Google has released another beta update for Android 14, the 3rd beta. In this article, we will share what’s new in Android 14 Beta 3. We won’t repeat the features from the previous build, but we will include improvements.
- Redesigned Device Control: A new remove app button has been added that will allow users to remove any recently added device control panels.
- On-Screen Joystick Update to Magnify: This is hidden in the magnifier. It will allow users to further magnify and control things with the on-screen joystick that has been added.
- Tweak to Material Design 3 Toggle Button: The company has made a slight design change to the Android 14 toggle/switch design.
- Lock Screen Shortcut Customisation: There is a new lock screen clock design along with a new wallpaper and style design. It also allows users to long-press the screen on the lock screen to open customization options. The code name for the lock screen is “Falcon.” By default, users can only set a single live wallpaper; however, Google is preparing to allow users to set a separate live wallpaper.
- New Speed and Compatibility in Network and Internet for Hotspot and Tethering: This isn’t enabled by default. This will consolidate the 2.4GHz and 5GHz speeds into one setting, making it easier for users to adjust accordingly.
- Experimenting with the Long-Press Context Menu: When invoked, it allows users to always show the taskbar or change the navigation mode from the navigation mode settings page. This will make it easier for users to switch between the new transient taskbar and the old taskbar.
- Emoji Wallpaper: It is in this build, but it doesn’t appear as a wallpaper or style by default. Instead, currently, developers can enable this through a server-side update. So you can expect it to be enabled with the next Pixel feature drop.
- Widget Category, Notes in Pixel Launcher: Added a new category to Pixel Launcher, a widget category called Note-taking, which will launch the default notes app.
- A new infographic tutorial for gesture navigation: To help users better understand how gesture navigation works, Google has updated gesture navigation in this build.
Others
- Chip Animation: This will play in the status bar while charging the device.
- Several things are not included in this build, like the lockscreen clock, the lockscreen clock shortcut, and the theme picker.
- Google AI Service: The functionality of this is unknown, but the package name is “com.google.android.aicore.”
Developer Options
- Predictive Back Animation: With this update, this is not enabled by default.
- ANGLE: Change the system. Open the ES driver.
- Force-enable the Notes role: This is inherent in the Notes role.
- TARE Settings: This has been in development since Android 13, and the company is still working on it. However, this is hidden in this build.
Download Android 13 Beta 3.
Four weeks later, at Google I/O 2023, Android 14 Beta 3 was released for Pixel phones, including the Pixel 7A. The update is rolling out via OTA for all enrolled in the Android Beta Programme. This beta update weighs approximately 705 MB in size, and here are the packages you can download to sideload Android 14 Beta 3.
You can download and install Android 14 Beta 3 GSI on your Pixel device without running Android 13 QPR3 beta through DSH or unlocking the bootloader.