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Google’s Material You wallpaper customization has seen considerable improvements since its Android 12 debut. With Android 14, Pixel phone users enjoy additional clock customizations, more color and monochrome options, and new emoji wallpaper creation. However, the most impressive addition is Cinematic Wallpaper, a feature that leverages machine learning to add simulated motion and depth to otherwise static photos.
Cinematic images aren’t new: Google rolled out its Cinematic Photos feature in 2020, which used the same AI tech on photos in your phone library. In Android 14, this functionality is extended to Material You wallpaper, letting you create Home and Lock screens that pop with life and motion.
Creating Cinematic Wallpapers is a cinch, but getting started isn’t immediately obvious. We’ll show you how with these simple steps:
Now you’re well on your way to creating unique Android wallpapers. Keep in mind, however, that the Cinematic Wallpaper feature is still a work in progress. The machine-learning slips up at times, misidentifying and warping background elements. You may see peculiar distortions behind the subject in cases where the AI wasn’t sure how to fill the empty space. Nonetheless, Cinematic Wallpaper is a fun customization tool. Give it a try when you install Android 14.
Before you download and install the new OS, take a look at these other must-try Android 14 features. Thinking about upgrading your Android phone? Check out our top picks.
My career has taken me through an eclectic assortment of fields, and connected me with people from all walks of life. This experience includes construction, professional cooking, podcasting, and, of course, writing. I’ve been typing up geeky takes since 2009, ultimately landing a freelancing position at PCMag. This blossomed into a full-time tech analyst position in 2021, where I lend my personal insight on the matters of web hosting, streaming music, mobile apps, and video games.
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