Android 15 Archives

AppWizard

April 28, 2025

5 ways to use the Linux terminal on your Android phone

Android 15 includes a fully functional Linux terminal, allowing users to execute familiar commands, though running GUI applications can be challenging. With Android 16, the terminal receives more space. Users can connect to remote machines via SSH by configuring the SSH config file for easier access. The terminal serves as a platform for learning the Linux command line, executing commands, and accessing manuals. Developers can use it for coding, with Python pre-installed, and can create applications directly on their devices. The terminal also supports the installation of the MariaDB database server for database management. Additionally, users can create hidden files for storing sensitive notes using the Nano editor.

AppWizard

April 26, 2025

Nothing Phone 3a is finally getting this missing Android 15 privacy feature

The Nothing Phone 3a is set to receive an update that includes support for 4K video, camera enhancements, and a hotspot manager. A key feature being introduced is Privacy Space, which allows users to create a secure profile to conceal apps from scrutiny. Users can access Privacy Space by swiping right in the app drawer and can set distinct passwords for it and the App Locker. This feature was hinted at in March during an APK teardown of the Nothing Launcher.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

Chrome for Android finally lets you view PDFs without leaving the browser

Chrome for Android has introduced a native PDF reader that allows users to view and annotate PDF files directly within the browser, eliminating the need for third-party applications. This feature is currently available on Android 15, with availability on earlier versions yet to be confirmed. Users can access various annotation tools, including a pen, highlighter, eraser, undo, redo, and visibility options, and can customize line widths and colors. The built-in search functionality enables users to locate specific text within documents. The feature was hinted at in February of the previous year and became operational in December, initially accessible only through flags for devices running Android 12 and later.

AppWizard

April 18, 2025

Google is preparing to make Android Settings a bit more colorful

Google is set to transform its Settings homepage in the upcoming Android 16 beta, introducing colorful icons encased in circles, replacing the current gray icons. This redesign aims to enhance the expressiveness of the Settings app and is expected to align with a new Material Design theme at the Google I/O developer conference. The colorful icons may not appear in the initial stable release of Android 16 but could be introduced in a future quarterly update or in Android 17 next year. The 'Digital Wellbeing & parental controls' entry will retain its gray icon due to its origin from a separate app. Feedback from users will influence the final design.

AppWizard

April 17, 2025

Someone seems to have got their hands on the updated One UI 7 rollout schedule

An updated rollout schedule for One UI 7, featuring Android 15, has been shared on Reddit, reportedly from the Samsung Members app. The Samsung Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Flip 6, and Z Fold 6 are set to receive the update starting April 25, followed by the Galaxy S23 series, Z Fold 5, and Z Flip 5 around May 25. The rollout is phased with a one-month interval between groups, concluding in July. The Galaxy Tab A9 is expected to receive its update in July. Initially, One UI 7 was supposed to launch widely on April 7 in Korea, but the rollout was halted three days later due to a bug affecting several devices. Samsung has acknowledged the situation and is updating the rollout schedule for a better experience, but did not specify reasons for the pause.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Android 16 could bring Identity Check to more smartphones

The Identity Check feature has been observed on the OnePlus 13 operating with the Android 16 beta, indicating an expansion of its availability beyond select Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices. This feature adds a layer of security for devices outside designated trusted locations and requires a comprehensive system update due to modifications in Android's biometric prompt code. Users can find the Identity Check option in the Settings > Google > Theft Protection menu after upgrading to Android 16. To use Identity Check, users must authenticate their identity through biometric means, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, when accessing sensitive information outside a trusted environment. The feature was initially introduced with Android 15 QPR1 for Pixel devices and is expected to be adopted by other manufacturers. It may not be enabled by default and will be compatible with devices equipped with class three biometric hardware.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

5 things to do with the Linux terminal on your Android phone

Android 15 includes a fully functional Linux terminal that allows users to execute various commands typical of Linux environments. While it is robust, installing graphical user interface (GUI) applications can be challenging. The terminal can be used for SSH connections by configuring the SSH config file for easier access to remote machines. It serves as a platform for learning the Linux command line, with options to execute commands and access manual files. Developers can use it for coding, as Python is pre-installed, allowing for immediate programming tasks. Users can also install the MariaDB database server for database management directly from their mobile devices. Additionally, the terminal can be used to securely store notes by creating hidden files with the Nano editor.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

Google raises Android 15’s onboard storage requirements to 32GB

Android 15 mandates a minimum of 32GB of onboard storage for devices, enforced through GMS licensing, while devices with less than 32GB can still operate AOSP builds. Phones with 3GB of memory or less must use Android Go Edition. The shift from 16GB to 32GB is the first significant increase in system requirements since Android 13. Android 15 also requires Vulkan 1.3 graphics support in chipsets, unless using Android Go Edition. Devices with 3GB of RAM or less must run Android Go Edition, increasing the previous threshold from 2GB, while the baseline requirement of 2GB memory for GMS licensing remains unchanged.

BetaBeacon

April 4, 2025

Android Auto Beta Allows You to Play Games on Cars’ Infotainment Systems, But There’s a Catch

Android Auto's latest beta update allows users to play games on their infotainment systems. Users must have a compatible mobile device running on Android 15 or later, verify compatibility with their infotainment system, and be in park to access this feature.

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

How to uninstall the Android 16 beta

Android 16 is currently in beta testing, with Beta 3 achieving platform stability but still containing imperfections. Users with Google Pixel 6 or newer can join the Android Beta Program. To uninstall the Android 16 beta, users should back up their device as the process typically erases data. Three methods to uninstall include opting out of the beta program for an OTA update that reverts to the latest stable version, waiting for the stable version of the update being tested, or installing a stable version using the Android Flash Tool or ADB, which erases all data. To opt out, users must log into the Android Beta Program website, select their device, and follow the prompts to leave the beta. After opting out, users can revert to a stable version of Android 15 by installing an OTA update, which may take up to 24 hours to appear and will delete data if not backed up. Reasons to uninstall the beta include the presence of bugs and instability compared to the public version of Android.