Android 15: A Look at the Latest Developer Preview
Android 15, also known by its code name Vanilla Ice Cream, has just been released. Time flies, and if you have one of the latest Google Pixel devices, you can manually flash the first developer preview. However, it is not recommended at this stage as it is quite bare bones and comes with a lot of issues, bugs, and crashes. To save you the trouble, I've flashed it on my Pixel 7 Pro so you don't have to. Let's explore some of the new features and changes in Android 15.
The Name: Android 15 vs. Vanilla Ice Cream
Officially, it's called Android 15, but internally Google developers have codenamed it Vanilla Ice Cream. You can find this name in the system settings of the "About Phone" section and within the Quick Settings panel. It's a humorous twist as we are used to referring to the base version of Android as "vanilla Android," and now Android 15 is literally named after vanilla ice cream.
Notable Changes and Features
One of the first changes you'll notice is the new Easter egg design within the "About Phone" section, matching the Android 15 logo. There's a new feature called Notification Cooldown, which gradually lowers notification volume during message bombardment. The addition of the Keyboard Vibration setting allows users to disable keyboard haptics across all apps. Haptic feedback has been added when adjusting brightness in the Quick Settings menu.
In Android 15, you can expand the Bluetooth tile to switch between paired devices easily. For developers, there's a new setting in the developer options called "Show HDR SDR Ratio," providing insight into photo composition. Pixel Fold users will appreciate the new feature that allows continued app usage when folding or unfolding the device.
Future Expectations and Rumors
Looking ahead, Android 15 may introduce several exciting features. Lock screen widgets could make a return, offering a new way to interact with apps. App pairs on the home screen could streamline multitasking, especially on larger devices. The ability to archive apps without uninstalling them might help manage storage efficiently.
Another rumored feature is Private Space, which allows users to hide sensitive apps and requires extra authentication to access them. For older users or those unfamiliar with technology, an easy preset option could simplify the user interface by enlarging icons and text, adding contrast, and repositioning navigation buttons.
Android 15 is also expected to improve access to battery health information, making it easier for users to monitor their device's performance. As we anticipate more updates and features in the coming months, the Android landscape is set to evolve with each iteration.
Conclusion
While the first developer preview of Android 15 may be limited in terms of features, we can look forward to more enhancements and changes in future releases. With a timeline for beta and stable releases, users can expect a more refined experience as the development progresses. Stay tuned for updates on Android 15 and the exciting possibilities it holds.
