Google prioritized AI and hardware announcements during its I/O 2023 keynote, but we still got a sneak peek of new customization features coming to Android 14 and a Beta 2 release.
Android 14 Beta 2 will fix many developer and user bugs found in the first beta. Google is enhancing the camera experience with native support for 10-bit HDR images for even richer, more vibrant colors. The Ultra HDR image format (v0.9.1) used by Google is fully compatible with JPEG images, so apps will be able to display HDR images as SDR when needed. Google is also adding support for capturing 10-bit compressed images on supported devices.
Ultra HDR for images
Android 14 will also allow apps and extensions to handle longer processing times to improve low-light images. Using the extension will now support tap to focus and zoom, and the post-view feature will deliver less processed images faster. In-sensor zoom is also natively supported.
The new Predictive Back gesture features coming to Android 14 are getting more changes from developers with Beta 2. The latest beta also adds support for lossless audio over USB. This means you’ll be able to connect to audiophile-grade headphones and amplifiers without any mixing, volume adjustments, or audio processing. Google says it’s working with OEM partners to enable lossless USB audio on upcoming devices later this year.
Google is also bringing Health Connect to Android 14 as a built-in feature. Health Connect stores your health and fitness data and allows users to manage how that data is shared between apps. Health Connect will also gain exercise route sharing.
Health Connect will be integrated into Android 14
Android 14 is also getting a new location data runtime permission dialog that will let users know whenever an app wants to share location data with third parties. Users will also get notifications if any of the apps with location permission change their data sharing permissions. All these features will be accessible within the device settings menu.
Data Sharing Updates
Android 14 is expected to reach platform stability with Beta 3 coming in June. Google will then bring two more beta versions before the final commercial version is ready.
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