While most people probably view this year’s Google I/O as a jargon-packed AI fest, Google actually came out with a ton of new updates for Android (you know, its largest product aside from search) on the event’s second day. With that in mind, there are a number of new and interesting developments headed our way, as we get closer and closer to the launch of Android 15.
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Android 15 Beta
While Google usually launches the latest Android version alongside its new flagship Pixels during October, the company does give users and developers early previews of upcoming features and functions, a lot of which were released during 2024. This was followed by the roll-out of the first public beta for Android 15, which arrived back in April.
For Google I/O, Google finally unveiled the second public beta for Android 15, which includes a ton of new features, all of which we’ll hopefully see once the final version goes live in the fall. With that in mind, this include new functionality such as a “Private Space” for sensitive apps, improved multitasking on tablets and large screened devices, in addition to more secure background activity launches. The beta will also be available on devices from several OEMs, including Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Nothing, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Sharp, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi.
Changes to Security and Wallet
Google announced that it will be adding some focus to physical security with the arrival of “Theft Detection Lock.” As with a lot of the company’s recent software features, Theft Detection Lock works with AI at the helm, allowing your device to sense if it’s been stolen. Once it verifies this, the phone will go into a lockdown mode to prevent unwanted persons from accessing your device and data.
The power of AI has likewise extended to Google Play Protect – Google has added an AI upgrade with On-Device Protection, which can now use on-device threat detection against possibly malicious software. This allows a device to identify software designed for fraud, phishing and such, and subsequently warn users against using the software in question. The feature will also report the apps to Google.
For Google Wallet, users will be able to experience more expansive functionality with Wallet – folks will be able to add various items simply by taking a picture on their phone’s camera. This includes concert tickets, loyalty cards, membership cards, and more. With all that said, Google has yet to announce a specific timeframe as to when these will arrive for Android users.
