At Google's I/O conference, the tech giant unveiled Android 14 Beta 2 , which showcases significant improvements in various areas. The latest update enhances camera and media features, privacy and security settings, the system's user interface, and productivity tools for developers.
Key features of Android 14 Beta 2
One notable addition is support for 10-bit Ultra HDR images, which offer vivid colours and enhanced contrast. Android 14 is fully compatible with the JPEG format, allowing rendering in both normal dynamic range and HDR mode.
Camera extensions
Camera extensions have also received updates, such as.
- dynamic still image processing delay estimation
- support for recalls in the recording process
- extension-specific metadata
- still image recording with post-view function
- touch focus and zoom while using the extension
The introduction of in-sensor zoom allows users to control zoom before the other camera controls are ready.
Android 14 Beta 2 supports lossless audio formats for USB wired headphones, improving users' audio experience. In addition, advanced graphical features have been implemented, enabling custom meshes with peak and fractional subdivisions, as well as hardware buffer rendering for Canvas, resulting in more efficient drawing with hardware acceleration.
Google Health connect
Google has unveiled Health Connect, a repository for users' health and fitness data on a device. This platform integration allows users to share data between their preferred health apps and seamlessly integrate privacy controls into system settings.
Health Connect is currently available as a downloadable app from the Google Play Store. As of Android 14, Health Connect is part of the platform and will receive updates via Google Play system updates without a separate download. This allows Health Connect to be updated frequently and developers can rely on Health Connect being available on devices running Android 14 or later. Users can access Health Connect from their device settings, with privacy controls integrated into the system settings.
Data sharing
Users will see a new section in the site runtime permissions dialog that highlights when an application shares site data with third parties, where they can get more information and control the application's access to data. This information is taken from the Google Play Console Data Security form . Other app stores will be able to provide a mechanism to pass on this information. We recommend that you review your app location data sharing policies and update your app data security information accordingly to keep it up to date. This change will be implemented shortly.
In addition, users will receive regular notifications when their location-enabled application changes its data sharing practices and starts sharing their data with third parties.
Secure full-screen Intent notifications
In order to simplify the user experience, Google has limited the full-screen notification permission to apps that only provide call and alerting. This permission will remain enabled for apps installed before the Android 14 update, and users can manage this permission as needed.
Predictive back
With the release of Android 14 Beta 2, a number of improvements and new guidelines have been added to help developers animate the transition between activities within the app more smoothly.
Developer tools
In terms of developer tools, Google has introduced new Material Component animations and APIs that enable seamless transitions between activities within applications. Developers can now create custom in-app transitions and enable predictive system animations per activity.
Android 14 Beta 2 supported devices
Google is offering its system, which is still in beta, for a number of devices. Of course, the On Xiaomi phones outside of OPPO, OPPO, VIVO, Realme, One Plus and, of course, its own Pixel phones. The full list:
- Pixel 4a
- Pixel 5 and 5a
- Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel Fold
- OnePlus 11
- Nothing phone (1)
- Xiaomi 12T, Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro
- iQOO 11
- Vivo X90 series
- Realme GT 2 Pro
- Oppo Find N2 Flip
- Lenovo Tab Extreme
- Tecno Camon 20 series
In China, the Xiaomi Pad 6 has also received this version of Android 14.
With Android 14 Beta 2, Google continues to focus on user experience, privacy and developer efficiency, offering a robust platform for Android users and developers alike.
