Google’s Android 15 Update: A Sneak Peek at 5 New Features

Google’s Android 15 update brings several new features to Pixel devices, including advanced theft protection, enhanced privacy options, and improved multitasking capabilities. The update also introduces new camera features and satellite connectivity for eligible models.

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Google’s Android 15 Update: A Sneak Peek at 5 New Features

Google’s Android 15 update is now available for Pixel devices

Google has begun rolling out the stable Android 15 update to eligible Pixel smartphones and tablets, including its latest flagship, the Pixel 9 series. This update brings several new features to Pixel devices.

Typically, Google is the first to release the latest Android OS updates for smartphones, but this time it is slightly delayed, as brands like vivo and iQOO have already updated some of their devices to Android 15-based FunTouchOS 15.

Currently, 13 Pixel devices, including the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold, are eligible for the Android 15 update.

Google’s Android 15 Update: A Sneak Peek at 5 New Features The Android 15 update for Google Pixel devices introduces several privacy and security enhancements, including new anti-theft features. However, the visual differences between Android 14 and Android 15 are minimal. One notable addition is the AI-powered Theft Detection Lock, which automatically secures the device if it detects an attempted theft. If a SIM card is removed from a Pixel phone running Android 15, the device will prompt for authentication to access it, and if authentication fails, the phone will lock itself, rendering it inoperable.

Additionally, Android 15 brings improved app management options, including the Private Space feature, which allows users to hide specific apps from the app drawer and access them only through authentication. For foldable devices like the Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the update allows users to pin apps in the taskbar, enhancing multitasking capabilities.

The update also includes new camera features such as Low Light Boost and in-app camera controls, improved networking capabilities with satellite messaging for eligible models, and the convenience of one-tap app logins using Passkeys.

If you’ve purchased a Pixel smartphone in recent years, there’s a good chance your device is eligible for the Android 15 update.

Here’s the complete list of Pixel smartphones eligible for the Android 15 update:
– Pixel 6
– Pixel 6 Pro
– Pixel 6a
– Pixel 7
– Pixel 7 Pro
– Pixel 7a
– Pixel 8
– Pixel 8 Pro
– Pixel 9
– Pixel 9 Pro
– Pixel 9 Pro XL
– Pixel 9 Pro Fold
– Pixel Fold
– Pixel Tablet

Google’s Android 15 Update: A Sneak Peek at 5 New Features Google has officially begun rolling out Android 15 to eligible Pixel devices. Although the new update doesn’t significantly differ in appearance from Android 14, it introduces numerous security enhancements and quality-of-life improvements—primarily powered by the latest advancements in AI—to enhance the user experience. The Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold currently undergoing updates will soon have a review available that highlights all the new features of Android 15, so stay tuned.

Eligible Pixel Devices
– Google Pixel 9
– Google Pixel 9 Pro
– Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
– Google Pixel 8
– Google Pixel 8 Pro
– Google Pixel 8a
– Google Pixel Fold
– Google Pixel 7
– Google Pixel 7 Pro
– Google Pixel 7a
– Google Pixel 6
– Google Pixel 6 Pro
– Google Pixel 6a

The rollout was announced by Seang Chau, Vice President and General Manager of the Android Platform, on Google’s official blog, where he outlined the key updates.

Google’s Android 15 Update: A Sneak Peek at 5 New Features One of the most notable enhancements in Android 15 is the introduction of advanced theft protection features. The new Theft Detection Lock utilizes AI to protect user data by automatically locking the device if it detects a theft attempt. Seang Chau explained, “If your phone senses someone has snatched it and is trying to run, bike, or drive away, it will automatically lock your device.” Users can also remotely lock their devices using their phone number and a simple security verification.

The update further strengthens security against unauthorized access to sensitive information. Chau highlighted that Android 15 includes “authentication requirements for settings targeted by thieves,” making it more difficult for them to reset stolen devices.

Google’s Android 15 Update: A Sneak Peek at 5 New Features Another significant feature is “Private Space,” which enables users to create a secure area for sensitive applications. “When private space is locked, apps remain virtually invisible to others and are hidden from your apps list, recent apps view, notifications, and settings,” Chau mentioned. This feature aims to protect apps related to social media, dating, and banking from unwanted attention.

For users of foldable devices and tablets, Android 15 enhances multitasking capabilities. The new taskbar can be pinned or unpinned for easier access to frequently used apps. Chau added, “App pairing provides a quick shortcut to make multitasking easier,” allowing users to open multiple applications at once for improved productivity. Additional updates in Android 15 include enhanced low-light photography features, satellite connectivity for carrier messaging apps, and simplified login processes using Passkeys for authentication.

Google’s Android 15 Update: A Sneak Peek at 5 New Features Following the launch of the Pixel Buds Pro 2, all Pixel Buds models now have access to Gemini. Whether you own the Pixel Buds Pro, Pixel Buds A-Series, or the original Pixel Buds, you can interact with Gemini for tasks like getting walking directions, retrieving information from your emails, or brainstorming with Gemini Live. To start a conversation, simply say, “Hey Google, let’s talk.”

Gemini Live is now widely available to all Pixel users for free, and the service is expanding to new languages, including German and Portuguese, allowing more people to engage in conversations and share ideas on the go. You can also use Gemini to help find saved content in Pixel Screenshots. Just long-press the power button and ask Gemini, “find the brand of sneakers I saved in Screenshots,” and it will locate the screenshot you need.

The Audio Magic Eraser feature reduces distracting sounds in your videos, such as wind or noisy crowds, and new editing options allow you to adjust specific sounds and separate voices to change their volumes independently, enhancing audio clarity. This feature is available on the Pixel 8 and newer devices.

You can now capture your underwater adventures, like snorkeling or swimming, using any waterproof case, thanks to improved underwater photography and video recording that enhances color accuracy. The astrophotography feature is also receiving an update, allowing you to easily take stunning star photos with Night Sight on Pixel devices. Soon, you’ll be able to access this feature directly in the Night Sight slider. Simply tap the Night Sight icon, slide to Astro, and press the shutter button; you’ll have 5 seconds to position the phone to capture beautiful night sky images.

Night Sight for Instagram will enable you to take crisp, true-to-life nighttime and low-light photos without needing a flash, directly in the Instagram app. The Thermometer app on the Pixel 8 Pro now lets you use your camera to measure temperatures on various surfaces, providing live readings that you can save for later reference.

For those concerned about seasonal allergies, the Pixel Weather app now includes a pollen tracker, allowing you to check current pollen levels, types, and forecasts before going outside. This new version of the Pixel Weather app is also expanding to more Pixel devices, adding features like Air Quality Index (AQI) and humidity levels.

Finding the best widgets for your Pixel phone is now simpler. When you long-press the home screen to customize its appearance, you’ll receive recommendations for widget categories, such as Social or Entertainment, along with previews of how they will look.

Google’s Android 15 Update: A Sneak Peek at 5 New Features In the UK and Japan, the Call Screen feature is being upgraded to feature a more human-like voice that can converse with callers and display their responses in real-time, helping you decide whether to answer. Improved reply options are also being introduced in the UK to respond to appointment requests.

The theft protection suite offers tools to safeguard your device if it’s stolen. The Theft Detection Lock utilizes Google AI and motion sensors to detect if someone snatches your phone and attempts to flee, automatically locking the screen. You can also remotely lock your phone using any device by entering your phone number and completing a quick security check, giving you more time to secure your accounts.

Android 15 allows you to create a separate space for apps containing sensitive information, which can be protected with a distinct PIN. Additionally, the update makes it easier for your phone to automatically adjust the vibration intensity of ringtones, notifications, and alerts, ensuring you can hear your phone in noisy environments while minimizing interruptions in quieter places like libraries or offices.

Google’s Android 15 Update: A Sneak Peek at 5 New Features You can now access your favorite contacts more easily with the new individual contact tile available on all three generations of the Pixel Watch. This feature allows you to select a contact to display prominently, enabling quick actions like calling, messaging, or viewing more details with just a tap.

Additionally, you can send and view specific emoji reactions to Gmail notifications directly from your Pixel Watch. This means you can respond to your emails with a thumbs up or a smiley face right from your wrist.

Google’s Android 15 Update: A Sneak Peek at 5 New Features Earlier this year, the Pixel Watch 3 introduced Loss of Pulse Detection, a groundbreaking feature that can detect when someone’s heart stops beating due to conditions like cardiac arrest, poisoning, or respiratory arrest. This feature prompts the paired phone or watch to call emergency services for help. Loss of Pulse Detection is now available for Pixel Watch 3 users in Belgium, Italy, and Spain.

In the coming weeks, a new casting feature will allow you to easily transfer media from your Pixel Tablet to your Pixel phone. Simply bring your phone close to the tablet, and whatever you’re playing on Spotify or YouTube Music will seamlessly transfer without needing to tap the cast icon.

Your Pixel phone and Pixel Tablet will also work together to manage notifications more efficiently. When you dismiss a notification on one device, it will automatically disappear from your other devices as well. To enable this feature, make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi and adjust the settings accordingly.

With the new home panel screensaver, you can easily access controls for your smart home devices and camera feeds while your tablet is idle and charging. Additionally, you can share pictures directly from the digital photo frame and choose from a variety of stylish clock designs to match your aesthetic.

These exciting new features and updates will be rolled out today as part of the October Drop and Android 15 across the Pixel portfolio.