Google has launched the first public beta of Android 14. Android 14 brings new features related to privacy, performance, navigation and personalization.

The launch of Android 14 is getting closer. After the first two developer versions, the general public now has the opportunity to test the new version of the operating system. Although “big” is a relative term here, as the beta will only roll out on a select number of devices. Beta software is unstable by definition, so it’s only advisable to install it on a spare device that you don’t use on a daily basis.

The developer previews already gave a glimpse of what we can expect from Android 14, and with the public beta, Google is lifting a bigger tip of the veil. With a few interventions, Android becomes a little smarter again and user privacy has also been considered. We list some novelties.

What’s new in Android 14?

Gesture navigation includes a much more prominent arrow to make interacting with the application smoother. Thanks to the Material for You design language that Google introduced with Android 12, this arrow can also change its shape and color to match the visual theme on your device.

Android 14 also tackles the direct share function to share content with contacts. It allows developers to add custom actions for their application to the share menu. This also makes it easier for them to bring their application to the front of the share menu without having to design their own share sheet.

Finally, Android 14 also focuses on personalization and privacy. The new version offers more options to set language settings per app, for example you can set WhatsApp to Dutch and Teams to French and make usage data invisible for app developers or even remove it completely. These are features that are already present in Android 13 and on which the new version is based.

Behind the scenes, Google is also improving the performance of the operating system. Android is said to be much more economical with the storage and battery of smartphones.

On the way to a stable release

The release of the public beta represents the next phase in the Android 14 rollout cycle. During the Google I/O in May, the tech giant is expected to officially announce the operating system. From then on, the beta version will be rolled out to more devices. It will have to wait until August or September for the stable release.

At this point, Google is giving Android makers the keys to pour their own sauce on it. When Android 14 rolls out on your smartphone therefore depends heavily on the brand and model.