You can't complain about pre-release software, but we're going to try and do that anyway this week on the Android Police podcast as the first beta for Android 14 comes online — we're left asking where the ambition is? Also, why 12% isn't a bad stat for Android 13 distribution, loosening our grasp on the dying genre of small phones, high praise for a shiny new gaming phone, and more. You could say this pod's packed to the Max.

05:48 | Soft Egg

• Android 14 Beta 1 is here, and you can join the beta program now
• Android 14 Beta 1 hands-on: Wait for the next one
• Android 14: News, features, leaks, and what's new in Beta 1
• Android 13 is now running on over 12% of Android phones

23:09 | Hard Boil

• Google Pixel 8 could be a lot smaller than the Pixel 7
• You probably don't need a flagship phone
• Latest rumor claims the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE lives to die another day
• Asus ROG Phone 7 review: High score

36:17 | Max

• Say goodbye to HBO Max and hello to just... Max

Reach out to us - podcast@androidpolice.com

Music - "18" and "34" by HOME licensed under CC BY 3.0