Android 14 launch date, new features, and more

Android 14 is the latest release in the long-running software system from Google. It powers the best smartphones. It launched back in October 2023 alongside the Pixel 8 smartphones. the next step in the open-source phone and Chromebook operating system and offers exciting new features, more security, and better optimizations.

The Android version is already available on a select few handsets, most notably the latest launches which get the new software out of the box. More devices are set to get an update soon. Let's go over the details of Android 14, including its launch dates, new feature list, and more.

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When is Android 14 expected to launch publicly for smartphones?

Google followed its regular release schedule for the Android 14 update. The operating system hit its first developer preview back in early 2023. A beta version followed suit in the second quarter of last year.

Android 14 release outline with expected beta launch estimates (Image via Google)

The operating system was formally introduced in Google I/O 2023 in June. Platform stability versions followed the launch with the Android version becoming better and better by the day. In this period, most bugs in the system were ironed out before it rolled out to the public.

Users got to use Android 14 for the first time when the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro smartphones hit shelves on October 12, 2023. Since then, other latest Android flagships like the Galaxy S24 series, the OnePlus 12 smartphones, and more have incorporated the software version out of the box.

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Exciting new features are headed to mobiles with the new Android 14 update

Android 14 is not a massive overhaul, unlike Android 12. However, multiple new features have been added to the market's most widely used mobile operating system.

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1) Automatic SIM card switching for convenient mobile data availability

For starters, Android 14 will attempt to solve the dilemma dual SIM users face with mobile data. When a signal from one data carrier becomes fuzzy, users must quickly swap SIM card slots to switch to another carrier to avoid connectivity interruptions.

The upcoming Android version will seemingly automate this process so that mobile data automatically switches to the second SIM card in case the first one faces problems.

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2) Bloatware detection and removal features

Bloatware is one of the major problems with Android devices. Sometimes, smartphones come loaded with such unwanted software out of the box, while an immaculate device can accumulate a fair bit of them over usage.

Android 14 packs a new feature that detects such unwanted software and helps users get rid of it to manage storage better and improve operating speeds.

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3) Customizable gallery access for enhanced privacy

With the latest version of Android, Google engineers are taking some inspiration from iOS devices. Like iPhones, Android devices allow users to access only specified photos from the gallery if an app asks for such permissions.

Most social media apps like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter have access to every photo in the device's gallery. This can be a security concern provided by the breadth of data collection such companies are infamous for. With this new feature, Android devices will add another layer of security.

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4) Better battery optimizations

With the new Android version, smartphones will apply stricter battery-saving measures to extend the standby time. The list of new optimizations is listed below:

1. Google is rolling out strict APIs that will help save battery life. Apps might be forced to use them with the upcoming Android update.
2. Apps that send notifications at exact times must ask for the user's permission. Lesser notifications mean slightly longer battery life.
3. The company is working on a more optimized internal broadcast system. Limiting the times a device wakes up to send broadcast signals will improve battery life.

Battery life on Android devices has dramatically improved over the past few years. However, smartphones will move one step closer to perfection with the upcoming update.

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5) Minor tweaks to animations

Based on leaked info, the upcoming Android 14 update will pack slight improvements to the animations. Based on information showcased by the company at Android Dev Summit 2022, the company will introduce a sleek and new "back" animation with the upcoming update.

The updated animation will give a glimpse of the screen users will return to while initializing the back gesture. Besides this, there are some minor animation tweaks. However, Google has no significant changes planned.

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Overall, the upcoming Android 14 will spice up the OS a notch. With multiple exciting new features stacked up, it is turning out to be an interesting version update.