Exploring the New Features of Android 15 Beta
With the release of the second Android 15 beta on May 15, the tech community has been abuzz with the latest developments from Google’s mobile operating system. The update, as described on the official Android Developers Blog, is a step forward in enhancing productivity, optimizing app performance, and fortifying user privacy.
Despite the official announcement’s focus, it did not cover the full spectrum of system customization upgrades that Android 15 promises. Curious minds have delved into the OS files, uncovering a suite of features that could redefine smartphone personalization.
While Android 15’s official launch is still on the horizon, the features listed below have been identified as the most promising. Given their current state of development, it’s anticipated that they will be included at launch or shortly thereafter.
1. Slideshow screensavers
Intrigue surrounded the discovery of a Google app named Dreams on the Play Store in June 2023. Intended for the Pixel Tablet, it offered a series of screensavers for when the device was docked. Although it vanished from the store without much fanfare, it seems the concept will be resurrected for Pixel phones. The second beta of Android 15 hints at a feature called “Dreamliner,” which allows users to turn their photo albums into a slideshow screensaver while using the second-generation Pixel Stand. The Google Photos interface has been updated to support Dreamliner, shifting away from Google Assistant integration.
2. Easier widget addition
Traditionally, adding widgets to an Android phone’s home screen has been a drag-and-drop affair. However, a new “Add button” feature is on the horizon, simplifying the process. Users will be able to tap a button to add widgets instead of dragging them, as indicated by images from a 9To5Google report showing a prominent blue button where widget space is available.
3. Pixel Avatar
Google Pixel Avatar, an app unearthed by industry insider Mishaal Rahman, offers users the choice of an icon for their profile picture. This feature, which has been part of Android for some time, now allows the use of a Google Account picture as the main profile image. This integration, initially introduced in the first Android 15 beta, has been refined to offer more reliable syncing between Google Account and Android profile images, previously maintained separately.
4. Cast volume controls
The legal tussle between Sonos and Google over alleged patent infringement led to the disabling of volume control for speaker groups via Pixel phones. However, a California judge’s decision in 2023 to overturn the initial verdict has allowed Google to reintroduce this feature. Android Authority’s testing confirmed that casting and volume adjustments for speaker groups functioned seamlessly with the latest beta, much to the delight of users who have long awaited its return.
5. Vibration strength
The final notable feature is the introduction of Adaptive Vibration for Pixel devices. This tool automatically adjusts the phone’s vibration intensity based on the environment, using the microphone and other sensors to assess sound levels and context. For example, the vibration will be less intense on a hard surface like a table compared to a softer one like a couch. Importantly, no data is recorded during this process.
While it remains to be seen whether these features will extend to third-party Android devices, Pixel users may get an exclusive first look. For those interested in the latest and greatest Android phones, TechRadar offers a curated list of top picks for 2024.
