Exploring the New Horizons of Android 15 Beta
The journey of Android 15 from developer previews to public beta has officially begun, marking a significant leap towards its stable release anticipated in the coming months. The initial beta version is now accessible for enthusiasts with compatible Pixel smartphones, offering a glimpse into the future of Android.
For those eager to experience the latest Android 15 beta, it’s important to note that it’s best suited for secondary devices due to its current developmental state. The beta is available for a range of Pixel models, including:
- Google Pixel 6
- Google Pixel 6 Pro
- Google Pixel 6a
- Google Pixel 7
- Google Pixel 7 Pro
- Google Pixel 7a
- Google Pixel Fold
- Google Pixel Tablet
- Google Pixel 8
- Google Pixel 8 Pro
Unfortunately, Pixel devices not listed above will not support the Android 15 beta. For those with a compatible device, detailed installation instructions are available to guide you through the process.
What’s new in Android 15 beta 1
While Android 15 maintains a familiar look and feel akin to its predecessor, it introduces a suite of innovative features that enhance user experience and system functionality.
OS-level app archiving
A standout feature is the OS-level app archiving capability, allowing users to archive apps directly within Android settings. This feature conserves space by removing non-essential app data while preserving personal settings and information. When the app is needed again, restoring it is a simple process that reinstates it to its former state.
App archiving offers a practical alternative to the all-or-nothing approach of traditional app uninstallation, keeping user data safe and sound.
While similar functionality exists through the Play Store, the new manual archiving feature is integrated into the Android system itself, offering users more control.
Edge-to-edge apps
Another exciting addition is automatic support for edge-to-edge apps. Developers previously had the option to extend their apps to cover the entire display on devices running Android 14 or earlier. With Android 15, this becomes the default behavior, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience across all apps, leveraging the full potential of the device’s display.
Braille support
Accessibility is further enhanced with the integration of Braille display support within Android’s TalkBack features, a significant advancement for users with visual impairments.
Miscellaneous changes
Beyond the highlighted features, Android 15 beta 1 brings several other improvements:
- Inter-character justification: Improved display for languages that utilize letter spacing, such as Chinese and Japanese.
- App-managed profiling: The new
ProfilingManagerclass simplifies the process for developers to collect specific user information. - Key management for E2EE: Enhanced security for managing and verifying contact information through end-to-end encryption.
- Secured background activity launches: Building on the safeguards introduced in Android 10, this feature further restricts background apps from unauthorized foreground activity.
There will be more to see!
The features outlined represent just a portion of what Android 15 beta 1 has to offer. As with previous releases, Google tends to reserve some updates from the public eye. Over the next day, we can expect to uncover additional elements that will shape the full Android 15 experience.
