After much anticipation, the latest Android operating system is almost here. In fact, Google just released the first Android 14 QPR1 Beta!
But when exactly will the new stable version of the Android operating system become available? And what makes it better than the current version? Here’s what you need to know about Android 14 and how your company can prepare:
What companies need to know about Android 14
So, when can your customers expect to receive Android 14? And what makes this version of the Android operating system better than Android 13? Below, we answer some of your most pressing questions about the latest Android update.
When is Android 14 being released?
Google has been rather secretive about the release date for the stable version of Android 14. The reasons why are up for speculation.
Google released an unscheduled beta this past August, which suggests that there’s likely additional testing required. When developers must perform additional testing, it delays the release of new technology. However, a later release also coincides with the release date of the new Google Pixel 8 phone in early October.
How do I get access to the Android 14 beta?
There are four ways you can get access to Android 14 beta, which is available until the final release. You can set up the beta on a Google Pixel device, on an Android emulator, on a partner device or on a generic system image (GSI).
Enrolling a Google Pixel device is the easiest option. It’s fast, and once you’re enrolled, you’ll automatically receive over-the-air updates (OTA) and Quarterly Platform Releases (QPR). However, anyone who didn't want to receive the QPR1 beta automatically had to opt out by September 18th.
There could be many reasons for the mandatory opt-out deadline. However, Yahoo News speculates that this could potentially signal that the stable version of Android 14 will become available as early as the end of the month.
What devices are eligible for the Android 14 beta?
Google Pixel devices are eligible to download Android 14 beta. Other Android 14-eligible devices include:
- Lenovo
- ONEPLUS
- OPPO
- realme
- TECNO
To view the full list of compatible, visit Google’s Android Developer website. However, it’s important to note that each partner company is responsible for handling the enrollment of its respective devices.
What are the new features of Android 14?
Android 14 has several notable features compared to previous releases. Here are some of the most significant ones for your Android customers.
Improved WCAG compliance
To comply with WCAG guidelines, Android 14 permits app developers to scale fonts by up to 200%. This can greatly improve the accessibility of apps for people with low vision. An accessible UI is critical since one in six people worldwide has a disability.
User data and devices will be more secure
The latest Android update will keep customers’ devices more secure by setting minimum Application Programming Interface (API) levels. Apps with a targetSdkVersion lower than 23 can’t be installed on devices with Android 14. This helps protect users’ devices since malware often targets lower APIs.
Additionally, Android 14 empowers users to have more control over the data they share with apps. The new update will notify users when an app has changed their data sharing practices, so they can update their settings accordingly.
Improved internationalization and localization features
Android 14’s new internationalization and localization features will automatically notify apps of changes in regional preferences. The apps can then modify their UI to mirror these preferences.
For example, an Android user in Montréal would probably prefer their weather in Celsius versus Fahrenheit. When notified of these changes, apps can improve their language localization and translation to provide a better user experience.
No more struggling to remember your passwords
Remembering all of your passwords for the numerous apps you use every day is a challenge for anyone. However, with Android 14, the struggle is officially over. Now, Android users can sign into third-party apps using just their phone and a fingerprint.
How can my company prepare for the new release?
With any operating system update, customers are bound to have questions, and your company needs to be ready with answers. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re well-prepared for the upcoming Android 14 release.
Train contact center agents ahead of the upcoming release
Effective contact center agent training can help increase first-call resolution rates and boost customer retention. On the other hand, a lack of effective agent training can have devastating consequences for your business. In fact, 96% of customers will leave after just one bad customer service experience.
Tools like virtualization, also known as virtualized tech support, simulate the same functionality of a physical device. Virtualized devices are highly effective tools for agent training. Agents can also switch between different software versions of the same device, allowing them to provide a more personalized tech support experience.
Telecom companies should also provide agents with access to a digital knowledge base. This gives agents access to a trusted, central source of information when handling customer inquiries. A strong digital knowledge base helps agents find reliable answers to customer questions quickly and prevents future callbacks.
Learn how Verizon saves tens of millions of dollars each year with Ozmo for Agents.
Provide reliable customer self-service
With any new software release, you may see a higher volume than usual in tech support requests. Customer self-service makes it easy to scale support while streamlining the customer experience. A good self-service solution can decrease call volume at contact centers, drive digital adoption and improve your Net Promoter Score (NPS).
By implementing a self-service option, you empower customers with reliable, trusted information, which is a safer alternative than random internet forums. Here are a few guidelines for providing better customer self-service:
- Make it easy to find your self-service resources
- Provide customer tutorials in multiple formats (including video tutorials)
- Regularly update your self-service content
- Ensure your content is WCAG-compliant
The Android 14 release is almost here
The release of Android 14 is just around the corner, and it brings a lot of exciting new features and possibilities for customers. By taking the time to preview Android 14 with the beta, providing agents with effective training and implementing a strong customer self-service solution, you can ensure your telecom company is well-prepared to provide the support your Android customers need.
Are you looking for an easy way to scale support while improving NPS (without going over budget)? As a leader in omnichannel customer service, Ozmo is trusted by Verizon, Appalachian Wireless, TELUS and more. Learn more about how Ozmo’s omnichannel platform can help your business.
NOTE: All interactive tutorials featured above are curtesy of Ozmo
