Google has finally released Android 14 Beta 1 to the general public, and the beta update is currently rolling out to all the supported Pixel devices. The best thing is that if you are already enrolled in the beta program, then you do not have to worry, as the update will be available as an OTA update, and you should get it anytime now.

Android 14 Beta 1 brings several new and previously rumored features as Google works on making the experience even better

So, what's new in the Android 14 Beta 1? The first tentpole that Google talks about is called Smarter System UI.The new version of Android will offer a more prominent back arrow that is inside a pill with a dynamic color background. Google says that this is going to help the user understand the back gesture better and use it properly.

In addition, with Android 14 Beta 1, apps will be able to add custom actions to system share sheets. We did talk about this previously as well. Basically, what this feature does is that it creates a share sheet action in context to whatever app you have opened. So, for instance, if you are opening the share sheet in the gallery app, you might get different actions than opening the same sheet in Microsoft Office or some other app. This will make it easier for all apps to have proper share sheets without confusing things. A small but good change considering how the share sheets in all Android versions and OEM skins are an absolute mess.

Moving further, with Android 14 Beta 1, Google has talked about better graphical capabilities brought to you by the Path API. This API aims to bring much better and more robust mechanisms that will aid in creating vector graphics. As mentioned in the rumors, the latest version of Android will also bring per-app language preferences. This feature will let you change the app's language without changing the whole system's language.

Google has also made some additional changes to privacy. With Android 14 Beta 1, there are parameters put in place that will protect users' sensitive information, such as passwords, and also will prevent sensitive information from being executed.

Android 14 Beta 1 is available with April 2023 security patch for all the supported Android devices. You can go ahead and flash the update or wait for it to arrive on your phone as an OTA if you are rolled into the beta program,

You can find all the download files below, both factory images and OTA updates. We will shortly do a guide on how to install the update on your phone, so stay tuned.

Pixel 7 Pro: Factory Image — OTAPixel 7: Factory Image — OTAPixel 6a: Factory Image — OTAPixel 6 Pro: Factory Image — OTAPixel 6: Factory Image — OTAPixel 5a: Factory Image — OTAPixel 5: Factory Image — OTAPixel 4a (5G): Factory Image — OTA