Android 15 public beta 2 is out, and it seems to really focus on privacy and security. We’ll dive into those features in a moment. If you’re eager to try Android 15.0 beta, it’s now available on a bunch of new devices, including those from Honor, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Nokia, Oppo, and more.
Just a heads-up: installing the beta is at your own risk because it’s still in the testing phase and might not be completely stable. Make sure to back up your phone before you proceed. We’re a few months away from a more polished and reliable release.
In this video, we’ll cover the updates in Android 15 public beta 2 and also take a look at Wear OS 5, Google TV, and Android Auto. You can find timestamps in the description below to skip to the parts you’re interested in.
One of the significant changes introduced in Beta 2 is a new feature called Private Space. As the name suggests, Private Space allows you to create a secure area on your device to store apps, making them more secure than just having them on your home screen. This space is locked and can only be accessed using your biometrics or by entering your PIN.
To set up a Private Space, go to the security and privacy section in the settings, tap on Private Space, and follow the setup process. This process requires authentication to ensure that only the primary user can create it. You also have the option to link a Google account for easy app downloads within this private space.
Once set up, you will see Private Space in the app drawer, marked with a label and lock icon. What makes Private Space particularly interesting is that any app used within this space is not recognized by the phone. It doesn’t show up in usage data, statistics, or anywhere else. Once in Private Space, the apps are completely locked away, accessible only to you.
Privacy Features in Android 15 Beta 2
Android 15 Beta 2 introduces some exciting new privacy features, including one called Theft Lock Detection. This feature kicks in if your phone is stolen while it’s unlocked. Here’s how it works: if your phone is snatched from your hand, the accelerometer detects a sudden movement followed by rapid motion away from you. For instance, if someone on a bike or in a car grabs your phone, the phone will recognize the theft and automatically lock itself to keep your data safe. You can also call a special number from another phone and enter a PIN to lock your phone. Even when this feature is activated, you can still use the “Find My Device” feature to locate your phone. This is a great addition to Android 15 that enhances your phone’s security.
Live Threat Detection
Another noteworthy feature in Android 15 Beta 2 is Live Threat Detection. Google Play Protect now uses on-device AI to monitor and analyze app behavior, focusing on how apps use sensitive permissions and interact with other apps. If an app acts suspiciously, you’ll receive a notification, and the app will be sent to Google for further review. If the app is confirmed to be malicious, Play Protect will automatically disable it on your phone. This adds an extra layer of protection against harmful apps.
Digital Wallet Enhancements
Android 15 Beta 2 also brings improvements to the digital wallet. Soon, users in the US will be able to create digital versions of text-based passes simply by taking a photo of them. This includes things like event tickets, library cards, or gym memberships. These digital versions can be stored in Google Wallet for easy access. This feature makes it convenient to manage and access your everyday passes directly from your phone.
Overall, the updates in Android 15 Beta 2 enhance both security and convenience, making your smartphone experience better and safer.
One-time OTPs are Hidden:
In Android 15 beta 2, passwords will now be hidden in the notification popup. This aligns with privacy measures during screen sharing. One-time passcodes, logins, usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers will be concealed when you share your screen. Additionally, similar to other Pixel devices, you’ll have the option to select a specific app to screen share instead of the entire screen.
App Pair:
For those using a Pixel Fold or Pixel Tablet, Android 15 beta 2 introduces enhanced multitasking features for larger screens. Users can now pin the task box on the screen for quick app switching or save their favorite split-screen app combinations for easy access. While Google hasn’t officially named this feature, screenshots refer to it as “save app pair,” allowing you to quickly open frequently used split-screen app pairs.
Change How Android Addresses You:
Android 15 beta 2 also includes the ability to customize how the system addresses you, such as changing pronouns. To access this feature, go to Settings > System > Languages and Input > System Languages. Additionally, you can set custom vibrations for specific apps, enabling you to distinguish notifications from apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Slack by their unique vibrations.
Google recently unveiled Wear OS 5 and made it available for developers, giving us a sneak peek at what to expect. Unfortunately, it won’t be on our wrists until the end of the year. One of the key focuses of Wear OS 5 is improving battery life. According to Google, Wear OS 5 devices with the same hardware will use 20% less battery than those running Wear OS 4, especially for activities like running. This is really exciting because any update that extends battery life is a big win. Additionally, once Wear OS 5 launches, Health Services will support new data types for runners, including ground contact time, stride length, vertical oscillation, and vertical ratio. While these terms might not mean much to everyone, they’re definitely useful for runners. There will also be updates to watch faces, which have lagged behind the competition. Google announced new features in the watch face format, promising better complications like goal progress, weighted elements, and weather forecasts, making them more exciting to use.
As for Google TV, there are some cool updates on the way. Gemini is coming to Google TV, and Android 14 for TV has just been announced. These updates will make the operating system feel snappier and more responsive, which is always a good thing, especially for older Google TVs. There will also be three new energy-saving modes: low energy mode, optimized energy mode, and increased energy mode. Picture-in-picture functionality is coming too, but only for certain Android 14 TV models. With Gemini, Google TV will offer improved search results, such as highlighting if an actor only has a brief cameo in a show, so you don’t waste time. It will also provide more accurate descriptions of TV shows and movies, and could even offer translations for content not in your native language. Unfortunately, there’s no news yet on when Gemini will be available on Google TV, but it’s something to watch for.
When we look at Android Auto, we see a bunch of new apps coming in, like Maxdome, Peacock, and even Angry Birds—yes, people still play that! These apps will be available in cars with Google built-in, which is different from regular Android Auto where you have to plug in your phone. Google Cast, or Chromecast as we know it, is finally making its way to Android Auto. This means you’ll be able to cast videos from your phone or tablet onto your car’s screen. However, this feature is designed for when you’re parked, like if you’re charging your car. The video will automatically stop once you start driving. But here’s the catch: this feature is only coming to Rivian vehicles, so unless you have one, you won’t be able to use it.
Lastly, there’s an update on the XR headset that Samsung and Google have been teasing. Google confirmed it’s still happening but will get its own event later on, so we don’t have many details yet. It’s exciting, but we’ll have to wait for more info.
That’s the latest on Wear OS, Google TV, Android Auto, and Android 15 beta 2. The beta is now open to more phone models, including Oppo, Xiaomi, Nokia, and OnePlus. If you’re thinking about downloading the beta, make sure you’re okay with potential data loss or back up your data because it’s pre-release software and can be unstable. Let us know in the comments what you think of Android 15 beta 2 and the other announcements. If you enjoyed the video, consider subscribing, and if you do, I’ll see you in the next one.
