Google started last week releasing the first beta version of Android 15, the operating system that Android phones will run on in 2024 and 2025 once the final version is released in August or September.
Also, Google introduced two preview versions for developers only this year, and this beta version of Android 15 is the most stable since February 2024, When Google dropped the first developer preview for anyone trying to get their apps ready for the system before the official release.
Google has introduced several key features and improvements in Android 15 this year that enhance privacy and security, provide a seamless app usage experience, and include new enhancements in the user interface.
Here are the main new features in the first beta version of Android 15:
- 1- Running apps in full screen automatically
- 2- Making the NFC-based payment process easier
- 3- Android 15 system-level app archiving
- 4- Securing contact application data
- 5- Providing better support for Braille users
- 6- Protecting your privacy when using cellular and Wi-Fi networks
- 7- Enhancing protection against malicious apps running in the background
1- Running apps in full screen automatically:
Google focused on improving the user interface in Android 15 to run apps in full screen – edge-to-edge – automatically, even on devices with large screens, such as foldable phones and tablets.
This ensures maximum use of the screen space without developers needing to write special codes to make their apps run in full screen. With this change, you will never see space where the status bar or system bar should be, even if their position changes, such as when using the phone in landscape mode.
With this new change, the user experience will be smoother and more aesthetically pleasing, as apps will utilize all available screen space, providing an immersive experience for users.
2- Making the NFC-based payment process easier:
Google is introducing a smoother, more reliable contactless payment experience in Android 15, significantly improving the NFC-based payment click mechanism. This allows for seamless contactless payments through the Google Wallet app and other NFC-compatible apps by registering your fingerprint on supported devices for better transaction execution.
The enhancements include new technologies to enhance the connection between your phone and payment devices, reducing response time and minimizing the likelihood of errors. These improvements will make the payment process faster and easier, reducing the time needed to complete the transaction, and making the payment process more secure by reducing the likelihood of errors or rejections.
3- Android 15 system-level app archiving:
The most important new features in the first beta version of Android 15
Google announced the advantage of archiving applications for the first time last year in Android 14, and now in this year’s release, it has added support for this feature at the operating system level, which means that all app stores will be able to support it.
The application archiving feature removes (APK) files and temporary files of applications that are not frequently used, while keeping your data, providing you with additional storage space on your phone.
It also allows you to view a list of the applications you have archived at any time, and easily restore any archived application with a single click, allowing you to enjoy a smoother and more efficient user experience without worrying about storage space.
4- Securing contact application data:
Google has also added in Android 15 a new feature to protect your data in the contacts application, which is end-to-end encryption for communication.
This means that your contact data, including phone numbers, email addresses, and other information, will be completely protected from unauthorized access. This feature may be a small change, but it will certainly be welcomed if you have important numbers and data in your contact list.
5- Providing better support for Braille users:
Google developed the TalkBack braille keyboard and integrated it into the Android system for the first time in 2020, to offer a fast and convenient way for the visually impaired to type on their phones without needing additional devices. Since then, Google has introduced many great improvements for Braille users to make it easier to use and more effective.
This year, Google added support for TalkBack to Braille displays connected via USB and Bluetooth using the HID standard in Android 15, allowing users to interact with their smartphones easily using their own Braille displays.
Thanks to the HID standard support, the Android operating system will be able to support a wide range of Braille displays from various manufacturers, enabling users to choose from a wide range of options without worrying about compatibility with their phones.
6- Protecting your privacy when using cellular and Wi-Fi networks:
Google focuses heavily on enhancing security in the beta versions of Android 15, with the current beta version revealing some of these improvements, the most important of which is the (Cellular network security) feature, which will alert you through notifications if the cellular network you are connecting to is insecure due to lack of encryption, or if the cellular network registers your device’s unique identifier or SIM card identifier, allowing you to make cautious decisions about sharing your data.
Android 15 also offers an option to enforce network encryption, preventing your phone from connecting to unencrypted networks, but this may limit the ability to connect to some networks.
Additionally, Android 15 will allow you to not share your device’s name with the Wi-Fi network you are connecting to. Use a random MAC address when connecting to Wi-Fi networks, making it difficult for intruders to track your phone and online activity.
7- Enhancing protection against malicious apps running in the background:
Google has confirmed that the Android 15 operating system will also prevent malicious apps running in the background from launching apps in the foreground or misusing their permissions in general.
In other words, this update ensures the protection of users from malicious software running in the background, which may attempt to do the following:
- Force the appearance of annoying pop-up windows.
- Compel the user to open unwanted other applications.
- Excessively use system resources without the user’s permission.
- Engage in other harmful or annoying behaviors.
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