These are the most important innovations

Google has started distributing Android 15. The update promises improved security, more privacy, and new features. Pixel users also get other new features.

Marcel Hozenek/t-online

Google announces Android 15. The new operating system brings many new features, especially more security and data protection. The update has been rolling out to sixth-generation and newer Pixel smartphones since Tuesday, before rolling out to other Android smartphones. Updates are installed automatically, but can also be initiated manually in settings.

Which devices will get Android 15 first?

In parallel with Android 15, another update with special features will also be released for the Google Pixel model series. More on that later.

New anti-theft protection

The focus is on improving smartphone theft protection. As a result, Android 15 provides additional protections that prevent thieves from guessing passwords, accessing sensitive information, or disabling Find My Device functionality.

One of the main innovations is the so-called “Theft screen lock”. The feature uses machine learning to detect potential theft attempts and automatically lock the device if someone snatches the phone and attempts to run away, ride a bike, or drive.

If the device is stolen, it will automatically lock.Image: Google

According to Google, anti-theft features will be available on most devices starting with Android 10.

Private areas for sensitive applications

Another important innovation in Android 15 is Private area. This acts as a digital safe on your smartphone. Users can organize sensitive apps (such as dating or banking apps) and protect them from prying eyes.

When a private area is locked, the applications contained within it are virtually invisible to others. They will be hidden from the app list, recent apps view, notifications, and settings. Access to private areas requires additional authentication, such as a fingerprint.

Further innovations in Android 15

One of the obvious innovations in Android 15 is “Predicting Return”once the user performs the back gesture, he can see the direction of the back gesture.

Another innovation involves the login application: for master key For authentication, you can now log in with just the tap of a finger.

Mobile operator messaging apps can also use satellite connections to send and receive messages without requiring a cellular or Wi-Fi connection.

Of course, Android 15 for Pixel devices also includes many other new features: suppressing the flood of notifications or making app archiving easier, for example.

You can find a detailed overview of the new features here (English) and here (German).

What’s new on Pixel smartphones

Parallel to Android 15, Google is releasing an update called Pixel Drop for Pixel smartphones.

An obscure but potentially useful new feature Adaptive vibration. This means that depending on the situation (ambient noise), the vibrations for ringtones, notifications, etc. will be stronger or weaker. “This lets you hear your phone in noisy environments without being disturbed in a quiet room like a library or office,” Google writes.

Displays such as UV index, humidity, air pressure, etc. can be freely arranged in the Google Weather app.

“Magic Audio Eraser” can reduce annoying sounds or noises in your videos, such as strong wind or loud crowds. This feature requires at least a Pixel 8.

The Thermometer app that comes with Pixel 8 Pro can now measure body temperature, too. It can now also display the temperature of a surface or liquid (such as milk or oil in a pan) directly in the viewfinder.

You can find an overview of what Pixel phones have to offer here.

Improvements for foldable devices and tablets

New multitasking features are available for foldable devices and tablets to improve usability. Users can now pin and unpin the taskbar on the screen for faster access to their favorite apps.

A new feature called “App Coupling” can also link frequently used apps together. These can then be opened in split screen with one click. For example, Google Drive and Gmail can be opened at the same time to easily move files with drag and drop.

In early 2023, after five years, I retired my old smartphone and replaced it with a compact foldable phone. I wanted a convenient phone that fit comfortably in my pocket and still offered a large display. But even with this purchase decision, I will still be an exotic by the end of 2024. As far as I know, another person in Watson owns a foldable smartphone.