Pixel 8 pro gets faster data switching, app lock, and more

Google's latest Android Canary build, 2603, brings a series of refinements to the Pixel experience, including a long-awaited redesign of the Quick Settings panel and new privacy features. The update, currently rolling out to Pixel 6 and later devices, offers a glimpse into what's coming in the next stable Android release.

Quick settings gets a refresh

The most immediate change? Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles are now separated into distinct tiles. A small tweak, perhaps, but one that streamlines the user interface, making it quicker to manage your connections. It's a detail many users have been requesting.

Beyond the visual updates, Android 14's Canary 2603 introduces a new App Lock feature. This allows users to secure individual apps with PINs, patterns, passwords, or even fingerprint authentication. When an app is locked, related notifications and widgets are hidden, adding an extra layer of privacy.

App bubbles and enhanced recording

The update also brings app bubbles, enabling users to float apps as windows for multitasking. A subtle but welcome refinement is the addition of more blur effects to various UI elements. Interestingly, the long-press menu for apps has been streamlined – shortcuts like Shorts and Subscriptions have vanished. The screen recording experience also sees an update, presenting a dedicated page after recording ends, offering options for managing, viewing, sharing, or editing the clip.

While these changes are currently only available in the Canary build, they signal a direction for future Android updates. Be warned, though: Canary builds are inherently unstable. Installing it risks encountering bugs. However, for those eager to experience the next iteration of Android, it's a worthwhile – albeit cautious – endeavor. The Pixel 8 Pro, for instance, will benefit from these enhancements when the stable version arrives.

This iterative approach, testing features directly with users, has become Google's standard. The move to Canary releases allows for quicker feedback loops, ultimately shaping the user experience. The focus remains on refining the core Android experience, adding incremental improvements that, collectively, create a more polished and intuitive operating system.