Recently, Google released Android 15 Beta 2. On Google Pixel smartphones, the most recent beta version of Google's upcoming big operating system update is now available for download. The following weeks will see a slow rollout to a chosen number of devices.
Google's priority for this year is to improve the security and privacy aspects of Android 15, and the most recent beta version offers significant improvements that are only accessible to beta testers.
One noteworthy feature unveiled at a Google I/O developer session is the arrival of Private Space, an Android 15 smartphone app that focuses on security and privacy.
With Private Space, users may hide particular apps on their device—like ones related to dating, money, or social media—in a safe haven. Apps running in the private area have access to dedicated storage that is not available to other apps on the device and can receive updates through a separate Play Store app.
Google claims that with Android 15, the Private Space feature is easily accessible through the built-in app drawer. The secured apps can be accessed by users by scrolling to the bottom of the app list. Users can also completely conceal the existence of this separated application list by using a different passcode or biometric lock to protect it.
As part of its continuous endeavors to strengthen anti-theft protocols, Google is incorporating improved safeguards in Android 15. Tightening security standards is one of these steps to prevent unwanted access to devices that have been reset without the necessary Google account credentials. Android 15 will require biometric authentication before granting users access to passkeys, modifying screen timeout, or turning off Find My Device.
"Theft Detection Lock," a notable anti-theft feature included to Android 15, automatically locks the smartphone when it detects abrupt motion suggestive of possible theft. Additionally, the "Offline Device Lock" feature makes sure that devices automatically lock when internet access is turned off—a popular strategy used by thieves after a crime.
Android 15 provides the handy feature of "Remote Lock," which allows users to remotely lock or wipe their smartphone using a different number in the event of theft, for those who are worried about smartphone theft. Later this year, devices running Android 10 and higher versions will be able to access these anti-theft capabilities, which are designed to discourage smartphone theft.