Although Android 14 has been made available as stable, Google is still working to improve the current version of Android. The firm provides additional support for its Google Pixel phones in addition to the standard monthly security updates. New features are released quarterly through Feature Drops. Like Android 13, these feature drops, and Android 14 is packed with new functionality.
Everything you need to know about the latest version of Android and its upgrade is covered in detail in this article. Check out our Android 14 review for a more subjective and personal perspective.
Android 14 timeline and supported devices
Google started rolling out updates every three months, as it did with Android 12 and 13. As a result, there will be three more upgrades to the stable version of Android 14, the first of which will be available as a December feature drop in 2023. The second is currently being tested as Android 14 QPR2 beta and is scheduled to be released in March as a March feature drop. The June feature drop is the next QPR beta program that should follow.
All newly launched Android devices will get Android 14 soon, though it may take some time for all phones and tablets to receive the update. If you own a Google Pixel phone, you’re the first to get the updates. Chances are you’re already using the latest release. In chronological order of release, Android 14 is compatible with the following Google Pixel devices:
- Google Pixel 8 & 8 Pro
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel 7 & 7 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 6 & 6 Pro
- Pixel 5a 5G
- Pixel 5
- Pixel 4a 5G
All the new features in Android 14 December Feature Drop
Let’s take a look at the features included in the December feature drop before we dive into what’s new in Android 14. December 6, 2023, saw its stable release. We go deep into everything new in the latest feature drop but also include highlights from this edition.
Android 14 December Feature Drop gives you a central place for software updates
Google hasn’t made it easy to update the software on your Android phone. You also receive monthly security patches and Google Play system upgrades in addition to the usual system updates that upgrade your Android version. These updates are installed independently of each other. This is where December’s feature drop’s new Software Updates panel comes in handy, giving you easy access to Google Play and system upgrades. To make sure your apps are up to date, you can also use a shortcut to open the Play Store.
Android 14 December Feature Drop adds weather to the Clock app
Google is integrating weather forecasts into its Clock app widget. While other manufacturers provided something similar throughout the Android 2.x era, Google never felt the need to combine these two pieces of information.
This will change with the December feature drop. You can check the current weather conditions everywhere, including wherever you are, by adding different time zones or locations to the clock section of the app. The clock widget is also covered by this functionality, at least in the larger version.
Android 14 December Feature Drop lets you use your phone as a webcam
With the latest addition of Apple Continuity Camera to both iPhones and Macs, you can now easily use your iPhone as a camera while making calls on your MacBook. Google supports this concept, and you can do the same with the Android December 14 feature drop. The Android version of this functionality has advantages and disadvantages compared to Apple’s approach.
On the one hand, you have to plug in your phone for every call because it can only work wired. However, Google’s version is more applicable than Apple’s walled garden because it works with almost all desktop operating systems.
Android 14 December Feature Drop adds a battery cycle count
For phones like the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro that get upgrades for more than seven years, long-term battery health becomes critical. Google offers tools to help extend your battery life. For example, your Pixel’s battery never stays at 100% for long because it’s fully charged before your alarm goes off in the morning.
Google hopes to give you additional controls and information with the December feature drop of Android 14, including a new cycle count in your battery settings. It won’t tell you how well your battery is performing, but if it’s losing life after hundreds of cycles, you may need to get a new battery soon.
Android 14 December Feature Drop gets a new lock screen clock style
Android 14 adds a variety of lock screen clocks for you to customize your phone. The December feature drop for Android 14 gives you access to an additional clock for your lock screen. Metro is its name, and it gives a multi-colored look with different shapes and forms, effectively using Material U or any other color you want for the watch.
All the new features in Android 14
With so many new features in Android 14, here’s a list of the ones we found most noteworthy. The most noticeable and important adjustments are located in the front, while the less noticeable and technical adjustments are located in the rear.
