I have been kicking the tires of the Android 15 beta for a while. My general impression of this newest launch is that it polishes the earlier iteration with extra efficiency, higher battery life, and a a lot smoother UI. That does not imply, nevertheless, that there aren’t standout options.
There are.
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Sadly, the one stand-out function I have been hoping for — Audio Share — has but to look on my Pixel 7 Professional take a look at gadget. That is to be anticipated, because it’s presently solely out there for Pixel 8 collection telephones (and I did not enroll my Pixel 8 Professional within the Android 15 beta program for apparent causes).
The Audio Share function means that you can share audio with different Bluetooth headphones, so multiple individual can take heed to your telephone on the identical time. (The function jogs my memory of my first Sony Walkman within the Nineteen Eighties that enabled you to plug in two units of wired headphones for a killer listening get together of two.)
You’ll be able to learn extra in regards to the Audio Share on Android Authority and gauge their expertise.
Anyway, I’ve narrowed the options I like most down to 5. These are among the most useful options I’ve ever discovered on a contemporary Android gadget.
Let me describe them to you:
1. Partial display recording
I am unable to inform you what number of occasions I’ve accomplished a display recording earlier than having to edit the video with third-party software program (to keep away from delicate info from getting out by the use of a notification).
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With Android 15, a fantastic new function lets you restrict display recordings to a single app — or you’ll be able to report your complete display. While you begin a display recording (through the Display screen Recording tile), a pop-up seems, the place you’ll be able to choose both Single App or Whole Display screen from a drop-down. As soon as you have accomplished that, you’ll be able to choose from any put in app in your gadget.
I’ve examined the function and, whereas recording a single app — even if you happen to pull down the notification shade — Android solely data video of the app in query.
2. Simpler system replace
Though this in all probability will not fall into the “thrilling” class for many, I discover it a fairly cool addition. For those who go to Settings > Privateness & Safety, you will now see a button labeled Test For Updates. After tapping, Android will attain out to the Google servers to see if there is a system replace out there.
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This does not usurp the same old methodology (from Settings > System > Software program Updates). As a substitute, it provides you a second path to updating. I like this as a result of it appears extra intuitive for brand spanking new customers to verify in Privateness & Safety for such issues.
3. App archiving
Suppose you might have apps in your telephone that you do not use presently, however you do not need to take away them since you may use them later. What do you do? Properly, with Android 15, you’ll archive them. What this does is take away every part however a rudimentary model of the app. Not solely does that assist reclaim some house nevertheless it additionally retains entry to the app.
To archive an app, lengthy press its icon within the App Drawer, faucet App Data, after which faucet Archive. Ought to you’ll want to use the app once more, faucet the dimmed launcher and the app shall be restored.
4. Webcam mode
That is in all probability my favourite function to date. With Android’s earlier iteration of Webcam mode, you could possibly join your telephone to a different gadget and use the telephone’s digital camera as a webcam — however the picture high quality wasn’t precisely one of the best.
Android 15 now presents high-quality imaging, so when you’ve got a Pixel 8/8 Professional, the digital camera is much better than that digital camera constructed into your laptop computer. Not solely that, however you’ll be able to level the digital camera in any course you need, with out having to maneuver your laptop computer. Or, if you happen to’re coping with a desktop (or laptop computer) with out a webcam, you will have entry to that function with Android 15.
5. Mobile community safety
You in all probability did not see this one coming: Google has actually upped its safety recreation with Android.
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In Android 15, you will discover a new possibility in Safety & Privateness, titled Mobile Community Safety. On this web page, you’ll be able to allow Safety Notifications (be notified in case the mobile community you might be utilizing is insecure) and Require Encryption (requires {that a} mobile community be encrypted earlier than the gadget will join).
As you may anticipate, enabling the encryption possibility means your gadget could be unable to hook up with your supplier’s community; nevertheless, if you would like absolutely the highest safety you will get along with your mobile community, you may take into account this feature a necessity.
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And there you might have it, the 5 Android 15 options I like. This does not embody the improved efficiency, higher battery life, and UI smoothness I am having fun with. Ultimately, I am discovering the most recent beta of Android 15 to be a delight to make use of and I am unable to watch for the official launch when it lands in Q3 2024.