Google surprised Android enthusiasts with an unexpected event today. Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, which have been rumored for a long time, took part in the event. These popular models come with a seven-year Android upgrade warranty, making them particularly attractive to users. However, these devices were not the biggest surprise of the day. Google announced Android 14, the next major release of the Android mobile operating system.

Android 14: The latest features for your smartphones and other Android devices

Android releases an update every year that aims to improve, customize and provide a better user experience. After the success of Android 13 and many new features, the technology world was eagerly waiting for the release of Android 14. Now that moment has come. Android 14 focuses on customization, control and improved accessibility features to redefine the smartphone experience.

This year the company focused on personalization. As you know, iOS aims to offer a similar experience to everyone, while Google’s Android promises a more personalized experience. This year, a number of advanced personalization tools have been added to the mobile operating system to further enhance this experience.

For example, the company takes the design language called “Material You”, which it introduced in Android 13, to a new level. As you know, this feature can automatically adjust app icons, UI elements, settings, and more according to the colors of the current wallpaper by following a specific color scheme. With the new update, users will now be able to quickly access their favorite applications and features by setting their own shortcuts on the lock screen.

There are also settings for the lock screen and home screen, offering specially designed templates for widgets, colors, fonts, and more. Android 14 has a great surprise for the artists among us. New generative AI wallpapers allow users to create wallpapers that match their vision using AI-generated text-to-image propagation patterns. On the other hand, for those keen on minimalist aesthetics, Android 14 offers a sophisticated monochrome theme that wraps the device in beautifully muted colors.

• Setting selection
• Customizable shortcuts on the lock screen
• Lock screen templates
• Generative AI Wallpapers
• Monochrome theme

The new Android offers perfect image and video quality as well as personalization. The introduction of Ultra HDR ensures photos show vibrant colours, brighter highlights and deep shadows. This feature provides the best view of your photos. What’s more, with HDR displays, photos are captured and displayed without compromising actual image quality.

More control over your health, safety and data

Health Connect is a new platform that offers users a centralized way to store and manage health data across different applications. This makes it easier to track your fitness and wellness progress and gives you more control over who can access your data. Android 14 also introduces new data sharing updates that give you more information about how apps use your data. For example, you will now receive a notification when an app shares your location data with third parties.

More opportunities for visually and hearing impaired users

Android 14 includes a number of new features that make the platform more accessible for the visually and hearing impaired. For example, the improved magnifier is more intuitive to use, and the quick font size tile makes it easier to resize text on your device. Android 14 also includes new features for hearing aids, such as a custom setup flow and the ability to quickly access hearing aid controls using shortcuts. Additionally, users can now enable Flash Notifications to receive visual flashes when receiving incoming notifications.

Get Android 14 today

According to Google, as of today, Android 14 stable version has been released for Google Pixel devices. It will also be available later this year for manufacturers such as: Samsung, iQOO, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, Vivo and Xiaomi.