Android 14: the first Developer Preview version is here, here are all the new features

Google has just started rolling out the first Developer Preview of Android 14, kicking off a long process of successive updates before a stable version is released at the end of the year. 2023.

Almost a year after the launch of the first Developer Preview version of Android 13, Google has started rolling out the first update to its new operating system: Android 14. This time, initial priorities are accessibility, battery life and security.

Among the major novelties, we can note that the fonts can be scaled to a much larger size (200% versus 130% before), and smarter scaling makes text more readable. Plus, it’s easier to set preferred languages ​​for apps, and developers can be more accommodating to people who speak gendered languages ​​like French.

Also read – Android 14 could turn your smartphone into a webcam

Android 14 will improve your autonomy

Android 14 DP1 also includes some improvements for your battery. There are now tighter controls on alarms, foreground tasks, and internal broadcasts, all of which can reduce energy consumption.

It should also be easier to build apps for foldable phones and tablets. So you might soon see software that makes better use of your device’s large screen.

Regarding privacy and security, the new developer preview release prevents users from easily loading apps that use Android SDK level 22 or lower onto their smartphones. In other words, Google will require apps to target at least Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)as some malware is written for older versions to avoid a permissions system introduced in 2015.

You may then need to look for alternatives if there’s an old app you don’t want to give up. The new Android 14 Developer Preview is available for Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 5a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 4a. The stable version should arrive at the end of summer 2023.