Android 14 was officially announced early this morning with it being used on the Google Pixel 8 series first. The update will roll out to other Pixel devices in stages before Android manufacturers follow up with their launchers. Here are the 10 most interesting features that can be enjoyed on Android 14.
1. Generative AI Generated Background
Lazy looking for background images for your Android phone? Don't worry because in Android 14 you can generate a unique background image with only you using it. Through this feature enter the background image prom that you want to generate. Android will then process the prom into a special picture for you. In the initial stage it will be provided on Pixel devices only first before also being activated on Android devices of other manufacturers who want to support it.
2. Monochrome Theme
The monochrome theme on Nothing Phone (2) got a lot of attention because all the interface elements were black and white. Some like it so much that the feature is exported to other Android devices. Starting with Android 14, the monochrome theme will be built into the operating system and all Android devices can also enjoy a monochrome interface that looks attractive and at the same time is proven to reduce smartphone usage if that's your goal.
3. More Lock Screen Personalization Options
Android has long allowed phone lock screens to be personalized by users. But iOS 16 shows a more stylish, cheerful and up-to-date way according to current trends. Starting with Android 14 users can make various changes to the lock screen elements to better match their personal style. Font design, color of elements and widgets can be changed according to taste.
4. Better and Clear Privacy Controls
The use of personal data is still a hot issue among users who do not want their data to be used without permission. On Android 14, the operating system will tell users how installed apps will use data when granted access to it. With information clearly displayed about data usage, access can be limited to what is needed hereafter.
5. Notifications – Lights And Screen Flashing
Once upon a time every Android phone had a notification light on the forehead of the device. With screen designs getting bigger, this feature has disappeared on modern devices. This often makes notifications received unnoticed because the device has been muted. With Android 14, turning on the flash light and the screen when a notification is received will be given to all. On the screen, users can also choose the color of the screen that lights up when a notification is received. No more excuses for missing important messages or emails after this.
6. Health Connect – Local Health Data
Through Health Connect personal data used for health tracking purposes will be stored locally. With this data from various health applications can be stored in a more organized database. When a new health app is installed, it can access data stored in Health Connect with permissions resting in the hands of the user. Say goodbye to lost health data due to switching to other health apps after this.
7. Phone Used as a Web Camera
The Android phone in your hand we're sure has a better quality camera than your laptop's web camera. Google is aware of this fact and Android 14 allows a smartphone to be used as a webcam with a PC. It's as easy as plugging the cable from the phone to the PC. Select the menu using the phone as a webcam and then in software such as Google Meet for example the phone option as the preferred webcam. Currently only wired webcam support is supported unlike Continuity Camera on iOS 17.
8. Ultra HDR – Seeing HDR Content As It Should Be
HDR recording support on Android devices has been supported for the last few years. But when displayed on the phone screen the picture taken looks lifeless. Through the Ultra HDR feature built into Android 14, HDR content will be displayed as it should be on modern devices with screens that support HDR. Photos taken can also be properly backed up in the cloud via Google Photos complete with enhanced editing features.
9. Detecting Nearby Object Trackers
Object trackers like the Galaxy SmartTag2 and AirTag are designed to track owned objects. But it has been misused for criminal purposes with various cases we have reported on us. Through Android 14, object tracking support for the Android and iOS ecosystems is now enabled. A notification will be received if the device detects an object tracker is nearby. With the in-app menu, it can then be sounded for tracking and deactivated if it is suspected of being used to track the user's personal movements.
10. Accessibility Features For The Visually And Hearing Impaired
Accessibility features for the disabled are also not forgotten. There is a choice of magnifiers that can be changed more easily. With this those who may be a little farsighted (like us) can activate this feature to see text on a screen that may be too small to read. The size of the letters on the screen can also be changed by not only the size but the distance between the letters as well as the height can be changed.
Not only that, the text resizing settings can be accessed directly through the quick menu from the device's notification tray. For the hearing impaired, there is a special menu to control the hearing aid and it is not just listed as a normal bluetooth accessory.
These are just the 10 most interesting features that owners of Android 14 devices will enjoy. We just have to wait and see when each manufacturer will publish a timeline of when their devices will receive the latest version of the Android operating system.