The second Android 14 Developer Preview (DP2), available today and on time, doubles down on privacy and security while improving performance and battery life. The changes are still minor as Google is likely withholding the exciting details to be announced at Google I/O on May 10th.
As with the first release in February, Android 14 DP2 puts a lot of effort into improving the overall Android experience for users both in front and behind the scenes. These changes include allowing apps to access specific photos instead of an entire phone gallery, an improved credential manager to support passkeys, and improvements to app performance, updates, and battery usage.
Before we get into too many details, it’s important to mention that this is a developer preview and Google does not intend these releases to the general public. You can still try, but expect bugs and performance issues. We’re expecting another preview soon, followed by the Android 14 beta release for general users in April. Expect the official release sometime in August.
Android 14 DP1 includes many improvements under the hood for security, battery life, and performance. You’ll also find new regional options in settings for temperature, days of the week, and numbering systems to make life easier for users.
Being able to only share specific photos with an app is an excellent feature, and something we’re surprised it’s taken this long to catch on. Google is also adding tighter restrictions on when apps running in the background can start activities, improving performance and battery life.
Interestingly, the Android 14 Developer Preview 2 (DP2) has some nice changes in the App Store. For example, a new InstallConstraints API prevents apps from updating while in use to avoid crashes. Or, if it’s a minor app update, the new splitAPK setDontKillApp method can update apps while they’re in use. Now your TikTok or Instagram scrolling session will not be interrupted anymore.
Which phones can get Android 14 Developer Preview 2?
If you’re a developer (or enthusiast) and want to try the latest version of Android, it’s available on a variety of phones. As usual, you can flash a system image and enjoy Android 14 DP2 on the Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 6a, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 5a 5G, Pixel 5 or Pixel 4a.
Those running the Android 13 QPR beta may want to jump straight to this second Android 14 developer preview and avoid a data wipe.
other details
As expected, there are no major fancy features in this latest update as it’s all about refinements and bug fixes. Again, we expect Google to announce more headline-worthy features at Google I/O.
The rest of this preview is very developer oriented. Google added background optimizations and made changes to allow fewer unclosable notifications. Plus better app compatibility across the Android ecosystem.
Google also mentioned support for large-screen devices, such as B. foldable devices that were expected. Developers should check out the new cross-device SDK preview when building or updating apps. You can also start compatibility testing ahead of Android 14’s release later this year.
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