Android 14 is the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system, and it’s packed with new features and improvements. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the most notable changes and what they mean for users and developers.
Privacy Enhancements
Privacy is a big focus for Android 14, and Google has introduced several new features to give users more control over their data and devices.
Mic and camera indicators and toggles: Android 14 will show an indicator in the status bar when an app is using your microphone or camera, so you can see which apps are accessing these sensors. You can also disable them completely with two new toggles in quick settings, preventing any app from using them.
Approximate location permissions: Some apps don’t need your precise location to function properly, such as weather or news apps. Android 14 lets you choose whether to grant an app access to your exact location or just an approximate one, reducing the amount of personal information you share.
Privacy dashboard: This new feature gives you a clear overview of how often apps access your location, microphone, camera, and other permissions. You can also see which apps accessed them in the past 24 hours and revoke permissions if needed.
Accessibility Improvements
Android 14 also brings some new accessibility features to make the OS more inclusive and user-friendly.
Larger font sizes: Users can now scale font sizes up to 200% in Android 14, compared to 130% in Android 13. This makes text more readable for people with low vision or other visual impairments. Android 14 also uses non-linear font scaling, so that text that’s already large won’t get even bigger.
Camera Switches: This is a new feature in Switch Access that lets users with speech and motor impairments navigate their phones using eye movements and facial gestures. It turns the phone’s front-facing camera into a switch, so users can choose one movement to scan and another to select. Users can customize their gestures according to their range of motion.
Project Activate: This is a research project from Google that enables users who don’t speak or have neurological conditions to communicate with Android via facial gestures. Users can send texts, make calls, use voice-activated devices, or express emotions by smiling or looking up.
Fun and Productivity
Android 14 is not all about privacy and accessibility, though. It also has some new features that make it more fun and productive.
Google TV remote: This feature lets you control your TV from your phone using quick settings or the Google TV app. You can also use your phone’s keyboard to type passwords, movie names, or search terms. No more looking for the remote or struggling with the on-screen keyboard.
GameSnacks: This is a new feature on Android Auto that lets you play casual games on your car’s touchscreen when you’re parked. You can choose from a variety of games that are fast-loading and easy to play. Just make sure you don’t get too distracted by them.
Android Assistant reminder hub: This feature makes it easier to keep track of your to-do list with recurring reminders that notify you at the right moment. You can ask Google Assistant to remind you of anything, such as taking out the trash every Sunday night. You can also manage your reminders in the hub by asking Google “Show me my reminders.”
What’s Next?
Android 14 is still in beta, so there might be more features and changes coming before the final release later this year. If you want to try it out yourself, you can enroll your Pixel device in the beta program or wait for other OEMs to release their own versions.
What do you think of Android 14 so far? Are you excited about any of these features? Let us know in the comments below!
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