The subsequent model of Google’s cell working system will not be far-off now.
Android 15 is anticipated to be proven off on the upcoming Google I/O occasion in Might, earlier than it seemingly debuts alongside the Pixel 9 vary later this yr.
Nonetheless, a public beta of Android 15 is now reside, 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 are value getting enthusiastic about.
1. Satellite tv for pc messaging
Apple just lately launched the flexibility 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 characteristic received’t be coming to Android 15, the flexibility to ship messages (SMS and MMS) through satellite tv for pc will.
That is nice for those who’re the adventurous kind or spend time heading off grid however nonetheless need to keep secure. It’s unsure in the meanwhile whether or not you’ll want specific {hardware} built-in to your cellphone although, so we’ll have to attend and see how the service will work.
2. Sooner 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 like your cellphone will talk with the opposite NFC gadget, however not reply till you faucet the display screen to substantiate a fee. Small change, however may be one you utilize lots.
3. Simpler to decide on a substitute for Google Pay
Android 14 already lets you choose your financial institution’s personal contactless fee app (supplied it has one) because the default Pockets as a substitute of Google Pay, however the setting generally is a little onerous to trace down.
This was adjusted within the first Beta launch of Android 15, making it a lot easier. The setting is now within the Default Apps part moderately than buried within the NFC part.
4. Display screen-sharing an app
You’ll now be capable of 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 ought to be a characteristic 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 be capable of use options akin to annotations, kind enhancing and password safety natively in Android 15.
6. Higher digital camera efficiency
The Beta variations of Android 15 include some delicate upgrades to the cameras.
One is ‘Low Mild Increase’, a brand new auto-exposure functionality that ought to present higher previews of how an evening shot will prove. There’s additionally extra granular flash controls to tune the brightness of the flash and stop white-outs.
Martyn Casserly
Martyn Casserly
Martyn Casserly
7. Audio equalisation
One other new characteristic is ‘Loudness Management’, a system-wide choice that screens and adjusts the volumes of the media you’re utilizing in order that all of them have roughly the identical quantity.
The thought is that you simply don’t end up listening to a quiet recording of one thing, then by accident open YouTube and get deafened by an advert.
8. Notification Cooldown
If you happen to generally really feel overwhelmed by fixed notifications lighting up your cellphone, Android 15’s Cooldown characteristic will convey you some welcome respite.
The setting prevents the identical app from barraging you with alerts one after one other. If an app sends you numerous notifications in a brief house of time, the later ones will get silenced by default.
9. Display screen recording detection
Safety enhancements are at all times welcome, and this new monitoring of system actions is an effective one.
Android 15 will permit apps to detect if the display screen is being recorded whereas they’re in use. This could forestall delicate knowledge from being watched and caught on video, both by chance or through malware.
10. New Well being Join app
The Well being Join app was a Beta take a look at 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 fascinating new options, however they’re not the one ones to have been confirmed. Android 15 will be capable of differentiate between SDR and HDR pictures extra simply, help digital Midi 2.0 units and higher recognise a number of languages on the identical time. You can too anticipate the standard normal efficiency and battery life refinements.
Google can also be reserving a few of the extra thrilling options for its I/O keynote, so it’s value tuning in then.
Wish to purchase a brand new handset prepared for Android 15? The entire finest Android telephones will get the replace, although it’ll look totally different relying on which firm you go for.
