From AI-generated wallpapers to flashing notifications: The new Android 14 features you didn’t know about

Google Pixel owners have been enjoying the latest version of Android 14 for a few days, and are discovering the new AI-powered lock screen, flash notifications, and more.

Android updates are no longer officially named after desserts, but they are still internally codenamed after desserts — Android 14 is Upside-Down Cake, and the robot mascot is Handstand.

However, the name change doesn’t mean the features are any less fun.

Google owners can scan QR codes faster, see health data in one place, and provide PIN protection.

The update will roll out “this year” to phones from Samsung Galaxy, iQOO, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, Vivo and Xiaomi, Google promised.

Here are the new Android 14 features.

The new operating system update has the code name Upside-Down Cake, hence the Google Android logo upside down (Google)

AI lock screen options

You can do more with the lock screen in Android 15, including customizing fonts, widgets, and colors.

There are also some awesome AI-powered options – like if the weather takes a turn for the worse, the weather widget on the lock screen will become more visible.

To change your lock screen options (once Android 14 is installed), go to Wallpaper & pattern > Lock screen.

Or you can access it by tapping and holding on the lock screen, then choosing “Personalize lock screen” (you will be asked to do this after installing Android 14).

You can customize the font and color of your lock screen (Google)

Scan QR codes faster

In previous versions of Android, accessing QR codes in a restaurant was a slow process – you can now add a shortcut to your lock screen to access them directly.

You can also access other functions of the lock screen such as the camera and live flashlight.

To change this, go to Wallpaper & Style > Lock Screen > Shortcuts, where you can manually adjust which apps are available on the Lock screen from a list that includes Torch, Video Camera, Wallet, and Do Not Disturb.

Create an AI background

This feature allows you to use AI text-to-image models to create wallpapers – either through pre-defined suggestions or freely designed through text commands.

Wallpaper app creates AI wallpaper with simple text prompts (Google)

The feature is currently limited to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro but will come to other phones later, as promised by Google.

If you’re lucky enough to have a new Pixel 8, tap Wallpaper & Pattern > More Wallpapers > AI Wallpaper.

Choose a theme to create your own AI-generated wallpaper.

Click “Inspire me” to get a random wallpaper for your chosen prompt.

Blinks instead of sound for notifications

It’s not really socially acceptable for your phone to beep and ring and beep in 2023, and Android 14 offers options to make your screen or camera flash instead.

The functionality is similar to that available on Samsung and iOS devices, but is not part of Android yet.

You can make your screen flash any color you want when you receive a notification (Google)

The Android version lets you choose one or both options and select the flash color.

To turn it on, go to Settings > Notifications > Flash notifications and turn on the camera flash or screen flash.

To change the color of the screen flash, simply tap on Screen Flash and change it to any color you want from 16 options.

PIN protection

The new version of Android makes it harder for thieves to “read” your PIN over your shoulder — but easier to access to enter.

The new update offers the option to turn off on-screen animations while entering your PIN – making it harder for thieves to see what you’ve entered.

You no longer have to press “Enter” after the six-digit PIN – the phone is automatically unlocked.

To turn on Enhanced Privacy, go to Settings > Security & Privacy > Unlock device, tap the cogwheel and choose Enhanced PIN Privacy.

View health data in one place

Health Connect lets you control all your health data in one place (Google)

Many of us use Android smartphones to manage data from health wearables, and Android 14 now lets you collect that data in one place.

It’s similar to the functionality in iOS, and gives you full control over the app’s access to health data like step counts.

To start using Health Connect, go to Privacy > Health Connect.