Android 14 is now to be had, beginning with Google Pixel telephones

In a nutshell: Alongside the brand new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones, Google has fully unveiled and released Android 14. The new OS' headline features attention on customization, protection, and accessibility. Some of the new capability employs AI to offer extended intelligence and flexibility.

Owners of Google Pixel telephones (going as some distance back as Pixel 4a, Pixel 5, and later models) must start receiving replace notifications for Android 14 this week. The new OS will arrive later this yr to the relaxation of Android telephones from the likes of Samsung, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi.

Android 14 appreciably expands customization options for the lock display screen and domestic display screen. Users can set app shortcuts at the lock display to make certain quick get right of entry to to their preferred features like the calculator or QR code reader. A selection of pre-set templates for shortcuts and widgets is also to be had.

The new customization functions also enable users to trade wallpapers extra without difficulty. Moreover, the new Pixel eight telephones introduce the capacity to create new wallpapers via textual content-to-image generative AI. The function will in the end arrive to other models, but Google hasn't stated which or while. AI also can automatically reorganize the display in numerous approaches to match unique conditions, like making a weather widget easier to attain in the course of a typhoon.

Regarding security, the brand new OS grants greater control over what records apps share. Users obtain clean notifications when apps ask for such things as vicinity statistics and after they share that information with third events. Moreover, Google made PINs greater secure and less complicated to use by way of mandating at the very least six digits and now not requiring users to hit enter after effectively coming into the PIN.

Android 14's new accessibility features attention on supporting hearing and visually impaired users. They can choose which part of the screen to magnify and tell the magnifier to stay engaged throughout multiple apps. Changing font sizes is also quicker and smoother. Furthermore, Google reorganized the accessibility settings to facilitate connecting a device to listening to aids. New flashing notifications are to be had for customers who can't listen conventional notification sounds.

A preceding beta check discovered the corporation's solution to Apple's Continuity Camera, permitting Android phones to become webcams for Windows, Mac, or ChromeOS PCs thru a USB connection. While this isn't always publicly to be had yet, Google promises it is coming soon. To improve webcam use and video calls, a brand new vehicle-body characteristic adjusts the digital camera to maintain attention on members.

Android 14 is available now, and the present day Google Pixel phones ship on October 12. Pre-orders are up for the Pixel 8 at $699 and the Pixel eight Pro at $999.