Owners of Google Pixel phones have been enjoying the latest Android 14 for a few days now, exploring the new AI-powered lock screen, flash notifications and more.
Android updates are no longer officially named after desserts, but they are still internally code-named after sweet treats – Android 14 is Upside-Down Cake, and the robot mascot is a handstand.
However, the name shift does not mean the features are less delicious.
Google owners can scan QR codes faster, see health data in one spot and provide pin protection.
The update will roll out ‘this year’ to phones from Samsung Galaxy, iQOO, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, Vivo and Xiaomi, Google promises.
Below are the new Android 14 features.
The new OS update is codenamed Upside-Down Cake – hence, the Google Android mascot is upside-down (Google)
AI-powered lock screen options
You can do much more with your lock screen in Android 15, including customizing fonts, widgets and colors.
There are also some tremendous AI-powered options – such as if the weather is taking a turn for the worse, your lock screen weather widget will become more visible.
To change your lock screen options (once you’ve installed Android 14), go to Wallpaper and Style > Lock screen.
Or you can access it by tapping and holding your lock screen, then choosing ‘Customize lock screen’ (you’ll be prompted to do this after installing Android 14).
You can customize the font and color of your lock screen (Google)
Scan QR codes faster
On previous versions of Android OS, accessing QR codes in a restaurant is a slow process – you can now add a shortcut to your lock screen to access it directly.
You can also access the lock screen’s other functions like camera and torch direct.
To change this, go to Wallpaper and Style > Lock screen > Shortcuts, where you can manually adjust which apps are available on the lock screen from a menu including Torch, Video Camera, Wallet and Do Not Disturb.
Create AI wallpaper
This feature allows you to use AI text-to-image models to create wallpapers – either from pre-set suggestions or freestyling it from text commands.
The wallpaper app generates AI wallpaper from simple text prompts (Google)
The feature is currently restricted to Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro but is coming to other phones later, Google promises.
If you’re lucky enough to have a new Pixel 8, tap Wallpaper & style > More wallpapers > AI wallpaper.
Choose a theme to create your AI-generated wallpaper.
Tap Inspire me to get a random wallpaper for your chosen prompt.
Flashes instead of sound for notifications
It’s not really socially acceptable to have your phone bleeping, ringing and pinging in 2023, and Android 14 introduces options to have your screen or camera flash instead.
The function is similar to ones available on Samsung and iOS devices, but hasn’t been part of Android until now.
You can make your screen flash any color you like when you get a notification (Google)
The Android version allows you to choose one or both options and select the color of the flash.
To turn these on, go to Settings > Notifications > Flash notifications and turn on either Camera Flash or Screen Flash.
To change the color of the screen flash, just tap on Screen Flash and change it to whatever color you want out of 16 options.
PIN protection
The new version of Android makes it harder for thieves to ‘read’ your PIN over your shoulder – but more accessible to enter it.
The new update offers the option to turn off screen animations as you enter your PIN – making it harder for thieves to see what you entered.
You no longer have to hit ‘Enter’ after your six-digit PIN – the phone unlocks automatically.
To switch the enhanced privacy option on, go to Settings > Security and privacy > Device Unlock, tap the cog wheel and choose Enhanced PIN Privacy.
See health data in one place
Health Connect lets you control all your health data in one place (Google)
Lots of us use Android smartphones to manage data from health wearables, and Android 14 now lets you gather that data in one place.
It’s similar to functions in iOS, and allows you full control over app access to health data such as step counts.
To start using Health Connect, go to Privacy > Health Connect.
