The Developer Preview 1 is as the name suggests, intended for developers to test the changes and new features of Android 14. As usual, anyone can install it, provided they have a compatible Google Pixel smartphone. Alternatively, you can check out our complete Android 14 guide to find out all about the update’s compatibility and release date.
This article only lists visible changes as some of the changes are internal and reserved for developers. However, Google is expected to add more features in Developer Preview 2, so let’s find out what will change on Android 14.
More advanced customization of fonts and default preferred language
Google is going to allow increasing the maximum font zoom level while using non-distorting and non-linear scaling. Originally set at 130%, this setting will now increase font sizes by up to 200%, producing more readable text that will greatly help the visually impaired and elderly.
Developers will now be able to give you the option to select the default preferred language for each application. At the same time, support for new specific terms and addresses will help to emphasize gendered languages such as French and German.
Android 14 will support non-linear font scaling up to 200% / © Google
Fast Pair will be highlighted more
As famous developer Mishaal Rahman noticed, Google is still working on its Fast Pair feature. This feature will now be added to the Connected Devices Preferences in Settings. There will be a Fast Pair menu as is already the case for Bluetooth, Screencast, NFC and Print. This menu will contain a toggle to scan for Fast Pair compatible devices.
Improved backspace gesture and battery menu in settings
The same developer claims that the backspace gesture will be improved in Android 14. Swiping to backspace in an app will now give you a preview of what you should see, compared to Android 13 where you had to guess where the return gesture was going to take you away.
The battery options menu will see some changes. In the Battery Usage part, the screen usage time will be labeled with the period of the last recharge. Just below, there will be an option to show usage by app or system breakdown.
Extreme Power Saving Mode has been added to the main page, as has the Optimize Battery Usage option. Changes will also be made to the calendar as well as reminders.
Android 14 will bring a new battery interface / © Twitter/u/MishaalRahman
Better autonomy management and applications optimized for large screens
Google will also make improvements less noticeable by users but which should improve the autonomy of our smartphones.
Android 14 will also bring better support for large screens and new formats such as foldable smartphones. These optimizations will allow applications to adapt easily to any type of screen.
Stricter application sideloading
On the security front, Google will finally implement a stricter sideloading system to counter and reduce malware attacks. It was previously reported that sideloading outdated apps would be more complicated.
With Android 14, applications made from the framework of Android 6.0 or lower will be blocked. However, there will always be a way to circumvent this measure if the application is already installed.
Android 13 and Android 12 release schedule could be carried over to Android 14 / © Google
When can you install Android 14 Developer Preview 1?
Again, the Developer Preview is just a preview of what Android 14 will bring. If you plan to install it, you will need to have a Pixel 4a or newer models like the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, then go to the dedicated page.
As for the final version of Android 14, it should be available in August based on Google’s annual schedule. Pixels will be the first smartphones to run Android 14, before smartphones from manufacturers like Samsung and Xiaomi follow suit.
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Are you planning to install Android 14 Developer Preview 1? What novelty are you most interested in at the moment?
