Exciting news for Android enthusiasts! Google just released the second beta of Android 15, following hot on the heels of their I/O 2024 conference. This update is packed with features designed to improve your daily phone experience, from multitasking and privacy enhancements to better health tracking and smoother app performance.
Whether you own a Pixel phone or a device from another brand, this blog will explain everything you need to know about Android 15 Beta 2.
We’ll break down the key features, explain how to get the update and discuss some important considerations before diving into the beta world. So, grab your phone, get ready to explore the future of Android, and let’s see what Android 15 Beta 2 has in store!
New Features Available in Android 15 Beta 2
This latest beta is available on select Google Pixel devices and many popular Android phones from Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Nothing, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Sharp, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi. Here’s a breakdown of the exciting new features:
Private Space:
This highly anticipated feature creates a secure zone on your device to store sensitive apps. Like Samsung’s Secure Folder, Private Space uses a separate profile, keeping hidden apps invisible and inactive when locked. You can even set a unique lock for this space and share specific content with other apps when needed.
Improved Multitasking:
Android 15 Beta 2 makes multitasking a breeze. A handy taskbar can be pinned to your screen for quick app switching, and you can even save preferred split-screen combinations for instant access.
Smoother Picture-in-Picture (PiP):
Transitions into PiP mode are smoother, enhancing the overall user experience.
Personalized Widget Previews:
App developers can now use Remote Views to provide richer widget previews, offering users a more accurate representation of the widget’s content.
Predictive Back as Standard:
Previously hidden in developer settings, the helpful predictive back feature is now a standard Android 15 Beta 2 option. This means smoother system animations in compatible apps for back-to-home, cross-task, and cross-activity navigation.
Health Connect Expansion:
Health Connect gains support for new data types, such as skin temperature and training plans. Skin temperature tracking allows users to store and share precise readings from wearables, while training plans offer structured workouts to help users achieve fitness goals.
Background Service Limitations:
To improve battery health, Android 15 Beta 2 limits the runtime of specific foreground services to six hours.
Enhanced Security:
Google is bolstering security in Android 15 by giving users more control to prevent malicious apps from operating in the background or bringing other apps to the foreground. This update aims to block malicious apps from gaining unauthorized access and exploiting user interactions.
Minimum Target SDK Version Raised:
Android 15 raises the minimum targetSdkVersion required for app installations from 23 to 24 to ensure all apps meet the latest performance and security standards.
How to Download Android 15 Beta 2
Enroll in the Android Beta Program for the easiest method to install Android 15 Beta 2 on your Pixel phone. Google will send the update over the phone. If you prefer to update manually, you can find the Android 15 Beta 2 factory images [here] and the OTA files [here].
The following Pixel devices are compatible with Android 15 Beta 2:
- Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 8 and 8 Pro
- Pixel 8a
Android 15 for Non-Pixel Phones
If you own a device from Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Nothing, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Sharp, Tecno, Vivo, or Xiaomi, Google indicates that beta builds for Android 15 should also be available for these brands.
Additional Notes on Android 15 Beta 2
While Android 15 Beta 2 offers a glimpse into the future of Android, it’s essential to consider a few things before installing it:
- Beta Software: This software may contain bugs and stability issues. It’s not recommended for daily use on your primary device.
- Pixel vs. Non-Pixel Devices: While the update is available for some non-Pixel devices, testing, and stability might be better on Pixel phones as they are Google’s reference devices.
- Availability: The update may not be available on all devices from the mentioned brands (Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Nothing, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Sharp, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi). It depends on the manufacturer’s rollout schedule. You can check your device manufacturer’s website for details.
- Enrollment Required (Non-Pixel Devices): If you don’t have a Pixel device, you’ll need to enroll in the beta program of your device’s manufacturer to receive the update.
Final Thoughts
Android 15 Beta 2 is a significant step forward for the Android platform. It introduces innovative features that enhance user experience, privacy, and security. However, it’s essential to be aware of the limitations of beta software before installing it.
FAQ
Q. What is the significance of Android 15 Beta 2 for Pixel and Non-Pixel devices?
A. The Android 15 Beta 2 release marks the latest update for Google’s Android operating system, offering new features and improvements for users with Pixel and Non-Pixel devices.
Q. How can Android 14 Beta program users get the new beta?
A. Users who were already enrolled in the Android 14 Beta program will have the option to update to Android 15 Beta 2
Q. What key features were introduced in Android 15 Beta 2 for Pixel devices?
A. The new beta includes enhancements such as a private space for separate user profiles, a predictive back gesture, health connect integration, and improvements in skin temperature and training plans.
Q. How does Android 15 Beta 2 aim to make the user experience smoother?
A. With tweaks to the lock screen, smooth transitions in app switching, and a more stable overall build, users can expect a more stable and smooth experience on their devices.
Q. What benefits does the new beta offer to developers?
A. Developers will find new tools and APIs to preview upcoming features, test their apps in PIP mode, and access foreground services for better performance.
