Android 15 and a Pixel Characteristic Drop are right here to present your telephone a pick-me-up

After a barely longer lead up than standard, Android 15 is finally rolling out to telephones and tablets beginning right now. The brand new replace will hit Pixel units first, and Google is utilizing the software program launch to additionally introduce its Pixel Feature Drop for October, with a brand new picture mode, and various Pixel 9-exclusive options that at the moment are making their option to older Pixel units.

Android 15 was formally launched throughout Google I/O 2024 with a concentrate on safety, privateness, and security. The replace consists of new methods to safe and conceal apps in your Android gadget, a Theft Detection Lock that may mechanically lock your gadget when it detects it has been stolen, and improved satellite tv for pc communication assist for Google’s Satellite SOS characteristic. The spotlight of the Pixel Characteristic drop is a brand new Underwater Images mode that can mechanically kick into gear when your telephone detects you are photographing one thing underwater, however Google can also be bringing high quality of life updates to older Pixel units just like the Pixel Climate app, and Audio Magic Eraser.

The replace is on the market to obtain now when you have a Pixel, and ought to be rolling out to different supported Android units over the following few months. This is what you may get whenever you obtain:

The marquee options of Android 15

Personal House, Theft Detection Lock, and higher pill assist

Android 15 is not the flashiest of updates, but it surely nonetheless consists of some intelligent Google options. Living proof, Theft Detection Lock, which makes use of your telephone’s sensors (presumably the accelerometer) to detect when its been snatched out of your hand, pocket, or bag and mechanically locks your telephone, so the thief cannot entry your data. Google can also be introducing the power to lock your telephone remotely if you happen to suppose it has been stolen, and may now require further authentification if you happen to take away your SIM card (one thing a thief would possibly do within the strategy of reselling a stolen telephone).

Private Space, one other new characteristic, has been out there within the varied beta variations of Android 15. It introduces a separate part in your app library for delicate apps you may not need somebody to see or entry. This part is partitioned off from the remainder of your telephone (apps must be put in in Personal House individually and have separate notifications and settings) and is biometrically secured, so solely your face or fingers gives you entry.

Google / Pocket-lint

Given the rising checklist of Android tablets and foldables, Android 15 additionally consists of some interface enhancements for units with bigger screens. You can pin the taskbar to the underside of your display screen in order that it is also seen, no matter what number of apps you are utilizing. You may also create a shortcut for apps you recurrently pair collectively which you could place on the homescreen, so that you could soar proper again into your favourite pairs as quickly as you unlock your gadget.

The highlights of the October 2024 Pixel Characteristic Drop

Underwater Images, Climate, Audio Magic Eraser, and extra

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Google is at all times tinkering with the Pixel’s digicam, and as a part of its fall Pixel Characteristic Drop, it is now including a brand new characteristic: Underwater Images. Utilizing machine imaginative and prescient, your Pixel 9 will mechanically detect whenever you’re photographing one thing underwater and toggle on Underwater Images mode, which makes colours that may be usually dulled by water “look richer and extra correct.” For older Pixels, Google is introducing a few of the headlining options of the Pixel 9 to older telephones, together with the Pixel Climate app and enhancements to astrophotography, which shall be out there on the Pixel 6 and up, and a brand new interface for measuring temperature, that was launched on the Pixel 9 Professional and can now come to the Pixel 8 Pro as nicely.

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When it comes to new explicitly AI options, Gemini Live, the characteristic that allows you to have a stay back-and-forth with Google’s AI assistant, will now be out there on all Pixel Buds, as a substitute of simply the Pixel Buds Pro 2. For anybody who makes use of Pixel Screenshots, Gemini may also be capable of discover issues for you within the Pixel Screenshots app with out you having to open it.

Google Fi

Google’s Fi Wi-fi app makes it simple to join cell service, select a plan, and even order a brand new telephone from the identical app. Whenever you need to swap to a brand new telephone, simply obtain the app once more.