Android 15 Beta 3 Released with New Features
Google has released the third beta version of Android 15, bringing with it new customization options, smarter screen timeout settings, and various improvements. Here's a summary of what's new:
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| Android 15 |
Design Changes:
- Pixel Fold wallpaper editor: This now shows a preview of how the wallpaper will look on both the main and external screens.
- Long app name display: An optional feature displays full app names below icons, spanning two lines instead of truncating them.
- Persistent volume menu: The volume menu no longer collapses into a compact view, ensuring constant access to the full panel.
- Simplified audio output settings: When configuring audio output to accessories, the phrase "Speakers and displays" is no longer displayed.
- Improved menu visibility: Certain menu sections have been made more prominent. This includes the "Circle to Search" option under "Navigation & Gestures" and the color contrast setting under "Display" for improved accessibility.
- Redesigned screenshot tool: The preview is now larger, with "Share" and "Edit" buttons placed beneath it.
Other Features:
- Pixel Tablet smart home controls: Users can now control their smart home devices from the Pixel Tablet's lock screen, toggling lights and more.
- Enhanced Android Safe Browsing: This security feature within the "Safety" section now protects users while browsing websites, warning about malicious links and phishing attempts. It will be available in select apps (likely starting with Chrome) and utilizes Google's database without tracking browsing activity.
- Adaptive screen timeout: In addition to fixed timeout durations, users can enable an adaptive timeout that adjusts to their usage patterns, automatically activating sleep mode when the device is not in use.
- Bug fixes: Several bug fixes address issues such as the "Settings" app crashing when opening the wallpaper section.
Availability:
Android 15 Beta 3 is available for Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, as well as Pixel 8a. The OS is in the Platform Stability phase, meaning all functional improvements have been implemented, and the focus is now on refining and stabilizing the software.
The stable release of Android 15 is expected in August 2024.