Games

Android 15, the (most important) new features coming and how to prepare for the update

From anti-fraud functions to the possibility of isolating sensitive apps in a restricted space, here is what will change with the new version

9 October 2024

3' min read

Just a few weeks after the debut of iOS 16, Apple's new operating system launched on 13 September, Google's proposal for users owning an Android device is on the way: in fact, after the release of the source code on 3 September, various sources on the web claim that Android 15 - known by the codename Vanilla Ice Cream - will be available from 15 October.

What changes

Although there are no major changes compared to Android 14, there are many new features in the new operating system, especially in the areas of stability, security and performance in terms of speed and battery life, and among the most interesting additions is Private Space, a function that creates an isolated environment on your device, useful for storing sensitive apps that you wish to keep away from prying eyes.

In addition, it will be possible to record or share the entire screen, just a portion or a single app without revealing notifications and anything else you do not wish to show to third parties, as well as login details and one-time passwords will be automatically hidden from remote video call viewers: a feature already available on the Pixel range but coming soon to all devices equipped with Google's operating system.

Good news for those who like to take photos as the Low Light Boost function will allow better shots or scan QR codes in low ambient light conditions; new controls for the flash to adjust its intensity will also be added. On the other hand, for those who like to listen to music together, the Audio Sharing submenu in the Connected Devices section will allow music to be streamed to multiple devices wirelessly at the same time using Bluetooth LE and Auracast.

In order to limit the intervention of hackers and malicious attackers, however, Google Play Protect will work not only in Google Play but also on the device by detecting possible threats in real time: artificial intelligence will find and report suspicious malware behaviour, and messages containing one-time passwords will be hidden from notifications, making their interception more complicated.

And if that were not enough, there is Theft Detection Lock, which, by exploiting AI and the motion sensor integrated in the devices, will be able to understand whether the phone has been stolen by immediately locking it and thus preventing access to the data: the typical scenario, for example, could be that of a thief on a bicycle taking the smartphone from the hands of a passer-by.

Also new for notifications: Android 15 will allow customisation of the vibration for different apps so that it is easy to know which app a notification is coming from based on the perceived vibration. While Adaptive Vibration will automatically adjust the intensity of the alert depending on the circumstances: using the microphone and other sensors built into the device, it will be able to determine the noise and context, deciding on its own the most suitable intensity to avoid missing messages and calls.

Finally, very useful is the mode that - in case the remaining storage space is low - will be able to automatically archive unused apps by acting only on data re-downloadable from the Play Store without involving the user's own content.

Obviously, it should be pointed out that most probably not all new features will be available immediately upon release, but may debut gradually over time.

Compatible devices

The update will initially be available for Google smartphones equipped with the Google Tensor chip, so the first models to be called upon will be the Pixel 6 and later generations; the availability of Android 15 for those with devices from other manufacturers, such as Samsung, OnePlus, Honor, Huawei or other brands, is planned for later, but the exact release dates are not yet known.

How to prepare for the update

Like any new update, the installation of a recent version is recommended as it is useful for introducing new features into devices while at the same time fixing bugs, improving performance and protecting users' security. However, the version jump of an operating system entails major software changes that could give rise to some inconveniences. With regard to updating to Android 15, therefore, it is a good idea to ensure that the device in possession supports the update, and it is always a good habit to make a complete backup before proceeding with the installation: in this way, in the event of irreversible problems, all the data stored on the device, such as the photo gallery, contacts, reminders, calendars and much more, will be recoverable without any unpleasant losses.