Google has finally introduced the Android 14 Beta 4 as it gears for the launch of the new operating system update for its latest Pixel devices. The official release of Android 14 will be held later this year.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 31: An Android statue is displayed in front of a building on the Google campus on January 31, 2022 in Mountain View, California.
Google Rolls Out Android 14 Beta 4
Google's Android 14 Beta 4 is now available for Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, and the rest of the supported Pixel family. Users can now test the application on devices from multiple form factors and try out Google's improved large-screen and foldable device experience.
It is worth noting that Beta 4 is Google's second Platform Stable Android 14 release. It enables users to publish apps on Google Play to devices running Android 14 at the official API level and review all app-facing behaviors and developer APIs.
Before the official release of Android 14 later this year, Google said that now is a good time to complete compatibility testing and deploy any necessary upgrades to ensure a seamless app experience.
According to Google, it's even more crucial to deliver any necessary changes today if a user creates an SDK, library, tool, or game engine to avoid blocking future app and game developers with compatibility difficulties.
Every new version of Android includes updates to the operating system that enhance user experience, privacy, and security. These changes may impact existing apps of users.
"Testing your app involves installing your production app onto a device running Android 14 Beta 4; you can use Google Play or other means. Work through all the app's flows and look for functional or UI issues. Review the behavior changes to focus your testing," Google wrote in a blog post.
Developers are encouraged to check out Android 14 features to check everything they need to test their apps and provide feedback.
According to the company, the simplest way to get started is to use the 64-bit Android Emulator system images for the Pixel Tablet or Pixel Fold configurations provided in the most recent Android Studio SDK Manager preview.
The new Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel Fold are all compatible Pixel devices that may need to register in order to receive future Android 14 Beta upgrades over the air.
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How to Set Up Android 14 Beta 4
Google advised developers to use the most recent version of Android Studio Hedgehog, which includes the Android SDK Upgrade Assistant, for a better development experience with Android 14. Here are some steps they should take after setting everything up:
1. Test out the new APIs and features. Report problems on the feedback page to the tracker.
2. Check the compatibility of a present app to see if the default behavior changes in Android 14 have an impact on it. Install the app and thoroughly test it on an Android 14 device or emulator.
3. Android 14 contains opt-in behavior changes that only have an impact on your app when it is targeting the new platform, so test it with these changes.
4. Update your app with the Android SDK Upgrade Assistant.
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