Google Unveils First Beta of Android 15
In a significant update for developers and users alike, Google has released the first beta of Android 15, showcasing a suite of enhancements including better screen real estate utilization, innovative app archiving, and fortified security measures.
With an eye on the burgeoning market of foldable devices and tablets, Android 15 is engineered to make the most of larger screens. Apps will now automatically employ edge-to-edge capabilities, a boon for developers who previously had to manually enable this feature. Google’s Material 3 composables are also on hand to assist developers in crafting and integrating their applications seamlessly.
The introduction of app archiving is a standout feature in this beta release. This functionality allows for the archiving and subsequent unarchiving of seldom-used apps across all app stores. The process effectively trims down the app by removing non-essential files, yet importantly, it retains user data and denotes the app with an “archived” state icon for easy recognition.
Security is a cornerstone of Android 15, with the new beta enhancing “Key management” for end-to-end encryption (E2EE). This enhancement simplifies the management and verification of contact information at the operating system level, providing a more robust and user-friendly experience.
Google is also broadening its accessibility efforts. The beta opens the door for initial testing of TalkBack’s support for braille displays that adhere to the HID standard over USB and secure Bluetooth. This development is a stride forward for visually impaired users, expanding their accessibility options.
The Android 15 development timeline is on schedule, with Google targeting “platform stability” by June. A second public beta is anticipated in May, which will pave the way for the final release following a stability phase.
Beyond user interface enhancements and accessibility, Google’s second developer preview of Android 15, released earlier in March, highlighted the forthcoming feature of satellite connectivity for messaging services. This feature is designed to provide communication options in areas devoid of Wi-Fi or cellular signals. This, along with the ongoing emphasis on security, underscores Google’s holistic approach to Android 15’s development.
Those interested in experiencing the Android 15 beta can enroll supported Pixel devices here, or for those without a Pixel, can utilize the 64-bit system images with the Android Emulator in Android Studio.
See also: GitHub updates Innovation Graph with latest developer trends
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