Google has unveiled the first developer preview of Android 15, showcasing new features and improvements that aim to enhance user privacy and battery performance. In a blog post by Dave Burke, Google’s veep of engineering, the company highlighted the inclusion of Privacy Sandbox on Android, which aims to provide both user privacy and personalized advertising experiences for mobile apps.
One of the notable additions in Android 15 is the introduction of Android 14 extensions 10 around Health Connect. This update adds support for new data types related to fitness, nutrition, and more. This move reflects Google’s commitment to expanding the capabilities of its operating system and catering to the diverse needs of its users.
Another exciting feature introduced in Android 15 is partial screen sharing. This feature allows users to record a specific window instead of the entire screen. Burke explained that this addition was driven by the increasing demand for large screen Android devices in various form factors such as tablets, foldables, and flappables.
In terms of battery performance, Google has incorporated three additions to optimize power efficiency. The first addition is a power-efficiency mode for hint sessions, which enables associated threads to prioritize power saving over performance. This is particularly beneficial for long-running background workloads. The second addition allows GPU and CPU work durations to be reported in hint sessions, enabling the system to adjust CPU and GPU frequencies simultaneously based on workload demands. Lastly, Android 15 introduces thermal headroom thresholds to interpret possible thermal throttling status based on headroom prediction.
For developers focused on photography, Android 15 brings low light enhancements that enhance the brightness of the camera preview. Additionally, advanced flash strength adjustments enable precise control of flash intensity in both SINGLE and TORCH modes while capturing images. These features aim to provide photographers with greater control and flexibility in capturing high-quality images.
Google encourages developers to try out the Android 15 features, test their apps, and provide feedback. To do so, developers can either flash the OS onto one of Google’s Pixel devices or load the preview into Android Emulator in Android Studio. Detailed instructions on both options can be found on Google’s website.
According to Burke’s post, a second developer preview is expected to be released in March, followed by monthly betas starting in April. Platform stability is projected for June, allowing developers several months to conduct their final testing. Beta 4 is scheduled for July, and the final step in the release timeline is an event described as “Android 15 release to AOSP and ecosystem,” with no specific date provided.
Considering that Google unveiled its Pixel 8 devices on October 8, 2023, it is reasonable to expect that Android 15 will make its debut around a similar date in 2024. Google has a history of launching its latest handsets alongside the most recent version of Android, showcasing the seamless integration between hardware and software.
While the blog post did not explicitly mention AI, it is highly likely that Android 15 will incorporate various AI capabilities. Google has been actively leveraging AI technologies across its products and services, and it would be surprising if Android 15 did not benefit from these advancements.
In conclusion, the developer preview of Android 15 introduces exciting features such as Privacy Sandbox, partial screen sharing, battery performance improvements, and enhancements for photographers. Developers are encouraged to test these features and provide feedback to ensure a smooth and successful official release. With a projected timeline leading up to mid-2024, Android 15 promises to deliver a robust and user-centric experience for Android users worldwide.
