Google I/O 2023: Android 14 Most Anticipated Features

The Google I/O 2023 event is today. Along with the premium hardware launches, which include the highly anticipated Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet, Google is expected to announce some new features that could be included in the upcoming Android 14 OS update.

Google released the first Android 14 beta last month. Although this marked another milestone on the way to the stable Android 14 release, the update should include several new features and functions. Let's look at the most anticipated features in the upcoming Android 14, internally codenamed "Upside Down Cake".

Battery Optimizations And Efficiency Boosters

Battery life continues to remain one of the top concerns for nearly all smartphone users. Although Android 14 won't have massive leaps in battery-saving technology, there are quite a few subtle tweaks and efficiency improvements to extract a little more battery life.

Specifically speaking, Google is tweaking two Android APIs (Foreground Services and Job Scheduler). The primary intention is to improve efficiency for tasks like background activities and downloading large files. Additionally, Android 14 improves the platform's internal broadcast system.

Block Super-Old Apps From Being Installed

Malware often targets old apps as they have outdated API levels and lack modern security protocols. Old versions of many apps are easily available online and they often can't take advantage of more modern security and privacy protections.

Hence, Android 14 will block older Android apps from being installed. Google claims this change specifically targets apps built for Android 5.1 Lollipop APIs and older. Incidentally, if older apps are already installed, the Android 14 update won't block them.

Granular Permission To Media Stored On Device

Until Android 13, Android smartphone users could only say Yes or No to apps that ask permission to access photos and videos stored on the device. Android 14 will offer more granular control.

Starting with Android 14 users will be able to allow apps to have access to some photos and videos using a modified permission notification. It is not immediately clear exactly how the restriction will be enforced but apps will reportedly be able to have access to the pics and vids users want them to see.

Enhanced Backend Security Features For A Seamless And Secure Experience

Google is tweaking the intents system and dynamic code loading. Neither of these features is user-facing. However, they should still boost on-device defenses when it comes to malware and vulnerabilities.

Android 14 should also offer Passkey support. Needless to say, this is helping Android smartphone users move closer to a password-less future.

As Google is expected to launch its first foldable Android smartphone, the Pixel Fold, there could be quite a few tweaks for the device in Android 14. Android 14 is also expected to feature improved font scaling but the feature could roll out later this year.