Google recently launched the first developer preview of its latest operating system, Android 14. This new release focuses on improving support for various screen sizes, with a particular emphasis on tablet and foldable devices. To assist developers in creating better apps for these devices, Google has provided guidelines and tools, including the Cross-Device SDK, which now supports Cross-Device Audio Switching.
One of the key features of Android 14 is its emphasis on battery life and system fluency. To achieve this, the update features various background enhancements, including improvements to Job Scheduler, Foreground Services, and optimized broadcasting of background apps. These enhancements will help simplify the way apps work together and improve the overall battery life and system health of the device. In addition, Android 14 also introduces more precise alert permissions, allowing users to have greater control over which apps have access to sensitive information.
Another major aspect of Android 14 is its focus on privacy and security. To this end, the update features changes to dynamic code loading to help mitigate the exploitation of malware and vulnerabilities in dynamically downloaded code. The update also prevents older apps with SDK version 22 or earlier from installing on Android 14 devices, ensuring that only up-to-date and secure apps can be installed on the device.
For developers, Android 14 includes a range of new tools, such as OpenJDK 17 support and improved change testing. This makes it easier for developers to integrate API changes into their apps, and also allows them to toggle changes through the adb command or on-device developer options. In terms of font scaling, Android 14 allows for better font scaling up to 200%, compared to the previous maximum of 130%. Additionally, the Grammatical Break API has been improved for per-app language preference and gender, allowing for a more personalized user experience.
Google has also provided a detailed timeline for the release of Android 14. There will be two developer previews, one in February and the other in March, followed by four betas, released on a monthly basis until the end of July. The first developer preview is designed specifically for developers to give them time to process and integrate API changes into their apps. The official version of Android 14 is expected to be launched in late summer or early fall.
The Android 14 developer preview is currently available as a manual download and can be installed via sideload for the Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 5, Pixel 5A 5G, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro. This allows developers to start testing their apps on the new operating system and ensures that they will be ready for the official release.
The newest addition of popular mobile operating system promises to be a major improvement over its predecessor, with a focus on improving support for tablet and foldable devices, battery life and system fluency, and privacy and security. With a range of new tools and features for both users and developers, Android 14 is poised to take the mobile operating system world by storm.
