Amidst all the joy of Google I/O 2023, the second beta of Android 14 was quietly launched to a choose few Pixel telephones, bringing with it a handful of recent options.

Chief amongst these is the information sharing device getting a “new part within the location runtime permission dialog”. In response to the Android Builders Weblog (opens in new tab), the device will let you realize when an app in your telephone “shares location knowledge with third events, the place [you] can get extra data [on the process], and management the app’s knowledge entry.” Moreover, customers will obtain a “periodic notification” if any app immediately begins sharing knowledge with third events so you are not caught unaware. Google states the revamped knowledge sharing will work with apps from different on-line shops; not simply no matter you obtain from the Play Retailer.

Well being Join, “an on-device repository for consumer well being and health knowledge”, will now be a local app on the OS the place it’s going to obtain automated updates. That means, it’ll at all times have up-to-date safety holding your data protected “with out requiring a separate obtain.” 

HDR imaging

Transferring previous the safety replace, Google is including help for HDR (opens in new tab) (high-dynamic vary) to Android 14, permitting the OS to take images sporting “vibrant colours and better distinction”.

What’s totally different is the brand new Extremely HDR (opens in new tab) format which is claimed to be backward appropriate with the JPEG format. This can give older telephones a approach to view these HDR photos albeit extra compressed, because it’ll be in a typical dynamic vary. The working system can be set to enhance Digicam Extensions. This efficiency increase will enable “apps to deal with longer processing instances” for sure forms of photos like these from low-light images.

There’s extra to the beta than this handful of options. Bug fixes (opens in new tab) are part of the bundle too. One addresses stability issues that might trigger the consumer interface to both lag or crash. You even have a repair for a biometrics bug inflicting “some apps to not work correctly.”

Quite a lot of the upcoming modifications proven at Google I/O 2023 gained’t be part of this beta, however you may get a first-hand look on The Key phrase weblog (opens in new tab). Later down the road, customers will be capable of create their very own telephone wallpaper through generative AI. All it’s a must to do is enter a immediate. And there is Magic Compose that will help you write fundamental texts you’re too lazy to jot down. 

Availability

When you’re , you possibly can set up Android 14 Beta 2 by becoming a member of Google’s Beta Program (opens in new tab). A listing of appropriate gadgets (opens in new tab) could be discovered within the Android Developer Weblog which consists of however isn’t restricted to the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Professional, and the Pixel 6a. The beta will not be obtainable for the not too long ago launched Pixel 7a, sadly. Talking of gadgets, the primary Android 14 beta (opens in new tab) is now obtainable on a handful of third-party telephones just like the OnePlus 11 and the Nothing Telephone 1 if you wish to attempt it on the market.

The third Android 14 beta is about to launch in June with the official launch anticipated to be someday within the late summer season; almost definitely August.

You’ll want to try TechRadar’s protection of Google I/O 2023. The tech big goes all in on AI, and loads of what was proven was admittedly fairly spectacular.