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 out there to obtain on Google Pixel smartphones and is coming to pick smartphones over the approaching weeks. This yr, Google is focussing on including new safety and privateness options to Android 15, and the newest beta model accommodates highly effective new options which might be out there 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 — Non-public Area. It is going to permit customers to cover sure apps (such a banking, finance, relationship, or social media apps) on their smartphone in a safe location. Apps within the Non-public Area may be up to date by way of 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 Non-public Area function is situated within the default app drawer on Android 15. Customers can scroll right down to the tip of the record of apps to disclose the secured app. This segregated utility record can optionally be protected by a separate passcode — or utilizing a biometric lock — whereas permitting them to fully cover 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 can even ask customers for his or her biometrics when making an attempt to extend the display timeout, accessing passkeys, or disable Discover My Gadget.
One other highly effective anti-theft function coming to Android 15 is “Theft Detection Lock”, or the power to lock a smartphone when an “abrupt movement that might point out theft” has been detected. In the meantime, “Offline Gadget Lock” can 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 Gadget. Theft Detection Lock, Distant Lock, and Offline Gadget Lock are geared toward disincentivising smartphone theft and can arrive later this yr on handsets operating on Android 10 and newer variations, based on Google.
Different options coming to Android 15 embody the power to robotically allow Bluetooth the subsequent day — we are able to assume this function is designed to assist Google guarantee its Discover My Gadget community continues working as supposed. 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 obtainable for obtain on the Pixel 8, Pixel Eight 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 can even be eligible to put in Android 15 beta variations, and you’ll entry the full record of suitable handsets right here.
