Android 15 Beta 2 was introduced at Google I/O 2024 on Wednesday, a day after the corporate’s annual developer convention kicked off. The most recent beta model of its subsequent main working system (OS) replace is now out there to obtain on Google Pixel smartphones and is coming to pick out smartphones over the approaching weeks. This 12 months, Google is focussing on including new safety and privateness options to Android 15, and the newest beta model comprises highly effective new options which might be out there to beta testers.
Throughout a Google I/O developer session, the corporate showed off its first safety and privacy-oriented characteristic coming to smartphones with Android 15 — Private Space. It would permit customers to cover sure apps (such a banking, finance, courting, or social media apps) on their smartphone in a safe location. Apps within the Non-public Area could be up to date through a separate Play Retailer app and also will have entry to their very own storage space not accessible to different apps on the telephone.
Google says that the Non-public Area characteristic is positioned within the default app drawer on Android 15. Customers can scroll all the way down to the top of the record of apps to disclose the secured app. This segregated utility record can optionally be protected by a separate passcode — or utilizing a biometric lock — whereas permitting them to fully conceal its existence.
With Android 15, Google can also be upgrading its anti-theft protections, making it tougher for thieves to make use of a stolen telephone that has been reset, with out the beforehand used Google account credentials. Android 15 may even ask customers for his or her biometrics when making an attempt to extend the display screen timeout, accessing passkeys, or disable Find My Device.
One other highly effective anti-theft characteristic coming to Android 15 is “Theft Detection Lock”, or the power to lock a smartphone when an “abrupt movement that would point out theft” has been detected. In the meantime, “Offline Gadget Lock” may even routinely lock itself if a person turns off entry to the web — one thing a thief would possibly do after stealing a smartphone.
Distant Lock will let customers ship a command utilizing a distinct quantity (when their handset is stolen) to lock and/ or wipe their telephone remotely with out logging on to Discover My Gadget. Theft Detection Lock, Distant Lock, and Offline Gadget Lock are geared toward disincentivising smartphone theft and can arrive later this 12 months on handsets operating on Android 10 and newer variations, in line with Google.
Different options coming to Android 15 embody the power to routinely allow Bluetooth the subsequent day — we are able to assume this characteristic is designed to assist Google guarantee its Discover My Gadget community continues working as meant. Google has additionally added enhancements to the widget picker on Android 15, in addition to a redesigned quantity management panel that gives higher reachability throughout one-handed use.
Android 15 Beta 2 is accessible for obtain on the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. Choose smartphones from a handful of producers may even be eligible to put in Android 15 beta variations, and you may entry the complete list of compatible handsets here.
