We're one step closer to the launch of Android 15, with Google releasing the second developer preview of the mobile operating system, and even at this early stage, there are some notable features to look out for.
According to Google's blog post, “Android 15 continues our work to build a platform that helps improve your productivity while giving you new capabilities,” and here those capabilities cover connectivity, support for foldable phones, better security, and more .
Firstly, Google has improved support for satellite communications, with new on-screen elements to “ensure a consistent user experience” when connecting to a satellite. Satellite messaging (similar to what the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 offer) is technically supported in Android 14, but Android phone makers haven't used it yet.
The fact that the feature continues to be improved in this Android 15 developer preview suggests that 2024 could finally be the year we see it launch on a real phone, perhaps the Google Pixel 9 arriving later this year, and maybe existing Pixel phones too.
This new developer preview also lets apps know when a screen recorder is active, which should make it harder to track your Android activities without your knowledge or permission, for added peace of mind.
More improvements
Also added in the new developer preview is a new way for developers to put their apps on second screens: the small clamshell screens on phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5. That should make those screens more useful and allow them to present functions. a wider variety of apps when the cover screen is active.
Fourth, this latest version of Android 15 also offers better volume control, which will apparently help users “avoid audio volume inconsistencies” between apps, so you won't need to keep reaching for the volume controls while Switch between applications.
As is usual with these types of updates, we have a number of smaller technical improvements that developers can take advantage of, which will hopefully mean a better user experience. There are updates to font support, HDR rendering, language switching, and more.
We don't recommend installing a developer preview if you're not a developer, unless you're really interested in seeing what's coming next and you have a spare Android device that you don't rely on too much and can use for testing. The files you need are located on the Android 15 developer preview website.
We will likely see the first public beta next month, which will be much more stable. We also know that Google I/O 2024 will begin on May 14, where there will likely be a lot more news about what's coming with Android 15.
