The Google I/O 2024 conference brought exciting news for Android users, who are eagerly waiting for new updates to the operating system. In addition, Google released the Android 15 version Beta 2 that owners of compatible devices can already test. However, let's see what this new major version brings and what are Google's plans for the development of the most popular smartphone operating system.
For the second year in a row, artificial intelligence took center stage during the Google I/O 2024 presentation, with Google using the first day of the conference to bring to the fore the Gemini assistant, the Project Astra AI agent, and a tool currently known as "AI Overviews".
As for the future of the Android operating system, Google has announced several new features coming to Android 15 when it launches this fall. Until then, users can test Android 15 Beta 2, which was recently released and brings improvements in battery management, app performance, privacy, security and productivity. Google is also making it possible to control the camera hardware of Android 15 phones more precisely, so that app developers can take advantage of the camera's top capabilities.
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What's new in Android 15 Beta 2
The most notable features of Android 15 Beta 2 are definitely those regarding user security and privacy.
Improved protection against theft
Android is further strengthening its anti-theft protection, and some of these features are exclusive to Android 15 and most likely to new generations of smartphones.
An improvement to the factory reset protection feature of the Android operating system is in the works. So if someone steals your phone and tries to reset it, Android 15 will have a feature to prevent that. This enhancement to factory reset protection means that even if a thief resets your phone, they can't set it up again without knowing your credentials. Basically, the phone will not be able to be used or sold.
As a parenthesis, Apple has an anti-theft security system for iPhone quite advanced, by the characteristic "Stolen Device Protection". Hopefully something similar will appear on future versions of Android.
Hide and secure important apps on Android (Private Space)
"Private Space" is a new privacy feature that will be present in Android 15. This will allow you to hide and secure important applications in a hidden space on your phone, which will not be accessible if another person have access to your phone. You might want a little more privacy and security for banking apps and apps that contain sensitive data, social apps, or apps that concern your health. This privacy feature is not available in Android 15 Beta 2, but is expected to appear in future beta updates by the fall at the latest.
Private space is found in the list of applications. Go to the bottom of the list of apps, verify your identity, and only then will you have access to these hidden apps. All data and notifications from apps in the private space are isolated from the rest of your phone, so you don't have to worry about someone seeing them if they have access to your phone.
Security (Related): How to protect our bank accounts online scams (Phishing Scams)
For added protection, you can create a separate code for your private space, different from the one you use to unlock your device. You can also completely hide the existence of this private space so that no one knows about its existence on your phone.
In addition to these new features of Android 15 we can also add the introduction of support for PDF, NFC and satellite connectivity.
This new Android 15 version Beta 2 is available on select Google Pixel devices starting from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 8 Pro, as well as the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet, but also on non-Google devices including Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Nothing, OnePlus, OPPO , Realme, Sharp, Tecno, Vivo and Xiaomi.