Google has officially launched Android 15 Beta 2 at the Google I/O 2024, unveiling a host of new features for Pixel devices and a range of other brands, including Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Nothing, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Sharp, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi. This beta release follows the initial Android Beta Program update and its subsequent patches. Here’s a detailed look at the standout features in Android 15 Beta 2
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Private Space: Secure Your Sensitive Apps
One of the most notable additions in Android 15 Beta 2 is Private Space, a secure area on your phone designed to store sensitive apps. This feature acts as a digital vault, ensuring your important apps, like banking and health apps, remain hidden and protected. Access is controlled via fingerprint authentication or a unique passcode.
- Isolated User Profile: Private Space keeps data and notifications from your private apps separate, using a distinct user profile.
- Enhanced Security: Apps within Private Space remain hidden from recent apps, settings, and other apps when locked.
- Seamless Sharing (Unlocked): When unlocked, users can share content across spaces using the share sheet and photo picker.
Note: Beta 2 has a known issue with Private Space and home screen apps. It’s recommended to wait for future updates before fully testing private apps in this feature.
Enhanced Multitasking with Saved App Pairs (Tablets and Foldables)
For those who love multitasking, Android 15 Beta 2 introduces “Saved App Pairs” for tablets and foldable devices. This feature allows you to create a split-screen view and lock your preferred app pairs for quick access from the home screen, enhancing the existing taskbar pinning functionality.
Predictive Back: Improved Navigation
The “Predictive Back” feature, previously available in developer options in Android 14, is now easily accessible in Beta 2. This feature enhances navigation by predicting your intended back action, whether returning to the home screen, switching tasks, or navigating within an app.
Additional Features in Android 15 Beta 2
Beyond the main features, Android 15 Beta 2 includes several other improvements:
- Rich Notification Vibrations: Customize notification vibrations on a per-channel basis for a more personalized experience.
- Health Connect Expansion: Now supports two new data types: skin temperature (wearables) and training plans (structured workouts).
- Gender-Inclusive Language: Allows users to personalize system language settings with a preferred grammatical gender, initially available in French with plans for expansion.
- Smoother Picture-in-Picture Transitions: Enhances transitions into Picture-in-Picture mode, especially useful for apps with overlaid UI elements.
- Enhanced Widget Picker: Allows apps to provide Remote Views to the widget picker, ensuring users see the most current content.
- Granular Media Permissions: Apps requesting partial media access can highlight recently selected photos and videos for a better user experience.
- Minimum Target API Level Increase: The minimum target API level required for app installation is raised from 23 to 24.
Feedback and Installation of Android 15 Beta 2
Pixel device users can report bugs and provide feedback via the Android Beta Feedback app, accessible from the app drawer or Quick Settings tile. Additionally, the Android Beta community on Reddit offers a platform to connect with other beta testers.
Android 15 Beta 2 (AP31.240426.022) is rolling out to the Pixel 6 (series), Pixel 7 (series), Pixel 8 (series), Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, and the Android Emulator, along with the May 2024 security patch. Most users will receive the update through the Android Beta Program, with manual flashing or sideloading options available for advanced users.
Already on Android 14 QPR Beta? If your device is compatible and enrolled in the Android 14 QPR beta program, you will automatically receive the Android 15 Beta 2 update.
