Google has just released the first public beta of Android 14. The opportunity to preview the new features of the next version of the mobile system. But only for the curious with a Pixel…
It has become a ritual. Each spring, Google begins to unveil the evolutions of its Android mobile operating system. The developers have already been able to start working on it since January with a version reserved for them. Since today, beta 1 of Android 14 is available to anyone who wants to take a look at the new features brought by the next version of the system… provided they have a compatible device. And, in this case, they are currently not very numerous. Thus, only home devices, Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are affected by the program. Other smartphones from other manufacturers will subsequently be added to the test program for this beta version.
How to install Android 14 beta 1 on a Pixel smartphone?
To participate, the process remains as simple as ever, but as usual, several concepts must be kept in mind. First of all, it is, as its name suggests, a first beta version. Google therefore insists that it can present (like its future evolutions) “errors and defects that may affect the proper functioning of your device “. In other words, it is strongly recommended not to install pre-release versions of Android 14 on the smartphone that you use every day. Then, once the device is enrolled in the beta program, Google indicates that “you will not be able to unsubscribe and revert to a stable public version of Android without first erasing all locally saved data on your device “. And the Mountain View firm to specify that “you may also experience problems restoring a backup “. You have been warned!
Still tempted to install the first beta of Android 14 on your Pixel? So go to the android beta program page and sign in with your Google account. Then click on the button View your eligible devices. The Pixel smartphones that you own and that use your Google account are then displayed. Just click the button + Enable. The device will then receive, at most within the next 24 hours and if it is well connected to the Internet, the update to Android 14 beta 1. You can check the availability of the update at any time from the Android settings, in the section System > System update. Make sure beforehand that you have made all the necessary backups.
What’s new in Android 14?
So far, Android 14 has revealed very few secrets. The Android 14 beta program should run from April to July with several versions on the program. Then, the system will enter a stability test phase during the summer before being officially available in the fall. From what we can see with this first version, the system has a clearer navigation mode, in particular to go back using the gesture mode. A large arrow thus appears and also reveals an overview of the previous page.
There is also a question of more readability in the sharing options when it comes to sending a photo or a document to one of his contacts. The options offered depend on the application from which the action is taken.
In addition, security goes up a notch, especially with applications requesting access to accessibility options. This is a sensitive aspect of Android that can give control of many smartphone settings to third-party apps. These will obviously be analyzed by Play Protect (the protection system integrated into the PlayStore) to assess the relevance of these access requests. The purpose being “prevent unintended execution of critical actions (such as transferring money or paying in a shopping app)“, as Google points out.