Android 14 is available in Developer Preview 1: update on its new features

Each new version of Android now respects a specific schedule, which makes it easy to follow the deployment of the OS. Just a year ago, Google launched the first version of the Developer Preview of Android 13. It is now the turn of Android 14, an OS that promises to bring a few more changes than the version former.

As usual, the operating system does not reveal all its secrets at once. It is therefore up to the developers to dig into the code to find interesting changes. Google teams have however specified that this Developer Preview 1 (or DP1) is based largely on the work carried out on Android 12L, the version of the OS intended for tablets and folding devices, and Android 13.

Nothing particularly surprising here, since the Mountain View company is working on these two projects itself with the Pixel Fold and the Pixel Tablet. Android 14 will therefore be thought of as a way to better synchronize this entire ecosystem.

A more accessible OS

Early feedback indicates that Android 14 will have a particular focus on accessibility. We know, for example, that fonts can be displayed in much larger characters. It will indeed be possible to choose an enlargement of 200%, against 130% previously. A detail which is important for the visually impaired, and which requires an interface capable of adapting.

This new version will also make it much easier to change the language for its various applications. Tools are also made available to developers to facilitate their work on languages ​​that include gender variations.

Improve autonomy

The second project concerns autonomy, so important on our smartphones. This Developer Preview offers various improvements for the battery. We think in particular of a better management of the tasks carried out in the foreground or of changes with regard to the operation of the alarms. These can be energy-intensive, and developers will now need to request permission to activate them.

Security hardening

The third point concerns security. As we explained recently, Google wants to intensify its hunt for malware, which abounds in particular on older versions of Android. Indeed, some malicious programs target the latter in order to dodge the permission system put in place from 2015.

The new OS will prevent the installation of applications that specifically target these versions, and which are no longer updated regularly. In particular, it will require that applications target at least Android 6.0 (SDK level 22 or lower). The goal is to go back in time OS after OS, to more effectively secure the gigantic fleet of devices.

It will also no longer be possible to load APKs directly onto the smartphone (sideloading), and stores will no longer be able to install them automatically.

A phased deployment

This Developer Preview is available on the following Google Pixels: Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 5a, Pixel 5, Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 4a.

The Californian giant has communicated the deployment schedule for the new operating system. We note that the beta versions will once again be available from April, and that we will have to wait until the start of the school year to take full advantage of them.