Android 14 QPR2 Beta 2: Protection Against Phishing, Secure... All New Features

Android 14 QPR2 Beta 2 includes some interesting new features like protection against visually impaired apps, safe hiding of certain apps and some other aesthetic new features.

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Android 14 will be rolled out throughout the year, depending on QPR (quarterly platform release) and betas. QPR2 Beta 2 has just been deployed to Google Pixels. This is a relatively small update, although it does contain some interesting new features.

Phishing protection

A new feature discovered by Android Police helps protect against phishing and malicious apps. Phishing involves tricking a user into providing personal information. This can range from a name, an address to a bank card number.

A new page called “Search for misleading applications” appeared in QPR2, hidden in the “Security and Privacy” menu. According to Android Police, this feature scans installed applications to detect “certain signs of fraudulent behavior.” It is of course possible to deactivate it and Google accepts the accusation of spying on its users with the argument: “The analysis is carried out privately, directly on your device.” We can also read that if phishing is suspected, “information about the Application will be sent to Google Play Protect to confirm the threat and alert users of the application.

While Google doesn't go into detail about how it scans apps, it appears that a new system service introduced with this update detects when an app tries to ask for a password.

secure

Although various OEMs are now integrating a safe into their smartphones to protect or hide applications, Android does not offer this functionality natively. This could change, according to 9to5Google.

With Beta 2 of QPR2, Google is preparing a “private room”. This would be at the bottom of the list of basic applications, but an option would allow it to only be found by searching for “private space” in the search bar. A tile in the shortcut area could also unlock it at will. The idea would be to hide the apps present in the private area when it is locked, but also allow easy access to them once it is unlocked.

Improved data security

Android 14 QPR2 aims to make it easier to view information about your data, as explained in a Google blog post. Now, when asked for specific permissions, the dialog box will provide “information about why the app might decide to share data with third parties.”

As you can see above, for some apps that ask for the user's location, Android will now display a system notification within 30 days to remind you. You will also be notified if the application shares your location for advertising purposes.

These two notifications lead to a submenu that shows exactly which applications have had access to the location within 30 days.

And also in Android 14 QPR2 Beta 2

There are also many small marginal or aesthetic changes that will (not) revolutionize your use. Here is a non-exhaustive list.

The app drawer can now display app names on two lines;
The Force Stop button changes appearance;
There's a new Share Wi-Fi button;
It is possible to disable Widevine DRM in Developer Options

Smartphones compatible with Android 14 QPR2 Beta 2

As usual, the smartphones compatible with this beta are only Google Pixel. Here is the full list:

Pixel 5 and Pixel 5a
Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
Pixel 6a
Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro
Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
Pixel tablet
Pixel fold

Source: 9to5Google