The subsequent model of Google’s cellular working system will not be distant now.
Android 15 is anticipated to be proven off on the upcoming Google I/O occasion in Could, earlier than it probably debuts alongside the Pixel 9 vary later this 12 months.
Nevertheless, a public beta of Android 15 is now dwell, and Google has already introduced a number of new options to builders.
Whereas Android 15 is prone to be a small refresh moderately than an overhaul, there are nonetheless 10 new options which might be price getting enthusiastic about.
1. Satellite tv for pc messaging
Apple just lately launched the power for some iPhones to make use of a satellite tv for pc uplink to make emergency calls when in a distant space with no community protection.
Whereas this function received’t be coming to Android 15, the power to ship messages (SMS and MMS) through satellite tv for pc will.
That is nice if you happen to’re the adventurous sort or spend time heading off grid however nonetheless wish to keep secure. It’s unsure in the meanwhile whether or not you’ll want explicit {hardware} built-in to your cellphone although, so we’ll have to attend and see how the service will work.
2. Quicker NFC funds
Google is including extra code to the NFC funds space of Android 15, which ought to make the method sooner and extra handy. It seems to be like your cellphone will talk with the opposite NFC machine, however not reply till you faucet the display to substantiate a fee. Small change, however is likely to be one you utilize loads.
3. Simpler to decide on a substitute for Google Pay
Android 14 already permits you to choose your financial institution’s personal contactless fee app (offered it has one) because the default Pockets as a substitute of Google Pay, however the setting is usually a little onerous to trace down.
This was adjusted within the first Beta launch of Android 15, making it a lot less complicated. The setting is now within the Default Apps part moderately than buried within the NFC part.
4. Display-sharing an app
You’ll now have the ability to screen-share solely the app you’re utilizing, moderately than the entire show.
We did see this make its debut on the Pixel 8 and eight Professional in late 2023. However in Android 15 it needs to be a function out there to all units.
5. Improved PDF viewing and enhancing
Google has been onerous at work on enhancing the rendering and dealing with of PDFs within the built-in PDF reader.
This could imply that not solely will paperwork be displayed sooner, however you’ll have the ability to use options comparable to annotations, type enhancing and password safety natively in Android 15.
6. Higher digicam efficiency
The Beta variations of Android 15 include some delicate upgrades to the cameras.
One is ‘Low Gentle Enhance’, a brand new auto-exposure functionality that ought to present higher previews of how an evening shot will end up. There’s additionally extra granular flash controls to tune the brightness of the flash and forestall white-outs.
Martyn Casserly
Martyn Casserly
Martyn Casserly
7. Audio equalisation
One other new function is ‘Loudness Management’, a system-wide choice that displays and adjusts the volumes of the media you’re utilizing in order that all of them have roughly the identical quantity.
The concept is that you just don’t end up listening to a quiet recording of one thing, then unintentionally open YouTube and get deafened by an advert.
8. Notification Cooldown
When you generally really feel overwhelmed by fixed notifications lighting up your cellphone, Android 15’s Cooldown function will deliver you some welcome respite.
The setting prevents the identical app from barraging you with alerts one after one other. If an app sends you plenty of notifications in a brief area of time, the later ones will get silenced by default.
9. Display recording detection
Safety enhancements are all the time welcome, and this new monitoring of system actions is an effective one.
Android 15 will enable apps to detect if the display is being recorded whereas they’re in use. This could stop delicate knowledge from being watched and caught on video, both accidentally or through malware.
10. New Well being Join app
The Well being Join app was a Beta check that ran with Android 14, however Google could possibly be bringing it as an precise system app in Android 15. Because the identify suggests, that is supposed to permit customers to show well being, diet and health knowledge from varied third-party apps in a single place.
These are the ten most attention-grabbing new options, however they’re not the one ones to have been confirmed. Android 15 will have the ability to differentiate between SDR and HDR pictures extra simply, assist digital Midi 2.0 units and higher recognise a number of languages on the similar time. You may also count on the standard common efficiency and battery life refinements.
Google might also be reserving among the extra thrilling options for its I/O keynote, so it’s price tuning in then.
Need to purchase a brand new handset prepared for Android 15? All the finest Android telephones will get the replace, although it’ll look completely different relying on which firm you go for.