The first beta version of Android 14 has been released and if the new features presented are few, it may be because the real ones are hidden. The media “9to5Google” dug into the source code and found potential future features.
A few days ago, the first beta version of Android 14 was released on Pixel smartphones. If we count a few new features, they are quite rare and Android 14 looks almost identical to Android 13. But the site 9to5Google has found features that Google is preparing and could announce on Android 14, notably during its Google I/O conference, which will take place on May 10. However, this does not guarantee that they will all be present in the OS, or at least not immediately. The media was even able to test them to give a first idea of what they could give in practice.
A personalized lock screen clock
iOS 16 had made it possible to customize the lock screen of your iPhone in depth, Android 14 could also get started. This feature was first spotted in 2019 during the development of Android 10, before mysteriously disappearing. For the moment, the customization options are quite poor: you can modify the color (via Material You specifically) by choosing from a palette and its brightness.
Source: 9to5Google
Source: 9to5Google
You can also change the size, between ” Dynamic “, the default value on Pixels which allows the clock to adapt according to the number of notifications received, but also “ Small where the size remains constant.
Screen recorder: the ability to film a single application
Our English-speaking colleagues from9to5Googleargue that the recording of the screen of its Android smartphone could be overhauled with Android 14. Clearly, Google would offer “record a single app instead of recording the entire phone or tablet screen.A change that could also apply to applications that allow you to share your screen, such as Google Meet, Discord, etc.
Source: 9to5Google
Source: 9to5Google
Source: 9to5Google
Something to avoid showing something undesirable. The most telling example is obviously an incoming notification, a message that we had not planned to receive and which is displayed. You can still choose to display your screen and not a single application.
Lock screen shortcuts
As the media that was able to dig into the source code of Android 14 points out, “Pixel phones today offer two quick access shortcuts in the lower left and lower right corners of the lock screen“. One is for Google Home, the other is for Google Wallet. From now on, these shortcuts could be customizable, as they were in the last update of Nothing phone (1).
Source: 9to5Google
Source: 9to5Google
Several options are offered: none, video, photography, mute, device control, or do not disturb.
Revamped style and wallpaper options
The menu “Wallpaper and style” that we know on Android 13 is in this version divided into two menus: “Lock Screen” And “Homepage“. The first incorporates a whole new set of options mentioned earlier. The second contains the options to switch wallpaper, change colors, activate thematic icons or even change the size of the Pixel Launcher grid.
These two tabs use the Material You design which tends to impose itself on Google’s interfaces. Sections are divided by cards and can “Automatically switch from stacking to juxtaposing if you’re using a larger device, like a tablet or foldable device.»
A paperweight that takes up less space
Like a recently saved screenshot, the clipboard will become more discreet. Instead of appearing in a horizontal bar above, the icon appears in a small floating square on the left side of the screen, just above the keyboard, if it is open.
By clicking on it, you can have a complete preview of the text you have copied. What take up less space on the screen and reduce the size of the keyboard, which can quickly take up space with the various menus that can be activated.
A quick setting to change the font size
The latest feature unearthed by9to5Googleis a new tile, a new quick setting that you can access by swiping your finger from top to bottom. Entitled “Font size», it quite simply allows you to modify the font size of the texts displayed, via a slider.
Source: 9to5Google
Source: 9to5Google
The idea is most likely to be able to change this size quickly if we are bothered by the text in an application. All without having to dig into the settings of your smartphone.
Do you use Google News (News in France)? You can follow your favorite media. Follow Frandroid on Google News (and Numerama).