Google has released the second beta version of its open mobile platform, Android 14, as reported by Android Developers blog. The full release of Android 14 is expected in Q3 of 2023. The company has proposed a program for preliminary testing of new features via their website, Google Android Beta. Furthermore, firmware assemblies have already been prepared for smartphones that include Pixel 7/7 Pro, Pixel 6/6a/6 Pro, Pixel 5/5A 5G, Pixel 4A (5G), and models from brands like IQOO, Lenovo, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi.
Among the changes in Android 14 Beta 2, the first notable one is the inclusion of the “Health Connect” feature in the platform’s main composition. In the past, this feature was available as a separate package via Google Play. The Health Connect feature enables centralized data storage of fitness data and other health-related devices that can be accessed by various applications. Users can choose which particular health data can be accessed by certain apps through a standard platform configurator. The feature also includes the capability to save information about the route taken during training, which can be visualized on the map and transferred for processing by other applications (after explicit permission).
The second significant change is the expansion of access confirmation for location information. In the dialogue box requesting access to the user’s location, an additional section has been added that provides users with information about when the application uses the location (access prohibited, allow only once, and allowed by each execution of the app). It also provides details on where users can find additional information about access to the transmitted data.
These and other features in Android 14 Beta 2 will likely undergo further testing before the full release later this year.