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 most recent beta model of its subsequent main working system (OS) replace is now obtainable to obtain on Google Pixel smartphones and is coming to pick out 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 incorporates highly effective new options which might be obtainable 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 — Personal Area. It is going to enable customers to cover sure apps (such a banking, finance, courting, or social media apps) on their smartphone in a safe location. Apps within the Personal Area will be up to date through a separate Play Retailer app and also will have entry to their very own storage space not accessible to different apps on the cellphone.
Google says that the Personal Area function is positioned within the default app drawer on Android 15. Customers can scroll right down to the top of the listing of apps to disclose the secured app. This segregated utility listing can optionally be protected by a separate passcode — or utilizing a biometric lock — whereas permitting them to utterly disguise its existence.
With Android 15, Google can be upgrading its anti-theft protections, making it tougher for thieves to make use of a stolen cellphone that has been reset, with out the beforehand used Google account credentials. Android 15 can even ask customers for his or her biometrics when trying to extend the display screen timeout, accessing passkeys, or disable Discover My Machine.
One other highly effective anti-theft function coming to Android 15 is “Theft Detection Lock”, or the flexibility to lock a smartphone when an “abrupt movement that would point out theft” has been detected. In the meantime, “Offline Machine Lock” can even mechanically lock itself if a consumer turns off entry to the web — one thing a thief would possibly do after stealing a smartphone.
Distant Lock will let customers ship a command utilizing a special quantity (when their handset is stolen) to lock and/ or wipe their cellphone remotely with out logging on to Discover My Machine. Theft Detection Lock, Distant Lock, and Offline Machine Lock are geared toward disincentivising smartphone theft and can arrive later this yr on handsets operating on Android 10 and newer variations, in line with Google.
Different options coming to Android 15 embody the flexibility to mechanically allow Bluetooth the subsequent day — we will assume this function is designed to assist Google guarantee its Discover My Machine 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 provides higher reachability throughout one-handed use.
Android 15 Beta 2 is accessible for obtain on the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 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 may entry the entire listing of suitable handsets right here.