During Google’s I/O conference, the tech giant introduced Android 14 Beta 2, showcasing significant improvements across various areas. The latest update brings enhancements to camera and media features, privacy and security settings, system user interface, and tools for developers to boost productivity.
Key features of Android 14 (Beta 2):
One notable addition is the support for 10-bit Ultra HDR images, offering vibrant colors and enhanced contrast. Android 14 is fully compatible with JPEG, enabling rendering in both standard dynamic range and HDR mode.
Camera Extensions have also received upgrades, including dynamic still capture processing latency estimation, support for capture progress callbacks, extension-specific metadata, postview feature for still capture, and tap-to-focus and zoom during Extension usage. The introduction of in-sensor zoom allows users to control zoom even before other camera controls are ready.
Android 14 Beta 2 introduces support for lossless audio formats for USB-wired headsets, enhancing the audio experience for users. Additionally, advanced graphics features have been implemented, enabling custom meshes with vertex and fragment shaders, as well as a hardware buffer renderer for Canvas, resulting in more efficient drawing with hardware acceleration.
Google has introduced Health Connect, an on-device repository for user health and fitness data. This platform integration allows users to share data between their preferred health apps, with privacy controls seamlessly integrated into the system settings.
Enhanced data-sharing updates have been implemented, notifying users when an app shares their location data with third parties. Users will also receive notifications if their apps modify their data-sharing practices. A new location data-sharing updates page is accessible from within the device settings.
To streamline the user experience, Google has limited the apps granted full-screen intent notification permission to those that provide calling and alarms only. This permission will remain enabled for apps installed prior to the Android 14 update, and users can manage this permission as needed.
In terms of developer tools, Google has introduced new Material Component animations and APIs that enable seamless transitions between activities within an app. Developers can now create custom in-app transitions and enable predictive back system animations on a per-Activity basis.
Android 14 (Beta 2) supported devices
The Android 14 Beta 2 update will be available for devices from iQOO, Lenovo, Nothing, OnePlus, OPPO, realme, Tecno, vivo, Xiaomi, and more, further expanding its reach across different smartphone brands.
Here’s the list of all the supported smartphones:
- 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
With Android 14 Beta 2, Google continues to prioritize user experience, privacy, and developer productivity, offering a robust platform for Android users and developers alike.
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Via: gizmochina.com
