It seems that we can already take a look at Android 14 thanks to the publication of the first developer preview what have you done Google.
As they point out in a blog post, these developer previews provide a test and development environment that they can use to test new APIs, identify issues, and plan for migration or features needed to adapt to the new platform.
On this occasion we can see how Google has wanted to prioritize three major aspects in this new operating system: accessibility, battery life and security.
“The Android 14 Preview program runs from February 2023 until the final public release to AOSPs and OEMs, scheduled for later in the year. At key development milestones, we will deliver updates to your development and test environments. Each update includes SDK tools , system images, emulators, API reference and API differences”explains Google.
Google presents the first beta for developers of its next operating system, Android 14
Google’s blog post, announcing the preview, claims that Android 14 “builds on work done on Android 12L and 13 to support tablets and foldables.”
Android 14 DP1 also includes some Improvements that allow you to make the most of the battery and the screen, with the aim of reducing its consumption. They also add that it should be easier to create apps for phones and foldables. This is something that seems quite logical given the path that Google is taking with the future presentation of a Pixel tablet for this year and its new foldable.
Google has also wanted to leave us some idea about the release date of Android 14. In its publication, it informs developers that it expects to close all the changes in its APIs in June, and that the official launch will take place “several weeks” later, probably in August.
They point out that fonts can be scaled to a much larger size (200% vs. 130% before), and smarter scaling makes text more readable. On the other hand, it is also easier to set default languages for applications.
Google’s post explains that its goal with Android 14 is “ensure that Android users can tailor their experience around their individual needs” and“include greater accessibility and internationalization features.”
of course too big improvements in privacy and security are expected by this novelty from Google, although most are internal, at least for now. Finally, it hints at the possibility that we can finally have a dedicated button for quick pairing, according to Android guru Mishaal Rahman.
Google had already added this option before, in one of its first preview versions of Android 13, but ended up removing it in the 3rd Beta version.
With all this, Google usually releases its first developer preview in February or March, then makes an official announcement at its annual Google I/O developer summit in the spring, and the full version of the software is finally released in the summer. The developer preview is available if you have a Pixel 4a (5G) or newer and are willing to check it out.