Google is continuing development of Android 14 and recently released Beta 4 of the operating system. A new beta that finally allows you to use the OS on tablets and foldable smartphones. It also brings its share of novelties: here they are.
Android 14 should officially arrive next September, in just over two months. For the moment, this new version of the mobile operating system is in development at Google. The betas are linked, each adding new features. This is also the case with Android 14 Beta 4, of which 9to5Google listed what’s new.
Which models are compatible with Android 14 Beta 4?
Only Pixel products are compatible with this preview version of Android. You can install it, but bugs can occur and block you completely. Here is the list of compatible devices:
Note that this is the first beta available on tablet and foldable smartphone.
What’s new in Android 14 Beta 4
Here is the list of new arrivals with beta 4 of Android 14.
New profile pictures
Some people use multiple profiles » on the same smartphone: practical for dividing personal life and professional life or for sharing it with several people. Profiles appearing as icons.
Google has reviewed these icons: no more colorful men, but shapes, plants or animals with even more colors.
Automatic unlocking with a PIN code
If you use a PIN code, on most interfaces you have to enter it, then validate by clicking on a ” Entrance “. A parameter is appearing on the beta, called ” automatic unlock confirmation “.
For correct PIN codes of six digits or more, unlocking will be automatic: once the code is entered, the smartphone will display the last application opened or the home screen.
The year of manufacture of your smartphone in the settings
In your device’s settings, in the ” about the device » and in the subsection « model we find a new line of information.
It indicates the year of manufacture in addition to the name of the model, the serial number as well as the version. Not the most useful of information, but it’s there.
See if the volume is muted at a glance
If your ringtone is off on Android, that doesn’t mean the media volume isn’t. In Android 14 Beta 4, an icon replaces that of the muted ringtone. This is a crossed out speaker appearing in the status bar.
It says that no sound will come out of your device unless you turn up the volume. What to see at a glance if you can discreetly watch this TikTok before your eyes.
What’s New for Android 14 Beta 4 Foldable Tablets and Smartphones
This fourth beta version of Android 14 being the first supported by the Pixel Tablet and the Pixel Fold, additions dedicated to these devices are appearing. However, the bad surprise is that we have no clock or shortcut for the lock screen. However, these are highly anticipated new features on Android 14 and are available for smartphones.
Easier-to-enable multitasking on tablets
The English media has also spotted a new way to activate multitasking on a touch pad. By keeping pressed on an application icon, you can click on ” split screen “.
This will launch the application a priori on half the screen: the other half should offer a selection of applications to choose one to open in parallel.
Adding widgets just got easier
At the same time, Google adds a new way to choose its widgets, taking advantage of the large screen of a tablet or a foldable smartphone.
The presentation is now in two columns, with the applications that offer them on the left and the widgets by application on the right.
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