Android enthusiasts rejoice as the first public beta for Android 15 has landed, offering a sneak peek into a slew of exciting features and enhancements set to grace the world’s most popular mobile operating system. While some highly anticipated features are still awaited, the current build packs enough innovation to stir excitement among users.
One standout feature is the improved support for satellite connectivity, elevating Android’s networking capabilities to new heights, quite literally. Android 15 introduces streamlined UI components, enhancing the satellite link experience across various apps and services. Notably, this enhancement extends beyond emergency scenarios, enabling SMS and RCS messaging apps to utilise orbiting relays when terrestrial networks are inaccessible.
Another notable addition is the expansion of screen recording capabilities. Unlike its predecessor, Android 15 extends this feature system-wide, allowing users to capture specific app windows for troubleshooting, tutorial creation, and more. Moreover, apps are now notified when screen recording is active, ensuring seamless transitions and avoiding blank screen moments in recordings.
In a bid to offer a more immersive user experience, Android 15 introduces a push for edge-to-edge app displays. While fullscreen modes have been available, Google aims to encourage developers to embrace edge-to-edge layouts, akin to iOS apps.
Addressing the issue of overwhelming notifications, Android 15 introduces a “Notification cooldown” function to mitigate the barrage of alerts from the same app. Although not yet available in the beta, this feature promises to provide users with a more manageable notification experience.
Google has also revamped the volume controls in Android 15, featuring thicker, pill-shaped sliders and additional functionality for spatial audio and noise filtering. Furthermore, managing default wallet apps is now more convenient, as the setting finds its place alongside other defaults in the system settings.
Bluetooth accessory management receives a makeover in Android 15, offering enhanced controls for paired devices directly from the Quick Settings tile. Additionally, the integrated PDF reader receives a significant upgrade, incorporating advanced features like annotation, form-filling, and text search.
For developers catering to foldable devices, Android 15 introduces optimisations for exterior cover displays, providing a cleaner interface for apps on clamshell models. Moreover, users can now archive infrequently used apps directly from the device settings, streamlining app management without relying on the Play Store.
Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate Android 15’s support for higher refresh rates, allowing titles to leverage displays up to 120Hz for smoother gameplay. While the stable release is expected in October, Android 15 promises to deliver a comprehensive suite of features to enhance the mobile experience.
