Google has just rolled out the Android 15 Beta 4 update to eligible Pixel smartphones and tablets. This milestone of development for this latest version of Android also comes with platform stability. Next in line will be the imminent release of its stable version, slated to come out in August. This update does not only tell of improvements for Pixel users, but also strongly accelerates Samsung’s development of One UI 7.0 for Galaxy devices.
What’s new in Android 15 Beta 4
Platform stability and developer confidence
Now that platform stability has been reached, developers can actively work on improving their apps using the latest APIs introduced with Android 15. Of course, this is a win for Samsung, too: the company can now speed up the development of One UI 7.0 for its Galaxy phones and tablets. The stability of the platform is good news as it means there will be no changes to APIs or app-facing behaviors. This makes it easy to have a foundation for both app and system updates going forward.
Improved emoji support
Probably one of the most visible changes in Android 15 is the deletion of PNG-based emoji font files NotoColorEmojiLegacy.ttf. Since Android 13, Google has been moving toward using vector-based emoji files for scaling and high quality. Now, with retirement of PNG files, high-quality and uniform emoji rendering is expected on all devices.
Enhanced user experience features
Android 15 brings several new features focused at improving the user experience:
- Predictive Back Animations: Smoother transitions when navigating apps.
- Low Light Boost: Enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
- Variable Font Files: Better support for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean languages.
- Partial Screen Recording: More control over what parts of the screen are recorded.
- Credential Manager Integration: Improved sign-in experiences with customized fields.
Samsung’s One UI 7.0 development
Now, with the rollout of Android 15 Beta 4, Samsung is all geared up to push One UI 7.0. The beta version of One UI 7.0 is expected to be released late next month, with the rollout beginning on the Galaxy S24 series. Eventually, the stable phase release of the latest update for Galaxy smartphones is expected to happen by October or November. Most eligible devices are anticipated to receive the update by the end of 2024.
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New capabilities and enhancements
Satellite connectivity
Another significant feature that has been included in Android 15 is native satellite connectivity. This could let people call and message from places where cellular networks don’t reach, thus helping in times of emergency.
Advanced camera and audio features
A better image quality and brighter viewfinder, even in low light, is supposed to be a part of the deal, as Android 15 grants developers much more access to camera hardware. It also grants more fine-grained control over Bluetooth Auracast-based audio casts and opens up high-quality webcam mode on supported phones. It will also include an enhancement in loudness control and color contrast settings for Material You theme.
Foldable and large-screen device support
Android 15 serves up a meaningful update for foldable phones and large-screen devices. Eventually, some of these features include better app continuity across transition screens, persistent taskbar on tablets and foldable, natively supporting App Pairs.
Health and convenience features
Co-developed with Google and Samsung, the Health Connect system in Android 15 adds skin temperature tracking and training plans to support further granular health monitoring.
Convenience improvements
Android 15 includes several convenience-focused features:
- Bluetooth automatically turns on the day after it is turned off.
- The volume control panel is now collapsible for easier access.
- HDR content management is improved, allowing for better control when parts of the screen display HDR content while others do not.
The Android 15 Beta 4 update represents a massive stride toward the final release, as it is packed with a myriad of new features and several improvements within its arsenal. For Pixel users, that means they get access to all these enhancements straight away, while for Samsung users, there is the promise of a more polished One UI 7.0 later this year. Nonetheless, we are inching extremely close to the Android 15 stable release. Thus, many users are eager for one of the biggest upgrades in the Android ecosystem.