in closely into the businesses merchandise. Android 14 isn’t any completely different.
There’s going to be a visible replace in Android 14 (for Pixel telephones first), with a few new options coming in June. This might point out Android 14 is launching then.
Google has taken just a few notes of Apple’s iOS 16 tweaks to its lock display wallpapers by, properly, copying it. You’ll be capable of change the clock model on Android’s lock display on Pixel telephones and entry some widgets. There’s additionally a brand new emoji wallpaper picker that’s similar to what Apple presents.
There may even be extra AI smarts in Android 14 with cinematic wallpapers the place you possibly can choose a photograph out of your gallery and it’ll give it a 3D impact in the event you set it as your wallpaper. That is additionally dropping in June.
Extra spectacular is new generative AI wallpapers. Once more, on Pixel first, you’ll be capable of sort a immediate for AI to generate a singular picture, for instance, ‘London in a pop artwork model’, which can create just a few photographs to scroll by and decide. Google is pushing the characteristic as a means to make sure your pghone appears completely distinctive.
Google says this received’t come till autumn, so it would seemingly be pushed as an replace after Android 14 has already been pushed to some units.
These had been the one new options introduced at Google I/O. The under was already identified from betas and leaks.
Privateness-first display recordings
One cool new characteristic for Android 14 dug up by tremendous Android researcher Mishaal Rahman is a brand new display recording choice that may file only one app at a time, not your complete display. It means the recording doesn’t embrace display UI components or notifications, solely recording what you do throughout the recording within the app you’ve chosen. Test it out in his tweet under:
New share sheet
The share sheet is the pop up that seems whenever you faucet share inside any app. We fairly like the way it seems on iPhones, with frequent contacts and apps listed first in a reasonably uniform nature, whichever app you’re in. The Android share sheet has at all times been a little bit extra chaotic, and Google is addressing this within the Android 14 beta.
The sheet will now give builders the power to code in additional personalised options, resembling emailing a hyperlink to a daily contact, or sending your Wordle rating to that Wordle WhatsApp group you’re in. It’ll hopefully turn into higher at guessing your intent.
You’ll additionally be capable of scroll a preview of a number of photographs in the event you’ve chosen many, to be sure you’re not sending the unsuitable factor to the unsuitable particular person. Google may even reportedly now be capable of replace the share sheet’s behaviour extra steadily because the system now treats it as a standalone app. It’s a small tweak, however one it’s possible you’ll use pretty usually.
Satellite tv for pc calls
In a tweet again in September 2022, Google’s Senior Vice-President for Android, Hiroshi Lockheimer, said that his crew had been ‘designing for satellites’.
Presumably this implies with the ability to make emergency calls through satellite tv for pc protection, as we’ve seen within the iPhone 14 vary. Whether or not this can work with present telephones or solely with new ones stays to be seen, though we suspect the latter.
Predictive Again Navigation
If you happen to’ve ever been annoyed by tapping the again button or utilizing the swipe gesture to navigate to a earlier web page however discover you’ve stop the app as an alternative, then Android 14 might repair this drawback.
With apps all making use of the again gesture in a different way, there’s not at all times a joined up behaviour that the person can belief. With the brand new predictive again navigation, you’ll now see a sneak peak of the house display seem earlier than you end your command, so that you’ll know whether or not you need to do this or not. Sounds a bit difficult, however in operation it must be easy and prevent from inadvertently leaving an app. The characteristic was really constructed for Android 13, however plainly time ran out earlier than that model launched, so it ought to now make its correct debut in Android 14.
Close by share might be restricted to Google-licensed telephones
This one received’t have an effect on too many individuals, however Google has confirmed that the predecessor to Close by Share – Android Beam – is being faraway from AOSP (Android Open Supply Mission). That is solely vital as a result of Close by Share depends on Google Cellular Companies, which suggests producers that aren’t signed as much as Google’s licensing agreements (resembling Huawei), might now not be capable of wirelessly share knowledge through NFC between units. Most individuals received’t expertise this, however it’s price stating.
Will your telephone get Android 14?
Google would possibly be certain that Android 14 is the primary of extra variations of Android for Pixel telephones. At present, Google solely helps three platform updates for Pixels, whereas Samsung, OnePlus, and others provide 4 years for some handsets. 9to5Google reported Google is planning to match that, and it’s about time contemplating the corporate builds Android itself.
Most Android telephones launched within the final 12 months or so ought to make the transition to Android 14, though how rapidly this occurs depends on the producers as they implement the upgrades. The one means to make certain is to verify on the producers web site to see in case your handset is listed.
Must you discover that’s not the case, then you possibly can at all times peruse our roundups of the perfect finances telephones, greatest mid-range telephones and greatest Android smartphones to see in the event you fancy upgrading to 1 that may.
