Discover the Incredible Android 14 Features That Will Blow Your Mind!

Android 14 is set to be released in Fall 2023, and although we have already achieved "Platform Stability" with Beta 3, there are still many exciting features yet to be unveiled.

Although it may appear insignificant, the introduction of custom emoji wallpapers in iOS 16 has made me envious of iPhone users. However, with the upcoming release of Android 14, a similar feature will be available, and I am eagerly looking forward to experiencing it firsthand.

Google’s implementation surpasses Apple’s with its impressive visual appeal. With just a few taps, users can effortlessly add emojis, select a desired pattern, and then customize it further by applying a vibrant color palette. What's even more remarkable is the option to transform it into a dynamic live wallpaper, complete with animated effects that respond to your touch.

Customizable Lock Screen Shortcuts

Lock screen shortcuts that can be customized have long been available on Samsung Galaxy devices, but now this feature is becoming an integral part of the Android operating system as a whole. This is a welcome addition that many Android users will appreciate.

Previously, Google had control over the shortcuts available on the lock screen, and these may not have been the ones you actually needed. However, with the introduction of Android 14, users now have the freedom to customize the right and left slots on the lock screen. This allows you to personalize the shortcuts for features like the flashlight, Do Not Disturb mode, camera, Google Wallet, mute, Google Home, QR code scanner, or video camera to suit your individual preferences and needs.

A Better Back Gesture

Android's swipe-based navigation gestures have undergone significant improvements since their initial introduction in Android 9 Pie. While not everyone is fond of gestures, Android 14 aims to win over more users with a clever "predictive" back gesture.

When swiping from either the left or right side to return to the previous screen, a faded preview of the destination starts to appear. This addition helps provide greater clarity, especially in instances where the back gesture may be less predictable with certain applications. To emphasize this feature, the accompanying video demonstrates its usage at a slower pace.

While testing the OnePlus Pad, I decided to head to a coffee shop to get some writing done. One drawback I encountered was the unsatisfactory performance of the trackpad gestures and the arrangement of keys on the keyboard cover. Although I understand that Android is not primarily designed for desktop use, it is still reasonable to expect a seamless experience when using a full-sized keyboard and trackpad.

New keyboard and trackpad features have been found in the early builds of Android 14. These enhancements may offer users the ability to personalize the Caps Lock, Ctrl, Alt, and Meta keys. Additionally, certain keycodes have been modified to ensure better compatibility with Android's navigation. Furthermore, it seems that Android 14 will introduce support for media control and the adjustment of keyboard backlighting.

On the trackpad front, there are indications of new options for scrolling direction, tap-to-click behavior, pointer speed, and gestures. While some manufacturers have already implemented similar features, having them integrated directly into Android will be a welcome addition.

Easily Use Your Phone as a Webcam

Following Apple's recent announcement that iPhones will be able to function as webcams starting in 2022, Android 14 is also working on a similar feature. There is currently an ongoing project that aims to enable Android devices to be used as "USB Video Class" (UVC) webcams, providing users with a convenient plug-and-play experience. This new capability is undeniably impressive.

I sometimes connect my laptop to a larger monitor, but the placement of the webcam is quite bothersome in this setup. When I need to use the webcam, my laptop is positioned at an awkward angle to capture my face. It would be convenient if I could simply connect my phone to the laptop and use it as a webcam, without the need for any additional software.

Easier Updating for the Share Menu

If there’s one thing that Android users universally despise, it's the frustratingly inconsistent share menu. Each manufacturer has their own unique style, and certain apps even opt for their own custom menu instead of the system share menu. Personally, I find this menu to be excessively bothersome, despite its frequent use in my daily activities.

Android 14 introduces a revamped share menu that includes a dedicated row for app customization. This enhancement is expected to encourage more apps to utilize the system share menu. It is worth noting that the share menu is an integral part of the Android OS and can only be modified by Google through complete system updates. However, with Android 14, there is a possibility that the share menu will be separated for easier and more frequent updates, which would be highly beneficial.

Making it Easier to Find Bloatware

It would be incredibly beneficial if Android 14 were to include a feature called "Apps Installed in the Background" in the Developer Options menu. This feature would effectively identify and highlight all the pre-installed apps, ranging from carrier apps to sponsored games. Personally, whenever I acquire a new Android device, my initial task is to meticulously sift through the list of apps and remove any unnecessary bloatware. Depending on the device, this process can involve uninstalling anywhere from 10 to 20 apps. Having a centralized location to easily locate and manage all the pre-installed apps would be highly appreciated.

In June 2023, as of now, we have one more beta release planned for July. Subsequently, we anticipate the final release in the Fall, possibly coinciding with the launch of the Pixel 8 and a potential new Pixel Watch. Although Android updates may not generate the same level of excitement as before, this can be viewed positively rather than negatively.