Google released the first developer preview of Android 15, its next major OS. Android 15 brings new features and improvements that focus on user privacy and security, as well as enhancing the user experience across different devices. Here is a summary of what you need to know about Android 15.
What is Android 15?
Android 15 is the codename for the 15th version of Android, which is expected to be officially released in the third quarter of 2024. Google usually names its Android versions after desserts, but it has not revealed the official name for Android 15 yet. Some of the possible candidates are Android Popsicle, Android Pie, or Android Pudding.
Release of the First Developer Preview
Google released the first developer preview of Android 15 on February 19, 2024, for its Pixel devices. The developer preview is an early version of the software that allows developers to test their apps and provide feedback to Google. The developer preview is not intended for regular users, as it may contain bugs and instability. Google plans to release more developer previews and beta versions of Android 15 in the coming months, before the final release.
Focus on User Privacy and Security
One of the main themes of Android 15 is user privacy and security. Google has introduced several new features and enhancements that aim to protect user data and give users more control over their privacy settings.
Additions to Privacy Sandbox
Privacy Sandbox is a set of tools and APIs that allow developers to create web applications that respect user privacy and prevent cross-site tracking. Google has added new features to Privacy Sandbox in Android 15, such as:
- Federated Learning of Cohorts (FLoC): This is a new way of grouping users based on their browsing behavior, without revealing their individual identities or browsing history. FLoC allows advertisers to target ads to relevant groups of users, without compromising their privacy.
- Trust Tokens: These are cryptographic tokens that can be used to verify the authenticity of a website, without revealing the user’s identity or personal information. Trust Tokens can help prevent fraud and abuse, such as bots and fake accounts.
- First-Party Sets: These are groups of websites that belong to the same organization or entity, such as Google or Facebook. First-Party Sets allow websites to share data and functionality within the same group, without exposing user data to third-party websites.
Introduction of Health Connect
Health Connect is a new feature that allows users to securely share their health and wellness data with trusted apps and services. Health Connect uses a standardized format and protocol to exchange health data, such as heart rate, blood pressure, sleep quality, and activity levels. Users can choose which apps and services they want to share their data with, and revoke access at any time. Health Connect also supports data encryption and anonymization, to ensure user privacy and security.
File Integrity Improvements
Android 15 introduces a new file system feature called File Integrity, which aims to protect user data from corruption and tampering. File Integrity verifies the integrity of files and directories on the device, using cryptographic hashes and signatures. File Integrity can detect and prevent unauthorized changes to user data, such as malware infection, ransomware attacks, or accidental deletion.
Partial Screen Sharing Feature
Android 15 also adds a new feature that allows users to share only a part of their screen with other apps or services, such as video calls or screen recording. This feature gives users more control over what they want to share and enhances their privacy and security. Users can select which area of the screen they want to share, and adjust the size and position of the shared area. Users can also pause and resume screen sharing at any time.
Improved Features in Android 15
In addition to the new features, Android 15 also improves some of the existing features and functionalities of the operating system, such as:
In-app Camera Controls
Android 15 allows apps to access and control the camera settings and features directly within the app, without launching the default camera app. This feature enables apps to offer more customized and immersive camera experiences, such as filters, stickers, effects, and modes. Users can also switch between different cameras, such as front, rear, wide-angle, or telephoto, within the app.
Virtual MIDI 2.0 Devices
Android 15 supports the creation and use of virtual MIDI 2.0 devices, which are software-based musical instruments that can communicate with other MIDI devices and apps. Virtual MIDI 2.0 devices can offer more advanced and expressive features, such as high-resolution control, dynamic configuration, and bidirectional communication. Users can create and play virtual MIDI 2.0 devices using apps or external controllers, such as keyboards or pads.
Dynamic Performance Framework Improvements
Android 15 improves the Dynamic Performance Framework, which is a system that optimizes the performance and battery life of the device, based on the user’s behavior and preferences. The Dynamic Performance Framework can adjust the CPU, GPU, memory, and network usage of the device, depending on the app or task that the user is running. The Dynamic Performance Framework can also learn from the user’s habits and patterns, and adapt the performance accordingly.
Notification Cooldown
Android 15 introduces a new feature called Notification Cooldown, which allows users to temporarily mute notifications from specific apps or channels, without disabling them permanently. Notification Cooldown can help users reduce distractions and interruptions, and focus on their tasks or activities. Users can set the duration of the notification cooldown, from 15 minutes to 2 hours, and resume the notifications when they want.
Universal Toggle for Keyboard Vibrations
Android 15 adds a new option that allows users to enable or disable the keyboard vibrations for all apps, with a single toggle. Keyboard vibrations are the haptic feedback that the device provides when the user types on the keyboard. Some users may find the keyboard vibrations useful and satisfying, while others may find them annoying and distracting. Users can now choose whether they want to have keyboard vibrations or not, without changing the settings for each app individually.
Continuity Features for Foldable Devices
Android 15 enhances the continuity features for foldable devices, which are devices that can change their shape and size, such as folding or unfolding. Continuity features allow apps and content to adapt to the different modes and configurations of the foldable device and provide a seamless and consistent user experience. Android 15 improves the continuity features, such as:
- App Continuity: This feature allows apps to resume their state and content when the user switches between different modes of the foldable device, such as folded or unfolded. App Continuity can also handle multiple instances of the same app, running on different screens of the foldable device.
- Multi-Resume: This feature allows multiple apps to run and display their content simultaneously, on different screens of the foldable device. Multi-Resume can also synchronize the actions and events of the apps, such as scrolling, playing, or pausing.
- Multi-Display: This feature allows the foldable device to connect and interact with other external displays, such as TVs or monitors. Multi-Display can also extend the screen of the foldable device, or mirror its content, on the external display.
