Google’s Gemini AI technologies will power the newly announced Pixel 9 phones. But older models and phones from rival brands will also benefit from these improvements. The recent Made by Google event and earlier this spring during Google I/O showcased improvements in Android 15, which is currently in beta for developers and early adopters. These upgrades will change the way you use your Android phone on a daily basis. Here are 14 new features we’re excited about, some powered by AI and some not.
1. Private Space in Android 15
Private Space is a new feature in Android 15 designed to secure sensitive apps. If someone gets access to your phone, you can rest easy knowing that certain apps are hidden away in a safe spot at the bottom of your app drawer. You can lock this space with authentication, and notifications from those apps will remain private when the space is locked. For added security, you can hide the space from view and use a separate Google account linked to it.
2. Adaptive Vibration
Adaptive Vibration control adjusts the intensity of vibrations based on input from the microphone and other sensors. This means your phone will reduce vibration on a flat surface, but increase it if the phone is in a spot that absorbs motion, like between couch cushions. You can find this control in Settings > Sound & vibration > Vibration & haptic feedback.
3. Estimated Return
Predictive Back in Android 15 shows a preview of the app you're going back to when you drag from the left edge of the screen. This helps you see where the Back button will take you, rather than relying on swiping by faith.
4. Color Contrast Options on the Home Screen
A new option in the Wallpaper and style settings lets you increase the color contrast on the Home Screen. You can set the contrast to Default, Medium, or High, and add a black or white background to text blocks to better distinguish elements.
To combat device theft, Android 15 includes a factory reset protection feature. This prevents thieves from wiping the device and reinstalling it, making stolen phones less valuable for resale. #6. Anti-Theft Lock
Anti-Theft Lock uses AI and sensor data to detect sudden movements that indicate someone has taken your phone. In such cases, it automatically locks your phone. The feature will be available for Android 10+ devices later this year.
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Android 15 lets you archive rarely used apps to free up storage space without losing valuable data. On the app info screen, tap the Archive button to remove the app’s data. Tap again to re-download the app when needed.
8. Turn Bluetooth Back On Automatically
A new setting in Bluetooth preferences, “Automatically turn back on tomorrow,” helps you remember to turn Bluetooth back on after turning it off for security or travel reasons.
9. Low Light Boost in Camera
Low Light Boost is a new auto-exposure mode in Android 15 that makes image previews and video capture brighter in dark scenes. The feature helps you compose shots in low-light conditions, lock focus, and scan QR codes.
10. AR Content on Google Maps
Google Maps will soon include augmented reality (AR) content, adding additional information about landmarks, stores, and points of interest around you. Floating arrows can also guide you along walking routes. The feature will be piloted in Singapore and Paris later this year.
11. Add Items to Google Wallet from a Photo
Android 15 lets you take photos of important items like printed tickets and membership cards and store them in Google Wallet for easy access. This feature simplifies the management of both electronic and paper items.
12. Advanced Google Play Protection
Google Play Protect will use AI for live threat detection to improve fraud and abuse detection against apps that try to hide their actions. This feature will be available to a wider Android audience, with some protections being exclusive to Android 15.
13. AI-Powered Google Play Protect
Google Play Protect will use AI to detect threats in real-time and improve fraud and abuse detection against malicious apps. This on-device AI will alert both Google and the phone owner if malicious apps try to hide their behavior.
14. Extended Restricted Settings
Android 15 will include expanded restricted settings to protect one-time passwords from malware. These advanced protections aim to provide a safer and more secure user experience.
Solution
Google’s Gemini AI and Android 15 are set to bring a host of exciting new features to both new and old Android phones. From enhanced security measures to innovative UI improvements, these updates will dramatically improve how you interact with your device. With the beta version already available, the official launch of Android 15 promises to be a game-changer for Android users everywhere.