Android 15 and a Pixel Function Drop are right here to provide your cellphone a pick-me-up

After a barely longer lead up than common, Android 15 is finally rolling out to telephones and tablets beginning immediately. The brand new replace will hit Pixel gadgets first, and Google is utilizing the software program launch to additionally introduce its Pixel Feature Drop for October, with a brand new photograph mode, and various Pixel 9-exclusive options that at the moment are making their method to older Pixel gadgets.

Android 15 was formally launched throughout Google I/O 2024 with a deal with safety, privateness, and security. The replace contains new methods to safe and conceal apps in your Android gadget, a Theft Detection Lock that may mechanically lock your gadget when it detects it has been stolen, and improved satellite tv for pc communication assist for Google’s Satellite SOS function. The spotlight of the Pixel Function drop is a brand new Underwater Images mode that can mechanically kick into gear when your cellphone detects you are photographing one thing underwater, however Google can also be bringing high quality of life updates to older Pixel gadgets just like the Pixel Climate app, and Audio Magic Eraser.

The replace is accessible to obtain now if in case you have a Pixel, and ought to be rolling out to different supported Android gadgets over the following few months. This is what you may get while you obtain:

The marquee options of Android 15

Personal Area, Theft Detection Lock, and higher pill assist

Android 15 is not the flashiest of updates, nevertheless it nonetheless contains some intelligent Google options. Living proof, Theft Detection Lock, which makes use of your cellphone’s sensors (presumably the accelerometer) to detect when its been snatched out of your hand, pocket, or bag and mechanically locks your cellphone, so the thief cannot entry your info. Google can also be introducing the power to lock your cellphone remotely should you suppose it has been stolen, and may now require extra authentification should you take away your SIM card (one thing a thief may do within the means of reselling a stolen cellphone).

Private Space, one other new function, has been obtainable within the numerous beta variations of Android 15. It introduces a separate part in your app library for delicate apps you won’t need somebody to see or entry. This part is partitioned off from the remainder of your cellphone (apps need to be put in in Personal Area individually and have separate notifications and settings) and is biometrically secured, so solely your face or fingers will provide you with entry.

Given the rising checklist of Android tablets and foldables, Android 15 additionally contains some interface enhancements for gadgets with bigger screens. You’ll pin the taskbar to the underside of your display screen in order that it is also seen, no matter what number of apps you are utilizing. You too can create a shortcut for apps you recurrently pair collectively that you may place on the homescreen, as a way to soar proper again into your favourite pairs as quickly as you unlock your gadget.

The highlights of the October 2024 Pixel Function Drop

Underwater Images, Climate, Audio Magic Eraser, and extra

Google / Pocket-lint

Google is at all times tinkering with the Pixel’s digicam, and as a part of its fall Pixel Function Drop, it is now including a brand new function: Underwater Images. Utilizing machine imaginative and prescient, your Pixel 9 will mechanically detect while you’re photographing one thing underwater and toggle on Underwater Images mode, which makes colours that is perhaps usually dulled by water “look richer and extra correct.” For older Pixels, Google is introducing among the headlining options of the Pixel 9 to older telephones, together with the Pixel Climate app and enhancements to astrophotography, which will likely be obtainable on the Pixel 6 and up, and a brand new interface for measuring temperature, that was launched on the Pixel 9 Professional, and can now come to the Pixel 8 Pro as properly.

When it comes to new explicitly AI options, Gemini Live, the function that allows you to have a stay back-and-forth with Google’s AI assistant, will now be obtainable on all Pixel Buds, as an alternative of simply the Pixel Buds Professional 2. For anybody who makes use of Pixel Screenshots, Gemini may also have the ability to discover issues for you within the Pixel Screenshots app with out you having to open it.