Unleashing the Next Level: Android 14 Now Available Exclusively for Pixel Phones!

We are now in the last months of 2023, signaling the need for updates to smartphone operating systems. iOS 17 has already been released by Apple and is now available on both new and older iPhones. Android 14, the next version of Android, has been anticipated for some time and is now being introduced along with the release of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Android 14 has transitioned out of beta and is now officially accessible to the general public. Pixel users can anticipate receiving the latest Android version in the coming weeks. Furthermore, Android 14 has been made open source and uploaded to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). This allows Android device manufacturers to integrate the newest Android version into their phones, tablets, and other devices. Additionally, third-party developers can examine it and create custom ROMs based on Android 14.

Android 14 introduces multiple notable enhancements and functionalities. One significant improvement is the inclusion of emergency satellite communication, enabling users to directly connect to satellites without the need for Wi-Fi or data. However, this feature requires the phone to have the necessary hardware. The Android share menu, which has often faced criticism, may now be independently updatable, resulting in more frequent and convenient updates. Additionally, Android has been optimized to cater to different screen sizes, a crucial aspect for foldable devices, with updated app quality checklists and layouts. Regional Preferences allow users to customize weather units, calendar formats, and number systems based on their personal preferences.

Further additions include the capability to uninstall background-installed bloatware, providing users with greater control. Android 14 also integrates passkey support and offers iOS-like photo permission controls, granting users the ability to selectively grant access to photographs. For a comprehensive list of features, please refer to our main roundup on Android 14.

The new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will come with Android 14 pre-installed, and older phones can expect to receive the update in the near future. The timeline for updates on other smartphones will vary depending on the manufacturer. Samsung and OnePlus are expected to release their stable updates within the next few months, followed by other smartphone makers. However, it may take some phones up to a year or more to receive the Android 14 update.