Google has officially started rolling out the Android 14 Beta 4 version ahead of the stable version, focusing on new features add-ons and functionality. As per the changelog, the all-new Beta 4 version focuses on APIs and app-facing behaviours for developers.
Developers are now able to publish their apps on Google Play for devices running Android 14 at the official API level.
Android 14 Beta 4 Update Changelog
Developers can now check the new features and APIs and they can also test their apps with opt-in behavior changes specific to Android 14.
Upgrading the targetSdkVersion with the Android SDK Upgrade Assistant, available in Android Studio Hedgehog, simplifies the process.
Fresh Easter egg: Google’s latest Android Beta version brings an Easter egg inspired by space sim enthusiasts.
SystemUI app icon: The SystemUI app now has a new adaptive icon, although it remains hidden from the home screen.
Mute/silent mode icon: In Android 14 Beta 4 the status bar icon for “mute” or “silent” mode has been redesigned.
Speech settings relocation: Google replaced the Speech settings, now you need to search under Settings > System > Keyboard to Settings > System > Languages.
Auto-confirm unlock feature: The latest Android version brings an “auto-confirm unlock” feature, which automatically unlocks the device when the correct PIN.
Manufactured year display: Google updated its manufacturing year section, all you need to check Under Settings > About phone > Model.
Volume sliders: The “ring volume” and “notification volume” sliders in Android 14 are now separate and cannot be merged.
Lock screen clock plugin APKs: In the latest version Factory images for devices such as the Pixel 5, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5a 5G, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel Fold contain lock screen clock plugin APKs.
Tablet: The Beta 4 for the Pixel Tablet includes a preinstalled version of Google Keep.
New default profile picture options: Android 14 Beta 4 also includes additional default profile picture choices.
“The ‘ring volume’ and ‘notification volume’ sliders are now completely separated in Android, with no way to merge them again. In older betas, the separation was controlled by a DeviceConfig flag, but that flag’s no longer in use,” – Mishaal Rahman.
Eligible Models
The Android 14 Beta 4 update is currently available for the Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, along with the Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5G, Pixel 6 (6, 6 Pro and 6a) and Pixel 7 series (7, 7 Pro and 7a).