Google has released Android 15 Beta 2, now available for select partner devices across various form factors, including smartphones, tablets, and foldables.
Participating brands in the Android 15 Beta program include HONOR, iQOO, Lenovo, Nothing, OnePlus, OPPO, realme, Sharp, Tecno, vivo, and Xiaomi. Alongside support for partner devices, the Android 15 Beta 2 can also be installed on supported Pixel smartphones by enrolling through the Android Beta Program website.
According to Google’s release timeline, the next beta update is scheduled for June, followed by a final beta in July. The stable, public release of Android 15 is expected to follow after these beta releases.
Key Features in Android 15 Beta 2
Private Space: This new feature allows users to create a separate, secure space on their devices to store sensitive apps and data away from prying eyes. Private Space utilizes a separate user profile, and when locked, the profile is paused, rendering its apps inactive. Users can set a separate lock factor for Private Space, and its apps are hidden from the recent apps view, notifications, settings, and other apps when locked.
Smoother Transitions: Google promises improved smoothness and fluidity in transitions between apps and activities in Android 15.
Background App Restrictions: To conserve battery life, apps will no longer be able to run in an active, foreground state for more than six hours.
Efficient AV1 Software Decoder: A more efficient software decoder for the AV1 video codec is included, enabling better performance when hardware decoding is not supported.
Partial Media Access Improvements: When granted partial access to media permissions, apps can now highlight only the most recently selected photos and videos, improving the user experience.
Malicious App Protection: Android 15 introduces measures to prevent malicious background apps from elevating their privileges or overlaying themselves on top of other apps, protecting users from deceptive behavior.
Improved Multitasking on Large Screens: Users can pin the taskbar on large screens for quick app switching and save favorite split-screen app combinations for easy access.
Picture-in-Picture Enhancements: Transitions to Picture-in-Picture mode should be smoother in Android 15.
Improved Widget Previews: App developers can provide better previews of widgets before users add them to their home screens.
Predictive Back: Apps with proper implementation can show users where the “back” action will take them.
Rich Vibration Patterns: Users can set custom vibration patterns for incoming notifications on a per-channel basis.
Health Connect Updates: Google’s Health Connect platform now supports skin temperature and training plan data types.
FAQ
Q: How do I install the Android 15 Beta 2 on my Pixel device?
A: Simply visit the Android Beta Program website and enroll your compatible Pixel device. The beta update will then be delivered over-the-air.
Q: When is the stable release of Android 15 expected?
A: Google’s release timeline indicates a public, stable release of Android 15 after the final beta in July.
Q: What devices are compatible with the Android 15 Beta program?
A: In addition to Pixel devices, select smartphones, tablets, and foldables from Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Tecno, vivo, and Xiaomi are supported.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
