On October 4, 2023, Google took the wraps off Android 14, internally called Upside Down Cake. This update stands out for its enhanced customization, extended battery life, and refined experience on large screens. However, it is worth noting that it brings subtle tweaks rather than the significant visual revamp seen in Android 12.

Expectations were high, particularly after the latest iOS releases for iPhone 14 and 15. But, it was a letdown for some when many of the anticipated rumored features didn't make it into Android 14.

1. Cloned Apps

While Android doesn't natively support app cloning, there was hope Android 14 might change that. This anticipated feature, spotted in the Developer Preview, would enable users to create multiple versions of an app for use with different accounts.

Cloned apps wouldn't remember your login or settings, as the apps wouldn't share data with the original. You would need to set it up anew, ensuring a secure experience.

Despite its absence from Android 14, some manufacturers have implemented the feature in their own software skins. You can run multiple versions of the same app on Samsung phones, for example.

2. Dynamic Island

With the launch of the iPhone 14 and its Dynamic Island, Apple has set a new standard. More than just a design tweak, this interactive element offers multiple functions. This feature is a neat, pill-shaped widget placed at the top of the display that changes shape based on user needs.

Users can easily view notifications and ongoing tasks through Dynamic Island, be it a voice memo in progress or even map directions. When the Google Pixel 8 was released simultaneously with Android 14, many expected a rival feature to Apple's Dynamic Island.

While brands like Realme have introduced similar features in their phone's OS and design, Android users can still get a taste of Dynamic Island using third-party apps like dynamicSpot.

3. Built-In Bloatware Removal Tool

Android has long been infamous for the bloatware that carriers or device makers pre-install. For years, users struggled to remove these apps, and when possible, the process is quite challenging on Android.

However, when the first Developer Preview of Android 14 surfaced, rumors of a hidden menu in the settings started. This "Background Install Control" page could let you spot and remove apps that were sneakily installed. Given the security concerns tied to bloatware, this feature could have been a game-changer for user safety if it made the official cut.

4. Satellite Connectivity

Apple's iPhone 14 and Huawei's Mate 50 and P60 series now have satellite connectivity. This feature is perfect for emergencies, particularly in cellular dead zones. It lets you send one-way or two-way emergency messages via satellites.

So, even if you are in a place with no cellular signal, you can still reach out for help using satellites. These satellites are designed to receive and send signals to Earth. Once they get your signal, they send it straight to an emergency station on the ground. It is a super fast process, taking anywhere from a few minutes to just 15 seconds.

Recently, rumors started by TeamPixel FC on X suggested Android 14 might introduce the ability to send SMS via satellite. But as of now, Android 14 hasn't rolled out any public interfaces for it.

This puts Android a step behind, especially since Apple has been getting a lot of praise for this feature. A notable instance reported by The Economic Times highlighted a family being rescued from a wildfire in Maui, Hawaii, using Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite.

Will These Features Come to Android in Upcoming Updates?

People were excited about the mentioned features, seeing the potential to enhance the user experience and give Google an edge over its competitors. The hope is high that these rumored Android 14 features will make their debut in future releases.

Interestingly, many of these features were spotted in Android 14's Developer Preview. This makes one curious why Google highlighted them before they were fully ready. On the bright side, many new features are now available on Android 14, ensuring users can enjoy the improvements that did make the cut.