By
G.S Vasan
-
Highlights
- Android 15 Beta 2 is available for select devices. Find the list of eligible phones below.
- There are several security-related features on Android 15 like Private Space, Theft Detection Lock, Partial Screen Recording, etc.
- Ensure your device data is backed up before you update to Android 15 Beta 2.
Google introduced Android 15 Beta 2 on the second day of I/O 2024. The new update focuses on areas like performance, efficiency, and security. Here, we will detail the top features of this new Android 15 release. Additionally, we will provide you with the list of devices supporting this update and the steps to download it.
Top 10 Android 15 Beta 2 features
1) Private Space
Android 15 Beta 2 lets you lock sensitive apps behind a lock and hide them from the app drawer, settings, notifications and other areas. You can set a separate lock for the Private Space than your device lock. It is similar to Secure Folder on Samsung phones but baked right into the OS.
Keep your business lowkey with private space. Hide any apps behind a lock so nobody but you can see or use them. ð
— Android (@Android) May 15, 2024
Learn more https://t.co/awuhYCH9CQ pic.twitter.com/ZiA5IEAPtu
2) Theft Detection Lock
Android can detect a theft motion and when it does, the device will be automatically locked. So, if somebody snatches your phone while you are using it, the device will be auto-locked restricting their access to your data.
And if they try to turn off the internet, the device will again go into ‘Offline Device Lock’.
"; } });}
Theft Detection Lock senses when your device has been stolen and will lock it down, preventing access to your most sensitive information. Cue sigh of relief. ð
— Android (@Android) May 15, 2024
Learn more https://t.co/awuhYCH9CQ pic.twitter.com/Hn6Xj4MWHh
3) Partial screen recording
When you want to share a screen recording with someone, you will have the option on Android to just record a part of the screen. This allows you to avoid sharing sensitive information on the screen.
Also Read
4) Spot malicious app activity
Later this year, Google Play Protect will be ready to detect malicious apps that try to stay hidden and engage in fraud or phishing.
5) Google Wallet scans passes and tickets
You can scan and add passes, cards, and tickets to Google Wallet on your phone. You don’t have to worry about carrying these physical things while you are out and about. This feature first comes to the US.
Google Wallet will soon let you scan to add any paper pass or ticket as a secure digital version to your phone. Youâll never have to worry about forgetting them again.
— Android (@Android) May 15, 2024
Learn more https://t.co/awuhYCH9CQ pic.twitter.com/jxoeqQI2DL
6) Scam call protection
You can opt-in to the built-in scam detection and blocking facility in Android 15. This uses Gemini Nano’s on-device AI. More details about it will be revealed later this year.
"; } });}
"; } });}
Weâre developing a feature that can detect when a conversation is a scam and warn you in real time.
— Android (@Android) May 14, 2024
Thanks to Gemini Nano, the processing happens right on your phone and stays private to you. ð
Learn more https://t.co/uyHcZHs6kS pic.twitter.com/7XwGDs2JOC
7) PDF summary and answers
If you are a Gemini Advanced user, you will get an option called “Ask This PDF” which answers your questions about the content in the PDF.
Gemini on Android understands your context so that it’s even more helpful in the moment ð. Coming later this year, youâll be able to bring Gemini up over a YouTube video, website or long PDF to get the answers you need.
— Android (@Android) May 14, 2024
Download the Gemini app to be the first to know.⦠pic.twitter.com/xhPIuWamuA
8) Solve maths problems with AI
You can use Circle to Search on a complex math problem and get steps to solve it. It won’t directly give you the answer, but will help you eventually reach there. This feature is powered by the LearnLM AI model (part of Gemini).
9) Talkback describes images
Now powered by Gemini, Talkback will help people with low vision better understand whatâs on their phones by offering clearer and more vivid descriptions of images and photos. ðð¦»ð
— Android (@Android) May 14, 2024
Learn more https://t.co/uyHcZHs6kS pic.twitter.com/uFoKyTgEDK
10) Google Maps gets more AR features
There will be an ‘AR Experience’ option on Google Maps when you search for a location. Tapping this button will show you various things about the place through AR. Google is working with Samsung and Qualcomm to develop such Extended Reality (XR) features.
AR meet Google Maps. Augmented reality (AR) content will soon be available in @googlemaps on your phone so you can learn more about a location in new and immersive ways. Advancements like these lay the foundation for the extended reality (XR) platform we are building for the⦠pic.twitter.com/T7RpvIR6rM
— Android (@Android) May 15, 2024
Android 15 Beta 2 supported devices
For now, Google is rolling out the new beta build to select Pixel and partner devices. The list of Pixel devices includes:
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
The partner brands include Xiaomi, OPPO, OnePlus, Realme, vivo, iQOO, Nothing, Honor, Lenovo, Sharp, and Tecno. You can visit the Android Beta Program page, sign up, and see if your device is eligible for the update.
How to install Android 15 Beta 2
Before you proceed, ensure you have taken a backup of your device data as the update can be buggy and to leave the beta program, you will have to reset your device.
However, if you are enrolled and interested in the beta update, you should get the update over the air (OTA). You will either get a pop-up or a notification about the update. If you want to check it on a Pixel device, go to Settings -> System -> System update -> Check for update.
