Android 14 is here with AI-Powered wallpapers, passkeys support, and a Health Connect app

Google has launched Android 14, initially available for Pixel phones from the 4A 5G model onwards. The update includes new features such as customizable lock screens, allowing users to modify clock styles and formats to suit their preferences. One of the highlighted features is a new AI-powered wallpaper generator that will allow users to create completely customized images with simple prompts, although it is initially exclusive to the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro models, but we can expect it to be available on any Android phone soon. Security is strengthened with improved passkey support, enabling fingerprint authentication for third-party apps. The update addresses data privacy concerns by incorporating protections specifically targeting data brokers, as well as enhances Android's Credential Manager, allowing apps to consolidate different sign-in methods to simplify the user login process.

Photography buffs will also benefit from the enhanced camera extension support and 10-bit HDR image support provided by the new update. There is a new on-device health feature called Health Connect, similar to Apple Health, where users can store their health and fitness data. It's important to note that Health Connect won't replaced Google Fit, but instead, it will integrate the data from it along with other fitness apps you use, such as Fitbit, Samsung Health, MyFitnessPal, LifeSum, and many more, turning it into a central hub where all health information will be consolidated, rather than having it scattered among several third-party services.

There are a bunch of other accessibility improvements and features that you can learn about in the official announcement. While Android 14 is currently available for Pixel phones, other manufacturers like Samsung or Xiaomi are expected to support the update later in the year, so stay tuned to find out when you'll be able to receive it on your device.