Android 15 protects data, apps – and the entire phone
Google has rolled out the final version of Android 15. The new operating system version, also known internally as Vanilla Ice Cream, is now available for all variants of the Pixel 6, 7, 8 and 9 smartphones as well as for the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold.
Android 15 will of course also be coming to Android smartphones that are not made by Google itself in the near future. However, the upgrade schedules of the individual manufacturers for their smartphone models are very different.
Here is an overview of the five most important new features of Android 15:
- Theft protection: the smartphone recognises when it is snatched from its owner, someone quickly walks away with it – and then immediately locks itself automatically. In the event of theft or loss, you can also use the so-called remote lock: By entering your phone number and after a short security prompt, the smartphone can be locked from any browser via the ‘Find my device’ page.
- Private area: Sensitive data and apps, such as for online banking or social media, can be stored here. They are not visible to others who may have the phone in their hands. This also applies to app notifications, for example. The private area can only be opened with a separate PIN, which can also be linked to your own fingerprint.
- Low light boost: This new camera feature is designed to deliver better images in low light conditions. And it’s not just Google’s camera app that should benefit from the improvements; third party camera apps will also have better access to the camera controls, for example for the flash.
- Passkeys: Passwordless login should now be faster – in just a single step. In apps that support passkeys, you can log in directly with your fingerprint after opening them – and no longer have to scroll through several screens to select the respective user account or make other settings.
- Satellite connection: Compatible messaging apps (SMS/MMS/RCS) can now also send messages via satellite connections in an emergency or if there is otherwise no mobile or Wi-Fi reception. However, this also requires a smartphone with the appropriate hardware on board. For Google, this includes the Pixel 9 models.
If the Pixel device has not yet offered the upgrade to Android 15 by itself, you can also start it manually. To do this, navigate to ‘System/Software updates’ in the settings, tap on ‘System update’ and then on ‘Check for updates’. You will then see ‘System update being prepared’, followed by the ‘System update available’ screen. Tap ‘Download and install’ at the bottom of the screen.
You will then be asked whether usage and diagnostic data may be sent to Google. You can switch this off using the slider on the right-hand side of the screen. Then tap ‘Accept’ at the bottom. The smartphone then downloads Android 15, installs it and prompts you to restart at the end.
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