The first developer preview build of Android 14 beta software for the Nothing Phone 1 was released by Nothing Tech. Developers are encouraged to test their apps on the Phone-1 with this release, among other things. The Android 14 beta for the Nothing Phone 1 may be downloaded and installed using these instructions.
The recently released Android 14 beta 2 update introduces a range of exciting features and improvements. Noteworthy enhancements can be found in the areas of camera and media, privacy and security, system UI, and developer productivity.
One of the standout additions in Android 14 is the support for 10-bit high dynamic range (HDR) images. This enables users to enjoy more vibrant colors and enhanced contrast, resulting in visually stunning visuals. Additionally, Android 14 brings notable enhancements to Camera Extensions, allowing for longer processing times and the execution of compute-intensive algorithms, such as those used in low-light photography, on compatible devices.
Furthermore, the update introduces the new in-sensor zoom feature, which offers users greater control over zoom capabilities. By allowing for a cropped RAW stream of the same pixels as the full field of view, users can now apply zoom adjustments before other camera enhancements are applied, resulting in more precise and customizable photography experiences.
Beyond camera-related enhancements, Android 14 beta 2 also includes updates in various other areas. For instance, there are improvements in the health connect section under settings, offering new features to enhance the overall health and well-being experience. Moreover, privacy and security aspects have been reinforced, ensuring users have greater control over their data and personal information.
Developers will also appreciate the enhancements in developer productivity, making it easier to build and optimize applications on the Android platform.
But Nothing Tech’s developer preview of Android 14 is not based on Nothing OS 2.0. Later this year, when Google publishes the stable version of Android 14 for the Google Pixel devices, we will see all the features merged into Android OS. The Android 14 build may not yet include any Nothing OS applications or features.