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- Official Android 15 Beta 1 is now available for compatible Pixel devices. The article has been updated to include the new features of Android 15 beta build, the installation process, and other key details.
UPDATE: 2024/04/12 06:30 EST BY SANUJ BHATIA
Official Android 15 Beta 1 is now available for compatible Pixel devices. The article has been updated to include the new features of Android 15 beta build, the installation process, and other key details.
Only a few months after the official release of Android 14, Google has already started testing the next version, Android 15. The company released the first Android 15 Developer Preview in February 2024, and now Google has released the first beta build of Android 15 for compatible Pixel devices. The new Android 15 Beta 1 gives us a sneak peek at what's to come before the official announcement, which is expected to be at Google I/O 2024.
Here, we take a look at some of the new features of Android 15, though it's likely that Google is hiding a few features under the wraps for now — the company will probably showcase all the new major features in a couple of months. Additionally, we'll provide instructions on installing the Beta and list the supported devices. So, without further ado, let's begin.
What is Android 15 called?
Google stopped using internal codenames to promote Android versions a while ago, but they still use them internally. For instance, Android 14 was dubbed "Upside Down Cake" for the letter U, and now, for the letter V, we have Android 15, nicknamed "Vanilla Ice Cream."
However, the official logo for Android 15 doesn't resemble ice cream at all. Instead, it features a triangular shape outlined in green with the Android mascot sporting a "15" on its back. It appears to be gazing toward what seems to be a gate or the end of a bridge with stars on each side.
Android 15: New Features
While Android 14 brought significant changes compared to Android 13, Android 15 appears to be more of a modest update, at least at this stage. Google says Android 15 focuses on improving four areas across the OS: improving media experiences, minimizing battery impact, maximizing smooth app performance, and protecting user security. Here's everything new we have found in Android 15 so far:
Improving camera feed in third-party apps
Samsung Galaxy S24 is undeniably one of the best phones right now, but one feature that makes it stand out is that apps like Instagram and Snapchat can utilize advanced camera features — ones available in the main camera app, such as Nitography and Super HDR — within social media apps. However, on other Android smartphones, things are very different due to limited camera controls available to the social media apps.
With Android 15, Google is working to make camera controls better for third-party apps by offering more accessible APIs. Two new features have been added to the camera API: enhancements for low-light conditions to improve the brightness of camera previews and the ability to control flash intensity. Further updates may introduce additional enhancements
Partial screen sharing
Android 15 will allow users to record or share only a specific app window or a portion of a screen rather than sharing the whole screen. This feature debuted first on Google Pixel devices with Android 14, but will now be available on other Android devices as well with Android 15.
High-Quality Webcam mode
With Android 14 QPR 1, Google introduced a feature for Pixel phones to use them as webcams, but the video quality was average. Now, in Android 15, Google is adding a new "High-Quality Webcam mode" toggle to the screen that significantly improves video quality. The feature does consume more power and lead to heating issues, but it gives you the choice to toggle between better or standard quality.
Notification cooldown
Do you ever find your phone exploding with notifications during peak chatting times? Well, Google's coming to save you as Android 15 introduces a handy new feature called "notification cooldown." This feature lowers the notification volume when you receive multiple notifications from the same app in quick succession.
The brightness slider now gives vibration feedback
A minor but a noteworthy feature is that now, when you adjust the brightness slider, you'll feel a slight haptic feedback. It's a subtle touch, but it shows Google's commitment to refining both hardware and software for a more polished Android experience.
Use any third-party app as your default payment app
Google is opening up NFC to third-party apps on Android 15. This means apps other than Google Wallet can now be set as your default payment app on Android 15. While it's not clear yet which apps will be compatible, you can expect those that hold your credit cards, student IDs, and similar items to offer this feature.
Universal toggle to control keyboard vibrations
Android 15 introduces a new "keyboard vibration" setting wherein the user can disable vibrations for all the keyboards installed on your phone. When this setting is disabled, no keyboards will vibrate when tapped. However, if enabled, users can still manage vibration settings within each keyboard app individually.
Edge-to-edge app support
One standout feature in Android 15, bringing it up to par with the look of other modern OS, is its edge-to-edge display for apps. With this, apps will now extend their content behind the navigation and status bars by default. This creates a more immersive look, similar to iOS, with apps showing content behind the bottom bar, instead of the large black bar that is still used in many apps.
Foldables get new continuity features
Foldable devices are becoming increasingly popular in the Android market, and Google has been fine-tuning the operating system for large-screen foldables since Android 12L. Now, Android 15 brings in a handy new continuity feature. Now you can control what will happen to the front screen when you close the foldable. You can choose to have the front display turn on whenever you fold your device, have it turned on for specific apps like games and videos, or simply lock it every time you fold the screen.
It is worth noting that Google is also testing a OnePlus Open-like feature wherein users will be able to continue using apps on the cover screen with a "swipe up to continue" gesture (via Mishaal Rahman). However, this feature is still not available in Android 15 Beta 1.
App Archiving
In Android 15 2, Google is also adding support for app archiving. Instead of uninstalling the app altogether, app archiving retains the essential data, such as data, login credentials, and more. This allows you to start using the app from where you left off when you restore it. You can access this feature in the App Info section of the app.
Satellite Connectivity Support
Android 15 Developer Preview 2 also adds support for satellite connectivity natively for the first time. It includes new user interface elements to indicate satellite connection and makes the apps aware about the satellite connection, reducing data usage. Additionally, SMS/MMS and RCS messaging will now work over satellite connections for sending and receiving messages.
Android Dynamic Performance Framework improvements
Android 15 also improves the Android Performance Durability Power Framework (ADPF), adding a new power-efficiency mode. This mode will allow the OS to reduce power consumption by long-running background apps. Moreover, the system can now report both GPU and CPU work durations, allowing Android to optimize CPU and GPU frequencies to better handle workload requirements.
Other Features
Android 15 also includes a few other behind-the-scenes changes. For example, the new Health Connect API adds support for more fitness-related metrics such as average step cadence, trans fats, and more. Android 15 also supports the fs-verity feature in the Linux kernel, meaning files can now be protected by custom cryptographic signatures, preventing any type of file corruption. Furthermore, Android 15 also adds support for the latest version of Privacy Sandbox.
Features That Aren't Official Yet
Android 15 Could Bring Revamped Status Bar
For years, the status bar of Android — the top bar that shows things like time, cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi, and more — has remained the same. With Android 15, Google might bring back pre-Android Lollipop like segmented design (via Android Authority) and also allow users to display the battery percentage inside the battery icon.
Android 15: List of Supported Devices
For now, Android 15 is only available for Google Pixel devices with Tensor chipsets. While Google might expand the Developer Preview program to devices from other brands at a later stage, there is no confirmation yet. Right now, you can install the first Android Developer Preview only on the following devices:
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
Android 15 Beta 1: How to Install
Unlike the Developer Preview, installing Android 15 Beta is pretty simple on your compatible Pixel device. In fact, it's just as easy as installing regular OTA updates. First, you need to go to google.com/android/beta. On this page, sign in with your Google account (use the same account as the on your Google Pixel).
Then, tap "Opt-in" under the device that you want to enroll in the Android 15 beta program. Once done, head over to settings on your Google Pixel and check for updates as usual. Now, Android 15 Beta should be available to install. The update usually shows up right away, but it might take a few hours in some cases.
When will Android 15 be released?
Currently, Google has released the first beta build of Android 15. The company will release a couple of more beta builds in the coming months before releasing the stable version in the fall. As per the timeline shared by Google, the final release is likely scheduled for August/September, but it might get pushed back to October, possibly coinciding with the Pixel 9 event in the fall.
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