Android 14 was released with a focus on customization and accessibility

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Google has finally released Android 14. The new version of the operating system was announced on Wednesday (4) and arrives first for Pixel Line devices, highlighting improvements in customization and accessibility. At the same event, the company also introduced the new Pixel 8 and Pixel Watch 2.

The system has been in testing since April, with the latest beta version released in August. The stable release also introduces some specific changes to the visual, while still following Material You’s guidelines, and more security controls.

What’s new in Android 14

Check out the major news announced about the new OS build:

New gesture for the “return” command.

The Back command has a new on-screen gesture option: You can drag your finger from the left corner until you see an arrow indicating the action. The change ensures greater gesture feedback and can make navigation easier.

More customization

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the new Android Expanded the possibilities of managing the lock screen and making it your own. In addition to wallpapers, the system lets you choose between different clock models, color palettes, and shortcuts.

Another new feature is the possibility of including a monochrome theme, which is ideal for those who enjoy a simple and discreet look. All of this can be accessed locally through Android Settings.

Artificial intelligence wallpapers

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In the absence of a favorite image, Android users will be able to create wallpapers using generative AI through text commands. Initially, the new feature is only available for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro models.

New accessibility features

Android 14 places a heavy emphasis on accessibility improvements. The magnifying glass tool has been updated and is now more intuitive, with tap commands to enlarge or reduce items on the screen and greater customization of the size of the selected area.

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Android Quick Settings includes a shortcut to change the font size more quickly and improve the readability of content at non-linear sizes. Hence, the feature only focuses on highlighting the smallest texts on the screen while preserving the original size of larger fonts.

The update also expands the ways to connect hearing aids and creates new shortcuts to access them in the system. Finally, the flash light can be activated to appear when there is a new notification on the device.

Greater control over your data

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The System Permissions screen has been updated to include detailed information about how each app uses your data. Before making a decision, you can check if the tool shares anything with external platforms.

Better eSIM support

Google’s operating system has taken another step towards eliminating physical SIM cards. In the settings, you can find an option to convert it to an eSIM and use only the digital version on the device.

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New logo

The new version of the system is also accompanied by the new version of the mascot: the traditional robot has been updated to a more customizable and dynamic 3D version, while the typography has been changed to be in the same proportion as the Google logo.

More news

Hey Canaltech I’ve detailed the 14 coolest new features in Android 14, so check them out and stay tuned to everything Google’s new system has to offer.

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Which phones will receive Android 14?

The update has already been released today for the following Pixel line devices:

• Pixel 4a 5G;
• pixel 5;
• Pixel 5a;
• Pixel 6;
• Pixel 6 Pro;
• Pixel 6a;
• Pixel 7;
• Pixel 7a;
• Pixel 7 Pro;
• pixel 8;
• Pixel 8 Pro;
• Pixel fold.

In addition to the mobile phones, the Pixel Tablet is another model receiving the update starting today. Now it is also the turn of manufacturers to add the system to mobile phones and create their own versions of the interface, as is the case with Samsung with One UI and Xiaomi with MIUI. See the full list of devices that should receive the new version of Android.

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Update now

If you have one of the compatible devices, you can now download and configure Android 14 on your device. Simply open Settings and look for “System Update” option to install the build.