Android 15 Beta Brings Major Updates with AI at Core & Enhanced Security

On Day 2 of the Google IO 2024, Google's Android team has unveiled a series of major updates that place artificial intelligence (AI) at the core of the Android 15 experience. The second beta of Android 15 has been released, promising improved security, seamless experiences, and a host of new features. Here are some of the key features of the Android 15 Beta 2.

Private Space

One of the standout features coming to Android 15 this year is the introduction of Private Space. It allows users to create a separate, secure space within their phones, complete with an extra layer of authentication. It offers enhanced protection for sensitive apps, isolating their data and notifications from the rest of the phone.

Theft Detection Lock

Google is bringing the Theft Detection Lock to Android 15 later this year to combat phone theft and protect user data. This feature uses AI to sense when someone snatches a phone from the user's hand and attempts to flee by running, biking, or driving away with it. Upon detecting a theft motion, the phone will be immediately locked down, preventing unauthorized access to personal and financial information.

Real-Time Protection Against Fraud Apps

Google Play Protect will soon employ on-device AI to identify apps that might engage in fraud or phishing activities. This live threat detection system will analyze how apps use sensitive permissions and interact with other apps, spotting suspicious behaviour in real time.

Google Maps AR Experiences

Google Maps is set to become more immersive with the introduction of augmented reality (AR) content directly within the app. Users will be able to learn more about locations in new and interactive ways, with experiences built for places like Singapore and Paris. These AR advancements lay the groundwork for the extended reality (XR) platform that Google is developing in collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm for the Android ecosystem.

In-Car Entertainment Updates

The in-car entertainment experience is also getting a significant boost. Users of select cars with Google built-in will soon be able to catch up on their favourite shows or enjoy a game of Angry Birds. Additionally, Google Cast will be available for cars with Android Automotive OS in the coming months. It allows users to directly cast video content from their phones or tablets to the car's infotainment system.

AI-Powered Google TV

With over 220 million active devices globally and a rapidly growing user base, Google TV is implementing AI-based recommendations to help users discover content faster. The new Gemini model will generate personalized descriptions on the homescreen based on users' genre and actor preferences, making it easier to pick what to watch. In addition, AI-generated descriptions will also fill in missing or untranslated descriptions for movies and shows.

Android 14 TV OS

Google has announced the Android 14 TV OS, which offers improvements in performance, sustainability, accessibility, and multitasking. The company says that the Android TV OS has reached over 220 million monthly active devices, a 47% year-over-year increase.

The new Android TV OS is said to provide a snappier, more responsive TV experience with performance and sustainability enhancements. Features like colour correction, enhanced text options, and better navigation could help improve the viewing experience. Additionally, picture-in-picture mode will be supported on qualified Android 14 TV models.

Fast Pair Updates

Google's Fast Pair technology, which claims to have made over 1 billion connections, can now help users track their accessory's battery life and locate missing devices with the new Find My Device experience rolling out globally. Later this month, users will be able to find items like keys, wallets, or luggage in the Find My Device app with Bluetooth tracker tags from Chipolo and Pebblebee. Additional Bluetooth tags from Eufy, Jio, Motorola, and more are expected to be supported later this year.

Wear OS 5 Updates

With a 40% growth in its user base in 2023, Wear OS has expanded to include new brands like OnePlus, OPPO, and Xiaomi. Later this year, Wear OS 5 will introduce battery life optimizations and support for more data types, enabling watches to consume up to 20% less power when running outdoor marathons compared to Wear OS 4.