THE BASICS
Hit and hope
You're at the mercy of your device's maker regarding when/if you'll actually get Android 14, and which goodies will end up on your blower. The tips here are for vanilla Android - your options might differ. If you have a Pixel 4a or newer, head to 'System update' in the settings to check if the revamped OS is waiting for you.
Lock it down
Security is a major part of Android 14. It'll block ancient apps built for Android 5.1 or older - although anything already on your phone will still run. Passkey support is improved, and there are new PIN input options. In 'Security and privacy'> 'Device unlock > 'Screen lock', you can disable animations to thwart people nosing over your shoulder as you type to unlock.
Share the love
Android has a default share sheet, but some apps override it to add custom components. Android 14 seeks to stop this by giving app creators 'Chooser Action' slots that surface key commands within the standard share sheet. The redesign also makes it clearer what your action will do, such as sharing a link or an image.
Check your battery
Android 14 is optimised for battery life, and tracking options are improved. In Settings > Battery > 'Battery usage', there's a welcome return for 'Screen time since last full charge', which helps you understand phone use. For background drainage, dig into 'View by systems' to see what's eating your battery.
Take up a tab
Google has had an on/off relationship with tablets, but the new Pixel Tablet suggests the company is taking them seriously again. In May it claimed it would optimise 50 apps for larger displays; by the time you read this, the fruits of that effort should already be clear.
Face to space
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 2023 من Stuff UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 2023 من Stuff UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess - It's really not what you expect from a major publisher these days, but Capcom's curious blend of action, real-time strategy and tower defence is one of the most original games you'll play all year
It's really not what you expect from a major publisher these days, but Capcom's curious blend of action, real-time strategy and tower defence is one of the most original games you'll play all year.From its colourful costumes to a pastoral message of healing nature, Kunitsu-Gami is proudly Japanese in its inspirations. Your masked warrior is on a mission to help a divine maiden purge a mountain of an evil 'defilement'... but this is no Link/Zelda dynamic: you'll also rely on villagers to help you beat back monsters.
Tesla Model 3 (2024)
This is much more than a simple mid-cycle refresh for Tesla's most affordable electric vehicle: now smoother and quieter than ever, the updated Model 3 does everything you could want from a family car.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
This is the best iPhone Apple has ever made.
Cygni: All Guns Blazing
Is this just a nostalgia trip, or does it genuinely offer something new to make it as memorable as the top-down shooters of yesteryear?
Scott Contessa Voltage eRide 910
This is an electric trail bike designed with women in mind – not that you’d know that just by looking at it, because thankfully Scott hasn’t adopted the insulting ‘shrink it and pink it’ approach that many brands take.
Squareless whisper
This budget smartwatch sequel from the Nothing sub-brand no longer looks like an Apple Watch wannabe... but can it improve on the original?
THE MUSICIAN
SENNHEISER HD 490 PRO
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO EVO ONE
Considering how much the Evo One costs, slicing and dicing your veggies on it probably isn't the smartest idea.
WEAR IS THE LOVE Google Pixel Watch 3
Anyone who’s ever strapped on one of Google’s wearables will recognise the Pixel Watch 3.
THE CREATE ESCAPE
Don’t let the end of summer bring you down – find joy in making stuff. Whether you’re a podcaster, streamer, designer, musician or any other kind of creator, here’s the clever new kit you need…