It’s a jolly-good week for those who’ve acquired a Google Pixel gizmo.Google’s within the midst of rolling out its fresh-from-of-the-oven Android 14 replace for all present Pixel units. And whereas Android 14 could appear a bit ho-hum on the floor, you would be stunned how a lot helpful stuff is definitely there and ready to be discovered.(And that is to say nothing of all of the under-the-hood significance and bigger-picture perspective surrounding the replace, in fact — however that is one other story for one more time.)Today, it is time to choose up the place we left our earlier this week and proceed our exploration of Android 14’s finest hidden gems, all of which needs to be accessible on any Google Pixel system that is gotten the most recent replace.Check ’em out, attempt ’em out, and see whatcha assume — and you’ll want to (a) look again at our first 5 out-of-the-way Android 14 treasures, if you have not already, and (b) deal with your self to my free Pixel Academy e-course while you’re completed. It’s acquired seven full days of off-the-beaten-path Pixel magic so that you can get pleasure from and uncover, straight from me to you.Android 14 treasure #1 for Google Pixel telephones: Fast font flippingThis first Pixel prize is definitely one thing I discussed inadvertently whereas speaking about Pixel shortcuts just a few weeks again. I’d been utilizing the Android 14 beta on my private Pixel cellphone, y’see, and it did not even daybreak on me that this characteristic was related to that and never one thing accessible extra broadly at that second! (D’oh.) Now that you have Android 14 in entrance of you, although, this goodie needs to be there and ready. It’s a useful new Quick Settings tile that permits you to modify the font measurement in any app you are eyeing and make the textual content larger or smaller within the blink of an eye fixed — with out ever interrupting what you are engaged on.See? JR
Boosting up font measurement is simpler than ever with Android 14 on a Pixel system.
All you’ve got gotta do is take 20 seconds to floor it:
Open your Pixel’s Quick Settings by swiping down twice from the highest of the display screen.
Tap the pencil-shaped modifying icon within the lower-right nook of the panel.
Scroll down till you see the part of inactive tiles — with the phrase “Hold and drag to add tiles” at its prime.
Look for the Font Size tile inside that space, then press and maintain your finger to it and drag it up into the part of energetic tiles.
Note that for those who place it in one of many first 4 slots, you will all the time see it with a single swipe down from the highest of your display screen for particularly quick access.
That’s it! Now, anytime your eyes really feel like they might use an help, simply faucet that tenacious tile and modify away. Easy peasy.Android 14 treasure #2 for Google Pixel telephones: Magnificent magnificationWhile we’re talkin’ textual content, take 10 seconds to check out Android 14’s enhanced magnification system. It’s technically an accessibility characteristic, however Android’s accessibility choices can typically be helpful for almost anybody in the suitable type of scenario.So make your technique to the Accessibility part of your Pixel’s settings and faucet the road labeled “Magnification” — then:
Flip the toggle subsequent to “Magnification shortcut” into the on place.
Tap the phrases “Magnification shortcut” and ensure “Tap accessibility button” is unchecked and “Hold volume keys” is checked. (Otherwise, you will find yourself with an annoying everlasting button for this operate on the aspect of your display screen!)
Tap “Save.”
And lastly, faucet “Magnification type” and alter its setting to “Magnify part of screen.”
Now, anyplace in Android, do that:
Press your Pixel’s bodily volume-up and volume-down buttons on the similar time and maintain ’em down for a second or so.
When you see a pop-up confirming that you just need to use the Android Magnification characteristic, faucet “Turn on.” (This ought to solely occur the very first time you employ this selection.)
Now, while you see an orange field present up in your display screen, contact the icon in its nook to maneuver it round to any space of the show you’d wish to make bigger — then slide two fingers aside on the display screen inside it to extend the magnification and slide ’em again aside to lower it.
JR
Zoom in, zoom out: Android 14’s newly improved magnification mode in motion.
When you need to dismiss the magnification field, simply press and maintain your quantity keys collectively as soon as extra. And for those who ever need to disable this characteristic solely, head again to that very same settings menu and flip the change subsequent to “Magnification shortcut” to show it again off.Android 14 treasure #3 for Google Pixel telephones: Flashy alertsNo one needs to overlook an necessary notification — proper? Well, with Android 14, your favourite Pixel’s acquired a flashy new choice to be sure you all the time see necessary stuff because it arrives.It’s a easy change that’ll flash your cellphone’s digital camera gentle and/or display screen anytime a notification is available in or an alarm goes off on the system. That method, something requiring your consideration will all the time catch your eye. JR
Warning: Flashing could happen.
This is one other one that you’re going to discover inside your Pixel’s Accessibility settings part. Just activate the toggle subsequent to “Camera flash” or “Screen flash” — or each, for those who actually wanna get wild! — after which hit the Preview button to check it out.Note, too, that for those who faucet the phrases “Screen flash,” you may select any shade for the display screen to make use of in its lit-up state.Party time, child!Android 14 treasure #4 for Google Pixel telephones: Notification nuanceThis subsequent Pixel reward is one thing so easy, it is virtually stunning we’ve not had it up ’til now — however oh, it’s true: With Android variations previous to Android 14, Pixel telephones have surprisingly lacked the power to set separate quantity ranges for incoming calls and notifications.It’s a small element however a major one, particularly for those who ever end up wanting your notifications to be loud however your ring to be rather less jarring.And I’m comfortable to report that as of Android 14, the irritating flaw is fastened.Just mosey your musty self again into your system settings, and this time, march into the Sound & Vibration part. And goodness gracious, wouldya have a look at that? JR
Separate ring and notification quantity sliders in Android 14? It’s a Pixel miracle!
Now, that is a sight for sore eyes — and ears.Android 14 treasure #5 for Google Pixel telephones: Day and temp flexibilityWhile we’re desirous about nuance, this subsequent little nugget is a teensy-seeming element however one that might symbolize fairly the good little enchancment for some individuals:With Android 14, your Pixel now allows you to choose which day you need your week to begin on and which temperature measurement you like — after which have these decisions apply in all apps, all all through your Android expertise.To make such an adjustment:
Slither your method into the System part of your Pixel’s settings.
Tap “Languages,” then “Regional preferences.”
Let out a contented hoot and modify, modify, modify away.
JR
Android 14’s new system-wide temperature and day preferences, as seen on the Pixel 8.
Current temperature: happy.Android 14 treasure #6 for Google Pixel telephones: Location dataAndroid’s been giving us increasingly more management over necessary system permissions with each passing model for some time now, and Android 14 continues that custom in an fascinating new method.In quick, anytime an app requests permission to entry your system’s location, your Pixel will now let you know precisely why the app wants that information — and what it intends to do with it. JR
Ah — precise context round a location permission! Novel, no?
There’s nothing you could do on this one; it is simply one thing that ought to begin taking place because the scenario arises (and as apps meet up with the brand new requirement and start to conform).And yet another privacy-centric current, earlier than we name it a day…Android 14 treasure #7 for Google Pixel telephones: Health controlIf you employ your Pixel for any method of health-related function — together with connecting it to a watch or any type of health-related wearable — you will completely need to search out the newly added Android 14 Health Connect dashboard.It’s an entire new part of your Pixel settings that permits you to see and management your whole well being and health information and handle precisely which apps and units are in a position to entry it.To discover it:
Sprint into the Security & Privacy part of your Pixel system settings.
Tap “Privacy.”
Then faucet “Health Connect.”
JR
A wholesome new technique to management your well being information on any Pixel system.
Just you’ll want to do some stretching when you’re achieved exercising all these privacy-reclaiming muscle tissue, all proper?Don’t miss an oz. of Pixel magic. Come begin my free Pixel Academy e-course to find oodles of hidden options and time-saving tips in your favourite Pixel cellphone.
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