Google has released Android 14 Beta 3, marking the third and final beta release before the final version of the operating system is released. This release includes a number of new features and improvements, as well as platform stability, which means that the developer APIs and all app-facing behaviours in the OS are now final.
One of the new features in Android 14 Beta 3 is font scaling up to 200% by default. This will provide low-vision users with additional accessibility options. Users can also grant partial access to their media library when an app requests any of the visual media permissions introduced in Android 13. There are also updates to core OpenJDK libraries, and security changes regarding app intents.
If you are already enrolled in the Android Beta Program, you will receive Beta 3 as an over-the-air update. If not, you can enrol here with an eligible device. The Pixel 7a is now eligible for the Android 14 beta, making it the first Pixel device to be able to run the latest version of Android.
The final beta release of Android 14 is expected to be released in July, with the final release following at some point after that. Google has not yet committed to a specific launch month, but if we go by what happened last year, August seems likely.
Here are some of the new features in Android 14 Beta 3:
- Font scaling up to 200% by default
- Ability to grant partial access to the media library to apps
- Updates to core OpenJDK libraries ↗
- Security changes regarding app intents
If you are interested in trying out Android 14 Beta 3, you can do so by following these steps:
- Go to the Android Beta Program website.
- Sign in with your Google account.
- Click on the “Enroll your device” button.
- Select your device from the list of eligible devices.
- Follow the instructions to install the beta update.
Please note that beta software is not intended for everyday use and may contain bugs or other issues. If you are not comfortable using beta software, you should wait for the final release of Android 14.
