Built-in AI for creating custom wallpapers and generating texts

Built-in artificial intelligence will help you communicate in instant messengers.

In May, intriguing news circulated in specialized media about the integration of artificial intelligence into the core functions of Android 14. According to Google representatives, AI will provide a deeper understanding of Android 13's principles, enabling users to create both regular and "cinematic" wallpapers, as well as design their own watch faces using the Material You design concept. The newly introduced smart feature, Magic Compose, has generated even more interest. It is a kind of analogue of ChatGPT, built right into the messenger. With AI assistance, users can generate quick and diverse responses to incoming messages in various styles.

New accessibility features

Android 14 will feature smart text scaling for people with poor vision.

Enhancing user experience is a key focus in the competition for user preference, and Google excels in this aspect. In Android 12, developers introduced regular display scaling and improved gesture-based screen control. Android 13 featured a reading mode for visually impaired users and support for built-in braille and audio descriptions. Android 14 takes it a step further by allowing a 200% increase in font size across the OS (up from the previous 130%), benefiting users with poor vision. Google emphasizes that this smart scaling won't excessively enlarge already large text titles. Additionally, individuals with hearing difficulties can activate visual alert mode, causing the display and camera flash to flash upon incoming calls or messages.

DVR mode

Android smartphones can be used as car DVRs now.

A new feature named Dashcam, found in the Personal Security menu, enables users to discreetly record video and audio in the background without disrupting other applications. This allows any modern Android smartphone owner to transform their device into a car recorder while enjoying music on YouTube Music or dictating emails during a traffic jam. Conveniently, Dashcam automatically activates and deactivates when connected to a specific Bluetooth device, like an on-board computer. To prevent memory overload, users can choose a timeframe, after which all files will be automatically deleted from the device.

Repair mode

The new Repair Mode will hide all user data during repairs.

The Repair Mode is an inconspicuous yet highly beneficial feature developed in response to new European laws on the right to repair. Activating this mode allows users to partially restrict their smartphone before sending it to a service center. In Android's Repair Mode, a temporary protective profile is created, blocking user data while keeping essential smartphone functions accessible. This enables technicians to test various components such as the display, camera, phone module, speakers, and wireless receiver during the repair process. A comparable feature, known as "Maintenance Mode", is integrated into Samsung Galaxy smartphones.

Unmodified Android smartphones

Battery life cycle monitoring

Android 14 will add an iOS-style battery monitoring system.

The September beta version of Android 14 QPR1 revealed a highly requested feature that Android smartphone owners have long asked for — the ability to check the battery level. Users can now not only view the total number of battery charge cycles but also check the battery's manufacturing date in the BatteryManager menu. This move by Google aims to simplify the process for those considering the purchase of a used smartphone, addressing concerns about battery wear. Notably, unlike Apple devices, the BatteryManager menu currently lacks indicators for maximum capacity or overall "battery status", but it's possible that Google might introduce these features in the final release.

Battery optimization

Thanks to small settings optimizations, smartphones based on Android 14 will use battery power more efficiently.

In the development of Android 14, Google engineers delved into optimization for battery efficiency. While not as impactful as the Doze mode in Android Marshmallow, these adjustments should not be overlooked. Notable changes include automatic dimming of wallpapers in energy-saving mode and optimizations in the Foreground Services and Task Scheduler APIs. These tweaks aim to reduce overall system power consumption during background tasks and large file downloads. Additionally, a new permission for third-party calendars and alarm clocks has been introduced to prevent unnecessary background activity, conserving battery power.

Application cloning

Now for each application you can create several copies with different settings and active accounts.

Many users want to have multiple accounts on one device. For example, use several different accounts for instant messengers or Discord, use different profiles for YouTube and YouTube Music, or store several email client profiles without having to constantly switch between them. It seems that Android 14 will resolve a long-standing concern by enabling users to install multiple versions of the same application with distinct settings on their smartphone. This allows the removal of clones as separate applications without impacting the primary settings, particularly beneficial for users implementing parental controls.

Finding and deleting hidden applications

No more pre-installed stores, messengers and calculators!

In the latest beta version, a discreet highly useful feature called "Bloatware Removal" was uncovered in the hidden settings menu. This option empowers users to view a list of applications installed by the manufacturer or mobile operator and, crucially, allows for their deletion. This marks a significant step as Google grants users the ability to declutter built-in firmware by removing unwanted pre-installed applications, including manufacturer stores, partner apps, unreliable calculators, buggy file managers, and other components of custom firmware that users didn't request.

Smartphones on Android 13

More convenient and safe screen recording

The Screen Recording mode has a variety of security settings.

Android 14 is set to introduce a notable security feature, allowing users to safeguard sensitive information during screen recording. Unlike current screen recording options on stock Android 14, the upcoming version will provide more control. Users can choose to disable audio recording, hide touches, and even limit recording to specific scenarios. For example, it can focus on a particular application, conceal system notifications, messages, or incoming calls. Additionally, users can control the visibility of objects on the screen to exclude sensitive information from the recording. If a user chooses to record a specific app and exits it, Android will record a black screen until the user launches the app again.

Smartphone as a webcam

Android smartphones can be used as webcams for PCs or laptops now.

Google has responded to the requests of many PC users by introducing the capability to use Android smartphones as webcams. In the latest September beta version, Pixel smartphones can serve as webcams when connected to a PC or laptop via a standard USB cable. Unlike Apple's Continuity Camera, which is limited to iPhones and MacBooks, Google's solution is cross-platform, supporting Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS. Google has made efforts to simplify the process, adding a "Web camera" option in the "Use this device as..." pop-up menu when connecting a smartphone to a PC or laptop in Android 14. This option includes settings for video stream quality, image scaling, and the ability to switch between the main and front cameras.