Google has officially released Android 15 for developers, giving them a glimpse of the next-gen operating system. While the update is currently available in the Android Open Source Project, support for Pixel phones is expected to be rolled out in the upcoming weeks. However, users with compatible devices from Samsung, Motorola, OnePlus, Nothing, and other brands may have to wait a bit longer as Google plans to bring Android 15 to those phones in the “coming months.”
Unlike Apple, who typically introduces major changes with each new version of iOS, Google’s updates for Android often focus on enhancing the ways apps and devices interact with each other. With Android 15, devices will support single-tap passkeys, theft detection, improved multitasking for large-screen devices, and the ability to restrict access to specific apps.
One of the key features launching with Android 15 is an update to Android’s screen reader, TalkBack. This update integrates Google’s Gemini AI assistant to provide audio descriptions of images on your phone, enhancing accessibility for visually impaired users. Additionally, Google is expanding its Circle to Search feature with a new Shazam-like ability that helps users identify songs playing around them.
In a move towards enhancing safety measures, Google is expanding earthquake alerts to all of the US and six of its territories. By partnering with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and its ShakeAlert system, Google will now offer earthquake notifications in states where the ShakeAlert system is not available. Using data from the device’s accelerometer, Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts can analyze crowdsourced data to determine if an earthquake is occurring, providing valuable warnings to users.
Apart from the aforementioned updates, Android 15 will also introduce a feature allowing Chrome to read webpages aloud and support for offline Google Maps in Wear OS 5. These additional features aim to enhance the overall user experience and functionality of Android devices.
The release of Android 15 brings forth a range of exciting new features and improvements that aim to make the user experience more seamless and enhanced. From accessibility enhancements to safety alerts and improved functionality, Google’s latest operating system update is set to make a significant impact on the Android ecosystem. As the rollout continues in the coming weeks and months, users can look forward to exploring and experiencing these new features firsthand on their devices.