Google September System Updates: Android 14 Browser Gestures, More [U] – 9to5Google

As part of Google’s September 2023 system updates, Android is expected to benefit from, among other improvements, better support for using a PIN with the FIDO2 security standard.

Update: Ahead of the expected launch of Android 14 in October, Google is currently discussing adding pen and trackpad gestures to Android’s built-in web browser.

While many of the flashiest changes to our smartphones often arrive as part of annual Android OS updates or QPRs or quarterly feature drops, Google is constantly rolling out improvements and new features through the Play Store. These range from “Play system updates” which affect core components of the operating system to updates for applications such as Play Services, Play Store, etc. The company collectively calls them the “Google System.”

Every month, Google publishes (and gradually expands) a list of changes included in that month’s updates. We will do our best to keep an eye on these changes and explain the most important ones here. So be sure to check back throughout September.

The easiest way to check if you need to update Google Play Services on your phone is to follow a direct link to the app’s Play Store listing and update from there, if available. To update the Play Store, tap your avatar in the corner, then tap “Settings.” In the “About” section, you will see an option to “Update Play Store.” Meanwhile, Google Play system updates can be found via the Settings app, under About phone > Android version > Google Play system update.

In the first wave of September 2023 updates, Google announced that Android’s support for the FIDO2 security standard would be updated this month. While FIDO2 (often taking the form of a Titan/Yubikey security key) was originally most commonly used for two-factor authentication with a password, the tech industry’s recent push for “access keys” (passwordless login) has made FIDO2 much more widespread.

With this increased usage comes a need for increased security, and one such solution is to add a PIN to protect your password from theft. In the coming weeks, Android is expected to support this “Pin protocol,” but it’s unclear exactly what that will mean.

One explanation is that Android will natively support entering the PIN needed for a connected FIDO2 security key. Alternatively, since Android 7+ phones can act as a FIDO2 key themselves, it’s possible that this means you’ll be able to add an extra layer of security by requiring a PIN. We’ll likely learn more once Google Play Services version 23.35 rolls out.

Meanwhile, in the same update, Google Wallet is expected to get some minor improvements, including “new email preferences settings.” Google Wallet users in Japan should also soon notice “better card management.”

On the Play Store side, Google is introducing “a new settings page” which simplifies “survey choices”.

Updated 09/19: Although Google has yet to release Android 14 (known internally as “U” or “Upside Down Cake”), the latest patch notes mention changes to Android’s built-in web browser – Android System WebView – to get features that only apply to Android. 14 years and over.

Specifically, the browser (and likely Chrome for Android as well) gains new gestures for those with a trackpad or stylus. No specific gestures have been shared, but we assume they will resemble the gestures available on ChromeOS. For example, a simple three-finger swipe on a Chromebook lets you quickly switch tabs.

For everyone else, Google is also introducing a set of keyboard shortcuts for Android System WebView, likely matching Chrome’s shortcuts on desktop platforms.

Meanwhile, the Play Store will start showing video trailers when searching for certain “media and entertainment apps”. Additionally, when installing a new app, Play Protect will perform “real-time threat detection” to ensure your device remains secure and malware-free.

Android Web View

• Security and privacy improvements and updates for bug fixes.
• New developer features for Google and third-party app developers to support features related to displaying web content in their apps.
• [Phone, PC, Tablet, Auto, TV] New keyboard shortcuts for productivity.
• [Phone, Tablet] New support for Stylus Rich Gestures from Android U+ to improve device usability.
• [Phone, Tablet] Supports standard trackpad gestures on Android U+ for greater productivity.

Important: Some features may be experimental and available to some users.

Google Play Store

• [Phone] A new settings page makes it easier for you to manage your survey choices and preferences.
• [Phone] You’ll see video trailers in some media and entertainment app search results.
• [Phone] Google Play Protect install-time protection now detects threats in real-time for new apps.

Security and Privacy

• [Phone] Added Pin protocol support for Fido2 on Android platform.

Wallet

• [Phone] New email preferences settings in Wallet.
• [Phone] This feature allows for better card management in Japan.

System management

• [Auto, PC, Phone, TV, Wear] Updates to system management services that improve network usage and privacy.
• [Phone] Changed terms of service for automatic updates in the settings screen.
• [Auto] Assistant controls will now be displayed on the Google Terms of Service screen.