At Google I/O 2024, the tech giant confirmed last night that Android 15 Beta 2 is launching today. While Google hasn’t revealed any details yet on what the new beta will include, we can expect Android devices to receive on-device artificial intelligence (AI) features, major security updates, and much more based on what we saw during Day 1 of Google’s I/O event.
Google’s main focus was on AI announcements about Gemini and other related products and services at the I/O event last night. As a result, the new beta releases for Android, which used to be a major part of Google I/O, are now scheduled for the second day (today).
At Google I/O 2024, while there was some talk about Android, the main focus was on AI. Sundar Pichai and his team mainly talked about updates to the Gemini personal assistant app and what’s coming next for Gemini Nano, including its expanding on-device capabilities.
The new Android 15 operating system comes with several improvements. It makes Near Field Communication (NFC) transactions easier and more reliable. Now, users can share specific app windows instead of the whole screen, a feature that was previously only on Pixel phones. Google is also improving support for satellite networks, allowing apps to use satellite connections in areas with weak traditional network coverage.
Android 15 offers better control over camera settings, especially in low-light conditions. It also introduces a helpful feature – app archiving. This automatically stores unused apps, helping to free up storage space on your device.
In Android 15, Google will replace Assistant with Gemini entirely or integrate some Gemini AI features into Google Assistant. These features could include things like a chatbot, image generator, and more. Additionally, Android 15 may introduce Samsung and Google’s exclusive Circle to Search feature to all Android phones using the Android 15 OS.
Google could also enhance its apps like Google Photos, Docs, Sheets, and more with AI features. We might also expect some special announcements related to AI integration in Android 15.
The Android 15 Beta 2 will soon be available on Pixel devices. These include the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel 8a.
How To Download Android 15 Beta 2 On Your Phone
To download the beta release of Android, go to google.com/android/beta and select “Opt in” for your chosen device. If you have a compatible Pixel device and the same Google account, you can join the program on this page. After opting in, check for updates on your device to install the update. It usually happens within an hour, but sometimes it might take longer.