Google has been steadily teasing Android 15 details since February, and at Google I/O, it released a second beta and extended the new OS’s availability to devices beyond the Pixel smartphone line.You can experiment with these features yourself if you’re enrolled in the beta program. Compatible devices include handset, tablet, and foldable devices from Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Nothing, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Sharp, Tecno, vivo, and Xiaomi. Keep in mind that Android 15 is still in development, meaning these betas are more prone to crashes and bugs than what we can expect from the stable version launching later this year. Be sure to back up your Android device before installing any beta software on your phone. Also note that, due to the experimental nature of these testing phases, some features included in the betas may change or be cut from the final version. Nonetheless, Android 15 is introducing exciting improvements, including privacy, security, and storage conveniences. Here are five of our favorite beta features available thus far. 1. Stash Apps in a Private Space
(Credit: Google/PCMag)
A brand new feature introduced with Android 15 is Private Space. This creates a separate area for you to stash and access your Android applications. Think of it as a personal profile or digital safe, but for apps you don’t want others to access or see. You can access these applications from the bottom of the app drawer after authenticating via PIN or fingerprint ID. For extra security, you can link a Private Space to a second Google account. This effectively makes the Private Space a second profile on your device, so private apps used in this manner do not show up in device metrics. A full-featured profile system would be nice, but Private Space is a step in the right direction.2. Restart Bluetooth Automatically
(Credit: Google/PCMag)
Personally, I like to turn Bluetooth off when I disconnect from my devices, but then I have to remember to turn it back on. Android 15 gives you the option to automatically turn Bluetooth on the day after you disable it, a minor but convenient addition. More importantly, with Google finally introducing Find My Device functionality, having Bluetooth automatically turn back on makes it easier to find a lost device.
Recommended by Our Editors
3. Enhanced Theft Protection
(Credit: Google)
Google Pixel devices use location, your phone’s microphone, and motion to identify serious crashes and put you in touch with emergency services after a crash. Android 15 uses similar sensors in its suite of new and improved theft protection functions. Should your phone ever get snatched out of your hands when unlocked, the accelerometer in your device can now detect the jolt and location shift and automatically lock itself. If you do something silly with your phone (like drop it down a flight of stairs), you can recover it and unlock it yourself. 4. Archive Unused Apps
(Credit: Google, PCMag)
This feature was introduced to the Google Play store last year, and is now baked directly into Android 15. In essence, archiving lets you uninstall apps from your device, while saving the icon and login information. It’s particularly handy if you want to free up space, but wish to go back to the app at some point in the future. Whenever you want to use the app again, simply tap the icon and redownload it on your phone. I tested this with Genshin Impact, freeing up about 30GB of data by archiving it. I redownloaded it later, and was pleased to see that all of my login credentials were preserved, letting me hop back in for a quick gaming session. 5. Screen Record a Single App Only
(Credit: Google/PCMag)
If you record what’s on your screen often, this update makes capturing much more convenient. You can now limit what your Android device records to a single app, rather than whatever is on the screen. Pop-up notifications or accidental finger swipes are ignored when this feature is enabled, so you wont need to make additional edits in third-party software to remove sensitive data or accidents on your part.
Everything Announced at Google I/O
Get Our Best Stories!
Sign up for What’s New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
