The second beta version of Android 15 came out not long ago, on May 15. According to the official Android developer blog, the patch continues Google's efforts to create a platform that improves productivity, maximizes app performance, and protects user privacy.
However, the post did not mention all the different ways Android 15 will update system customization. As people dug deeper into the operating system's files, many of its other features were discovered, and several of them provide new ways to personalize a smartphone.
Below is a list highlighting the most notable of these potential tools. Android 15 won't be released for a while, so there's a chance some won't be in the final version. It's hard to say, but given their apparently advanced state, we believe they will be available at launch or shortly after.
1. Slideshow Screensaver
In June 2023, a mysterious Google app called Dreams was discovered in the Play Store. It was for the Pixel tablet and allowed the device to play a “screensaver collection” when docked and not in use. However, nothing actually came of it, as Dreams simply disappeared from the store.
However, it looks like the same feature is coming to Pixel phones, as Android 15 Beta 2 refers to “Dreamliner” in its files. When docked with the second-generation Pixel Stand, users can select photo albums on their device to serve as a slideshow as a screen saver. Additionally, the Google Photos user interface has been updated to fit the Dreamliner and not the Google Assistant.
Adding widgets to your Android phones requires manually dragging and dropping apps from the home screen. However, evidence suggests that Google plans to introduce an “Add button.” So instead of having to drag the widget around, you can just press the button and attach it that way. Images from the 9To5Google report show that there will be a large blue button right where a widget slot is available.
3. Pixel Avatar
Industry expert Mishaal Rahman discovered an unbundled version of Google Pixel Avatar within the beta files. This is an application that allows users to select an icon as their profile photo. Rahman says the software has been part of Android for a while, but adds a new feature: “the ability to use your Google account picture as your [main] profile picture.”
Before this update, Google and Android account profile pictures existed as separate entities. Now the barrier has disappeared, allowing a photo for both platforms. It is important to mention that this capability appeared in the first beta version of Android 15, but the syncing process was not very reliable. Things should be much better now.
It is not known if it will work with third-party apps, as the current version only connects Pixel Avatar with SystemUI apps.
4. Streaming Volume Controls
Audio company Sonos sued Google for “alleged patent infringement” in 2020, alleging that the tech giant “defrauded its patented speaker technology.” Google has finally disabled the ability to use a Pixel phone's volume buttons to control groups of speakers and other “Chrome and Google Cast devices.” Sonos apparently won the lawsuit, however, a California judge overturned the verdict in 2023, paving the way for Google to bring back the volume controls and that's exactly what we're seeing.
It's the return of a feature that people initially thought would never return. Android Authority was able to stream YouTube Music songs to Nest Hub devices using Android 15 Beta 2. Adjusting the speaker group volume worked without any issues. So, after years of waiting, users will soon be able to finally create (or recreate) their ideal listening environment.
5. Vibration force
Lastly, Google is adding a new adaptive vibration tool to the Pixel. According to the text description, the software can automatically adjust the vibration level of the smartphone “according to your environment.” The phone's vibration won't be as powerful on a table, for example, but if it detects that you're on a couch, the Pixel will vibrate stronger. The device will be able to detect where it is located using the “microphone and other sensors… to determine sound levels and context.” Perhaps most importantly, no data will be recorded.
It is unknown if these features will be implemented on third-party Android phones. Google may be giving Pixel owners a chance to try them out first before expanding their availability.
Be sure to check out TechRadar's list of the best Android phones for 2024.
