Pixel smartphones: Google distributes Android 15 and the new Pixel feature drops 89 comments
Image: Google
Google begins shipping Android 15 for Pixel smartphones today, from the Pixel 6 to the current Pixel 9. Additionally, Google’s smartphones and other devices are getting a new Pixel Feature Drop today, which adds all kinds of new features. Google is particularly stepping up its efforts when it comes to data protection and the device itself.
Android 15 is coming to Pixel 6 and later
Android 15 is now available for Google smartphones starting with the Pixel 6 (test) and can be installed via an over-the-air (OTA) update. The rollout is happening in waves, so the update may not be offered immediately to all smartphones or may have to be launched manually. In all cases, personal data must be backed up locally or in the cloud before updating. Older devices like the Pixel 5 no longer receive updates, as can be seen on Google’s support pages. With Android 14, those old smartphones are gone.
15.0 14.0 13.0 Pixel 5 × ✓ ✓ Pixel 5a × ✓ ✓ Pixel 6 ✓ ✓ ✓ Pixel 6 Pro ✓ ✓ ✓ Pixel 6a ✓ ✓ ✓ Pixel 7a ✓ ✓ ✓ Pixel 7 ✓ ✓ ✓ Pixel 7 Pro ✓ ✓ ✓ Pixel Fold ✓ ✓ ✓ Pixel 8 ✓ ✓ Pixel 8 Pro ✓ ✓ Pixel 8a ✓ Pixel 9 ✓ Pixel 9 Pro ✓ Pixel 9 Pro XL ✓ Pixel 9 Pro Fold ✓
Advanced data and device protection
In today’s announcement of Android 15, Google mainly focuses on the issue of security – of personal data and the device itself. Android 15 should be able to detect that someone has snatched the smartphone from the owner’s hands and is trying to run away or with it move your bike or car away and then activate the new anti-theft screen lock. Owners can also use Remote Lock to quickly lock the owner’s smartphone from another device using their own phone number and security verification.
More security also for devices from Android 10
The features seem so important to Google that in addition to Android 15, they are also available for “most devices” starting with Android 10 via Google Play system updates. According to Google, users should check the anti-theft settings page to see if the device is supported. In addition to the anti-theft screen lock, the offline device lock is intended to protect against the case where a thief attempts to take the smartphone offline to extract data or avoid remote wiping. If the unlocked smartphone remains offline for a long time, the feature should automatically lock the screen so that thieves can no longer use it.
Quickly lock and secure your smartphone
In the event of loss or theft, remote locking should ensure that the smartphone can be secured quickly. Google explains that this is possible even if the Google account credentials are not present at the time of the theft. The Android website allows you to lock your smartphone from any device using a verified phone number. Remote locking secures the device, while the Android “Find My Device” function can be used to regain access. This allows the device to be secured, located or deleted remotely. Despite these new features, Google recommends manually and permanently backing up your smartphone data so that remote deletion is not a problem.
Theft protection (Image: Google)
Android 15 adds additional security features
Additional security features are being added, especially with Android 15. Google wants to prevent thieves from guessing passwords and accessing sensitive information. Google is adding new authentication requirements to the operating system for settings commonly used by thieves, including removing the SIM card or disabling Find My Device. Changes to these settings now require PIN, password, or biometric authentication. Additionally, the device locks if multiple failed attempts at apps and settings are detected. Also coming later this year is Identity Check, a new opt-in feature that adds an extra layer of protection by requiring biometric authentication to access critical Google account and device settings, such as changing your PIN code. when disabling anti-theft protection or accessing passkeys from an untrusted location.
Private area for apps can be hidden
Android 15 also introduces a private space where sensitive applications such as social networking, dating or banking applications can be stored. If the private area is locked, the apps stored there should remain virtually invisible to other people and are hidden from the apps list, recent apps view, notifications, and settings. There is an additional layer of authentication to access the private area to secure the applications and protect them from prying eyes. So that the private space is not visible at all, it can also be hidden on the smartphone.
Private Space in Android 15 (Image: Google)
Upgrades specifically for foldables and tablets
The revised taskbar, which can be attached and detached from the screen, is aimed at foldable smartphones and tablets. The layout should be easier for the user to customize so that they can access their favorite applications more quickly. The new App Pairing feature lets you create shortcuts to make multitasking easier. The already known function of Samsung foldables allows, for example, to open Google Drive and Gmail at the same time in order to move files by drag and drop. The most frequently used app combinations can be saved and placed as a single app icon on the home screen.
New for camera, messages and passwords
The new operating system also brings changes to the camera, messages and passwords. Low Light Boost and in-app camera controls now work better in low light conditions. And third-party apps benefit from better camera controls for, among other things, more precise flash control. Mobile carrier messaging apps can now use satellite connectivity to send and receive messages without a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. Apps that use passkeys for authentication can now connect with just one click.
Pixel Feature Drop for many Google products
In addition to the aforementioned updates as part of Android 15 and for smartphones from Android 10 onwards, Google is also distributing a new Pixel Feature Drop for its own smartphones and other devices today. As announced during the Pixel Buds Pro 2 announcement in August, all Pixel Buds models can now access Gemini. Gemini Live is now available for free for all Pixel users – also in German.
Audio eraser and sound modification
Pixel smartphones receive most new features with Pixel Feature Drop. The Magic Audio Eraser reduces annoying noises in videos, such as strong winds or noisy crowds. With the new editing functions, certain sounds can be made louder or quieter and the volume of individual voices can be changed independently. The feature is available from Pixel 8.
Audio erasers and audio tools (Image: Google)
Improved underwater photography and astrophotography
When taking photos with a Pixel smartphone, underwater photos and videos should now be of higher quality and colors should also appear more vibrant and authentic. According to Google, to protect your smartphone you must use a waterproof case despite IP protection. Google is also improving astrophotography by allowing direct access to astrophotography via a new slider in night vision mode instead of having to wait a long time for it to be available. After installing the feature, you can also access the night vision mode of the smartphone using the in-app camera app in the Instagram app. The camera can now also be used with the Pixel 8 Pro’s thermometer app to focus on exactly what needs to be measured.
Underwater photography (Image: Google) Image 1 of 4
Tracking Pollen in the Pixel Weather App
The new pollen tracking system in the Pixel weather app, which provides current pollen index values, pollen types and forecasts, should be useful for allergy sufferers. Google is also expanding the new Pixel 9 weather app to more Pixel smartphones.
Tracking pollen in the Pixel weather app (Image: Google)
Contact tile for all Pixel smartwatches
For Pixel smartwatches of all three generations, an individual contact tile is added, making it easier to access the most frequently used contacts. You can use the tile to select a quick action for the respective contact to start a call or compose a new message with a single click. Emoji reactions are available for Gmail notifications.
Several updates for the Pixel tablet
In the coming weeks, Google plans to introduce a new Cast feature for the Pixel tablet (test) to transfer media from the Pixel tablet to Pixel smartphones. To do this, the smartphone must be held close to the tablet so that you can then transfer songs from Spotify or videos from YouTube without having to first press the Cast symbol. In the future, notifications will also be synced between Pixel smartphones and Pixel tablet, so they will no longer be visible on the other device when you swipe. This function must first be activated in the settings; WLAN is also required.
Directly from the Pixel tablet’s home panel screensaver, Feature Drop provides access to compatible smart home device controls and camera feeds when the tablet is in sleep and charging mode. Additionally, images can now be shared directly from the digital photo frame. New watch models can now also be selected directly from this screen.
Access to smart home controls (Image: Google) Image 1 of 2
Techconseil received information about this article from Google under NDA. The only requirement was the earliest possible publication date.
Topics: Android Operating Systems Android 15 Google Smartphones Google Pixel Tablets Source: Google
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