Android 14 Developer Preview 2: New Features, Hidden Changes, and Early Bugs

Android 14 Developer Preview 2: New Features, Hidden Changes, and Early Bugs

Google released Android Developer Preview 2, and I have it here on my Pixel 8 Pro to show you each and every new change. So, without further ado, let’s jump in.

Build Number and Installation

Let’s start with the build number. As usual, it’s AP. 2.A.1 and keep in mind that there are no OTA images available for this build. To install it, you have to wipe the phone and install the factory image of Android 14. This is happening due to a technical issue that Google hasn’t fixed yet.

New Features in Android Developer Preview 2

Most of the new changes in this update are under the hood, so you might not notice a big difference between DP1 and DP2. However, there are some minor tweaks.

The first change is under Internet and then Network Preferences. Now, we have a toggle to allow WEP networks or not. It says here that WEP is an older security protocol that’s less secure. So, if you want to connect to these networks, you can turn the toggle on, or you can improve your security by turning off the switch.

The second change is under the Bluetooth settings. We now have a new option called Audio Sharing, which allows you to let others listen to your media along with you using their own compatible headphones. This means you can connect multiple headphones on the same device to listen to the same content with a friend or partner, similar to a feature on Apple devices. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work for now, as I tried it with multiple headphones and couldn’t get it to work. When you tap on “play a test sound,” it only plays the sound on the Bluetooth device currently connected to your phone.

The third change is under Settings, then Notifications, then Do Not Disturb. You can now schedule your Do Not Disturb mode. When you tap on Add More, you’ll see new icons for the event and time options.

Camera and QR Code Changes

The suggestions bubble that appears inside the Camera app when you try to scan a QR code or a document is now much bigger for easier tapping. This change may be related to the camera app but only appeared after installing Android DP2.

App Info and USB Preferences

Change number four is in the App Info page under settings. Now you have the option to Archive Apps, which simply deletes the app files but keeps the app data. If you want to save space without losing your progress, this is the best option. When you tap on Archive, the archive icon will appear on top of the app icon. Once you tap on the app, it will automatically redownload from the Google Play Store.

Change number five is when you connect your phone to a PC. After accessing the USB Preferences menu, you now need to do biometric authentication to make any changes. This is a great security feature.

Another change under Settings, when you use your phone as a webcam, is the new HD option in the webcam settings. This enhances the image quality and I can see the difference in my initial testing. It also saves your preference for future use.

Developer Options and Gaming

In System > Developer Options, there is a new toggle called Disable Default Frame Rate for Games. This option disables limiting the maximum frame rate for games at 60 FPS, allowing more flexibility to play games at higher frame rates.

Hidden Features in Android DP2

Now, let’s talk about the hidden features in Android Developer Preview 2. I’ll use a Google article for reference.

The first hidden feature is Auto-Connect to Satellite. This feature allows you to send and receive messages without a mobile or Wi-Fi network. It doesn’t mention the countries supported, but you can open Messages to activate the feature.

The second feature is related to the NFC Tap and Pay experience on supported devices. Apps can now request the NFC adapter to enter Observe Mode, where the device listens but does not respond to NFC readers. This improves the interaction by making it more seamless and reliable.

The third change is that apps can now declare they are able to run on small cover screens of foldables. This gives users a heads-up before using the app on these devices.

Security Features and Updates

In terms of security, Android 14 will let apps detect when they are being screen-recorded and inform users, enhancing security. Google is also giving developers more information about app launches, including whether the app started from a cold, warm, or hot state.

Additionally, Android will provide more options for apps to customize Do Not Disturb rules. The PDF Renderer APIs will get improvements, allowing apps to incorporate rendering for password-protected files, annotations, form editing, and search selections.

Media and Audio Improvements

There is a new Media Processing Foreground Service to perform time-consuming operations on media assets, like converting media to different formats. Also, support for the CTA Loudness Standard will help avoid audio loudness inconsistencies, ensuring users don’t have to adjust volume when switching between different content.

Bugs in Android DP2

Right off the bat, it’s not recommended to use this build as your daily driver for two reasons. First, you have to wipe your phone to install it, and secondly, it’s full of bugs. The most annoying one is a window that keeps showing on my screen saying “Android System Intelligence keeps stopping.” I have to close the app or tap somewhere on the screen to dismiss it, which happens often. It doesn’t only happen with the Android System Intelligence app but also with Google Play Store and Google Play Services.

Performance & Battery

When it comes to performance and battery, it’s a bit sluggish, especially while scrolling. Sometimes apps take longer than expected to start, and you might need to force quit and open the app again. However, the battery life seems to be as good as normal, with no thermal issues, which is the only good thing about this build.

MY opinion

That’s pretty much it for today. Those are all the new changes in Android Developer Preview 2. Please let me know in the comments if you’ve noticed any new features or changes.

 

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