Thanks to the optimization with tablets since 2020, Android 15 now seamlessly work with them alongside foldable phones!
Android 15 Beta 2 just got released today and Google has announced that due to recent developments with tablet users and their rising demand for them, many more brands got their hands on the beta. This includes Lenovo, Tecno, iQoo, and Honor. Brands that got their hands on an Android Beta release for the first time, or brands that got their first taste of a beta build of Android since the first.
According to Google, you can manually flash Android 15 on your phone. This takes some risks, 10GB of storage space on your computer, and necessary back-ups in case your phone gets soft bricked. The flash tool, created by Google, does not support ChromeOS devices and tablets yet. It only is recent when Android tablets got a notice from Google once again and brands that never made a tablet like Oppo, finally made one.
However, there is also another catch to manually installing Android 15. There are only a select few devices that actually support it. Otherwise, you get the risk of your phone causing bootloops or soft bricking which could mean the end of your phone without a full factory reset or a trip to the service center. Be cautious when attempting this. You can find instructions through this website.
FEATURES OF ANDROID 15:
PRIVATE SPACE
One of the newest features of Android 15 is Private Space, a secret compartment that lets you hide apps easily. Some Android skins and forks like Samsung’s OneUI and OnePlus’ OxygenOS already has a similar feature.
For OxygenOS, it’s called “hidden apps”, and it is quite tricky to do it. In it, you need to get to Google Play and enter a passcode. Once you made your passcode and apps to be hidden, you need to go to the phone app and type the passcode there with two number signs (#) at the beginning at the end (e.g. #123456#), then it will redirect you to folder named “Hidden Apps”. It is much more straightforward for Samsung and that the feature is already baked in to the UI once you tap and hold an app.
For Private Space to work, you need to use biometric unlocking or a password. This feature creates a profile separate from the one you already have, similar to incognito mode. Then if it’s not in use then its activity will be paused until private space opens up again. For security reasons, permission settings are separate in Private and the Main Space. You can still give access to some content for hidden apps, but only while Private Space is active.
TABLET IMPROVEMENTS:
When you open the multitasking area, you can now pin two apps at the same time and create a shortcut, which will then appear on your home screen. Additionally, you can now pin the taskbar on the home screen if you’re using a tablet. Android 15 is mostly about enhancing the tablet experience as if Android Ice Cream Sandwich and Honeycomb are making a comeback. However, this time, it appears Google knows what they are doing.
Google is also making it easier for developers to optimize their apps on big screens. A feature called “Compose AI” uses algorithms to help developers easily optimize the UI of their apps without making it look janky. This also lessens the time developers need to enhancing their apps to every screen size. Surprisingly, this is one ethical use of artificial intelligence.
THEFT DETECTION LOCK:
Google is introducing a feature that Apple has introduced a few years ago via Find My iPhone. How the turntables! This feature is called “Theft Detection Lock”, and your phone will react if it detects any sudden motion that appears highly suspicious. It will start locking itself to avoid the thief from tampering it and make it easier for you to find the stolen device. In addition, it will also lock it itself if it finds any strange activity happening, such as numerous log-in attempts to Google apps.
While the feature was available to Android 10, it is only this time that this feature was greatly enhanced, including the ability to stop thieves from factory resetting. For extra security, the thief, or whoever is holding the phone, needs to have the original owner’s Google credentials which means the phone will be rendered useless when stolen, a functionality similar to iPhone.
Speaking of Find My Device, Google will be upgrading the app so now it can easily detect trackers, like how it is with Apple’s AirTags.
GOOGLE MAPS AR:
Soon, Google Maps will have alternative reality (AR) functionality which we’re surprised is still a thing to this day when virtual reality (VR) is taking over the space. AR will help you learn about the places you have visited or about to. It’s currently under development so even when Android 15 “Stable” is released, this might take a while to come. The feature is part of Google’s long-term plan and partnership with Qualcomm, a platform called “Extended Reality” (XR).
The first few places to get AR functionality are areas within Paris and Singapore. Using AR for literally almost every place in the world costs a lot of storage, so we bet you need to download some of them to areas you wish to have AR functionality on.
OTHER IMPROVEMENTS:
- You can now digitize your tickets, membership cards, gift cards, and others to your Google Wallet simply by scanning them in the app.
- Phone calls are now more secure! With Android 15, your phone will now notify you if the cellular network you’re using is unencrypted which prevents spoofs and reduce fraud text messages. Frankly, Google is doing the work because the government’s SIM Card Registration can’t.
- Performance improvements, especially for developers. Now, devices that use over 16KB pages are supported. This allows launch times to be snappier, smoother, and faster.
RELEASE DATE:
During this year’s I/O event, Google says that Android 15 should reach stability around Q3 2024, so that’s around August or September which is consistent with earlier released of Android. Beta releases will be available until July. However, if you can’t wait, you can go ahead take the risk and experience Android 15 early.
We expect more developments to be made during this large window so stay tuned and we’ll update you, fellow techies!
Oh, if you’re wondering what’s the internal code name for Android 15 (or Android V), it’s Vanilla Ice Cream. See, it’s even closer to Ice Cream Sandwich that we feel like it’s some sort of homage. Android 16 will be obviously “Android W” and we can second guess that it will be internally named “Wafer”, the most obvious dessert to the letter. “Waffle” is also a good choice.
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