Google’s new lock screen customization which will be one of the main additions to Android 14 is now operational in the Beta 3 update. As some of you already know, Google started rolling out Android 14 Beta 3 for Pixel phones yesterday.
This particular feature was presented during Google I/O 2023 which took place last month. We did not know when will it become live, and it just did. This update also signalizes platform stability for Android 14.
Android 14 Beta 3 brings forth Google’s new lock screen customization
If you’ve used Samsung phones or iPhones recently, well, you’ll be right at home here Google’s lock screen customization seemingly got inspired by the implementations from those two companies.
In order to access the new options, you’ll need to long-press on an empty space on your home screen. Following that, enter the ‘Wallpaper & style’ menu. There you’ll see the new ‘Lock screen’ tab, and a new carousel of clock themes will greet you.
There is also the ‘Clock color & size’ option which allows you to shrink the clock, or ditch the Material You theming implementation for it. Google is giving us a lot of freedom here, actually. You can see some of the options below.
You can also tweak the shortcuts in the bottom-left & bottom-right corners
You will also notice the ‘Shortcuts’ menu below the ‘Clock color & size’ option. Here you’ll be able to choose between None, Mute, Device controls, Wallet, Camera, Do not disturb, Video call, Flashlight, and QR code. These are actually toggles that are located in the bottom-left and bottom-right portions of the lock screen. Do note that custom lock screens are still not functional, though.
If you check out the images below, you’ll be able to see some different styles you can apply to your lock screen. Set it any way you want, regardless of whether you prefer analog or digital clocks, horizontal or vertical info, etc.
What is not available yet are the new emoji wallpapers and cinematic wallpapers that Google talked about at Google I/O last month. Those are likely coming with the June Pixel Feature Drop, though, which is likely coming soon.