Android 15 Beta 2 was introduced at Google I/O 2024 on Wednesday, a day after the corporate’s annual developer convention kicked off. The newest beta model of its subsequent main working system (OS) replace is now obtainable to obtain on Google Pixel smartphones and is coming to pick smartphones over the approaching weeks. This 12 months, Google is focussing on including new safety and privateness options to Android 15, and the newest beta model comprises highly effective new options which can be obtainable to beta testers.
Throughout a Google I/O developer session, the corporate confirmed off its first safety and privacy-oriented function coming to smartphones with Android 15 — Personal Area. It is going to enable customers to cover sure apps (such a banking, finance, relationship, or social media apps) on their smartphone in a safe location. Apps within the Personal Area may be up to date through a separate Play Retailer app and also will have entry to their very own storage space not accessible to different apps on the telephone.
Google says that the Personal Area function is situated within the default app drawer on Android 15. Customers can scroll right down to the tip of the checklist of apps to disclose the secured app. This segregated software checklist can optionally be protected by a separate passcode — or utilizing a biometric lock — whereas permitting them to fully disguise its existence.
With Android 15, Google can be upgrading its anti-theft protections, making it tougher for thieves to make use of a stolen telephone that has been reset, with out the beforehand used Google account credentials. Android 15 may even ask customers for his or her biometrics when trying to extend the display timeout, accessing passkeys, or disable Discover My Machine.
One other highly effective anti-theft function coming to Android 15 is “Theft Detection Lock”, or the flexibility to lock a smartphone when an “abrupt movement that might point out theft” has been detected. In the meantime, “Offline Machine Lock” may even robotically lock itself if a consumer turns off entry to the web — one thing a thief may do after stealing a smartphone.
Distant Lock will let customers ship a command utilizing a unique quantity (when their handset is stolen) to lock and/ or wipe their telephone remotely with out logging on to Discover My Machine. Theft Detection Lock, Distant Lock, and Offline Machine Lock are geared toward disincentivising smartphone theft and can arrive later this 12 months on handsets working on Android 10 and newer variations, based on Google.
Different options coming to Android 15 embrace the flexibility to robotically allow Bluetooth the subsequent day — we are able to assume this function is designed to assist Google guarantee its Discover My Machine community continues working as meant. Google has additionally added enhancements to the widget picker on Android 15, in addition to a redesigned quantity management panel that gives higher reachability throughout one-handed use.
Android 15 Beta 2 is out there for obtain on the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Professional, Pixel 7a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Professional, Pixel 6a, Pixel 6 Professional, Pixel 6, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Pill. Choose smartphones from a handful of producers may even be eligible to put in Android 15 beta variations, and you may entry the full checklist of suitable handsets right here.
