Exploring Android 14 for Enterprise: What's new in Android 14 for Enterprise and how it impacts businesses
Are you curious about the latest advancements in Android designed specifically for enterprise users? Android 14, the newest iteration of the Android Operating System, brings a host of enhancements tailored for business-oriented functionalities. Let's dive into what's new, when it's available, and how it impacts enterprise users and their devices.
When did Android 14 officially launch?
Android 14 was officially unveiled on October 4th, 2023, marking the fourteenth major release of the Android OS. This release brought forth a range of updates and features aimed at enhancing security, management capabilities, and user experience, particularly for enterprise users.
Android 14 for Enterprise users
For enterprise users, the integration of Android Enterprise functionalities occurred simultaneously with the Android 14 release. Devices equipped with Android 14 inherently support Android Enterprise features, ensuring a seamless experience for business users.
To check if your current device is covered for the Android 14 update, you can explore compatibility here.
Availability for ruggedised handsets
As of now, specific release dates for Android 14 on ruggedised handsets from manufacturers like Honeywell, Datalogic, or Zebra haven't been disclosed. These manufacturers typically reveal their OS update roadmaps during the later stages of testing the Operating Systems.
Android 14 is now available on Samsung rugged models:
What are the new features in Android 14 for Android Enterprise
Android 14 brings several notable features aimed at bolstering security, enhancing user privacy, and refining management capabilities for enterprise users. Some highlights of the new features in Android 14 include:
App Sharing in Screen-Share Sessions: Allows sharing of specific apps within the work profile during screen sharing for enhanced privacy.
Increased PIN Security: Default PIN length has been increased to 6 digits, fortifying device security.
Persistent Screen-On During Provisioning: Reduces setup failures by keeping the screen on during provisioning.
Old Application Installation Prevention: Blocks the installation of corporate applications targeting older SDK versions.
SIM Management for COPE Devices: Enables the assignment of SIMs to work profiles in corporate-owned devices.
2G Disabling Capability: API to disable 2G at the modem level for enhanced security.
Improved Profile Switching: Gesture navigation for switching between work and personal profiles.
And more, such as improved cross-profile functionalities, secure screenshot management and support for Ultra-Wideband technology, among others.
Key Differences between Android Enterprise in Android 13 and Android 14
The evolution from Android 13 to Android 14 for enterprise users brings about significant improvements:
Enhanced Security: Android 14 introduces stronger default PIN security and blocks the installation of potentially less secure older applications.
Improved User Privacy and Experience: New features like specific app sharing during screen sessions and gesture navigation between work and personal profiles enhance user privacy and experience.
Advanced Management Capabilities: Android 14 offers new management features like SIM management for COPE devices, control over Ultra-Wideband technology, and the ability to disable 2G for heightened security.
Refined Cross-Profile Behaviour: A significant revamp in cross-profile functionalities with new APIs for more specific control.
Android 14 builds upon the foundations set by Android 13, introducing more advanced security features like increased PIN complexity, the ability to manage UWB, and the prevention of older application installations. It also focuses on improving the user experience in work profiles with features like specific app sharing during screen sessions and gesture navigation. Furthermore, it brings in novel features like direct work contact messaging and a new framework for resolving device policy conflicts, showcasing an ongoing evolution in enterprise device management and security.
Addressing pain points
New features in android 14 address several pain points faced in earlier versions:
PIN Security Enhancement: Now with a 6-digit PIN length for improved device security.
SIM Management: Facilitates directing all work profiles to a single SIM in dual SIM devices.
2G Disabling Capability: Offers an API to disable 2G at the modem level for heightened security.
Refinements to Android 13 Features: Offers better control and management for work profiles.
In summary
Android 14 represents a significant step forward in enhancing security, refining management capabilities, and improving the overall user experience for enterprise users. Its focus on addressing crucial pain points and introducing novel features marks a promising evolution in enterprise device management and security.
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Managing OS upgrades can be a complex process. The Barcode Warehouse provides comprehensive assistance in navigating through Operating System updates. With various upgrade methods including Android Debug Bridge (ADB), Manufacturer Deployment Software, Mobile Device Management (MDM) Remote Control and Scripting, and Enterprise Firmware Over-the-Air, seamless transitions to the latest OS version are ensured, minimising disruptions for businesses.
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Sources:
https://blog.google/products/android-enterprise/Android-14-for-business/
https://support.google.com/work/android/answer/14109940?sjid=7217225714683778301-NA
https://developer.android.com/about/versions/14/work
https://bayton.org/blog/2023/04/android-enterprise-in-android-14/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_14
https://www.sammobile.com/news/android-14-one-ui-6-0-update-list-eligible-galaxy-devices/
https://9to5google.com/2024/01/30/samsung-android-14-update-schedule/
