Google’s second developer preview for Android 15 is now available, introducing much-anticipated satellite connectivity support. It also brings several enhancements to contactless payments, multi-language recognition, volume uniformity, and app-based PDF interactions.
These betas, aimed at developers, serve as a testing platform for features that are likely to be included in the final public release planned for later this year. Google indicates that public beta versions should be ready for testing from April to July.
Google’s release schedule for Android 15 suggests a full release between August and October this year. The most recent developer preview addresses some annoyances and security issues encountered by Android users. It makes apps more cognizant of why certain services might be inaccessible when devices are connected to a satellite.
Android 15 will use satellite connectivity for sending and receiving messages
This is the first official acknowledgment that Android 15 will feature satellite messaging. Google’s press release states that the new preview supports “preloaded RCS applications to use satellite connectivity for sending and receiving messages.”
Android 15 aims to make it more apparent when satellite connectivity is active, which could potentially restrict some app functions. Apps are being given support for screen recording detection, allowing them to alert users if their activity is being recorded.
The dependability of one-tap contactless payments is also being enhanced for apps that utilize NFC. The multi-language audio recognition feature introduced in Android 14 is being fine-tuned to prevent words from being omitted when the user switches languages.
Small cover screens on flip phones are set to become more functional as developers are given more direct ways to interact with them. Support for a new CTA-2075 loudness standard should assist Android users in avoiding volume adjustments when switching between content. Lastly, Google is making “significant enhancements” to PDF features in apps, including support for password-protected files, annotations, form editing, searching, and selection with copy.
Wow, this is a game-changer. It’s a step towards ensuring connectivity even in the most remote parts of the world. However, it’s crucial to consider the potential limitations and restrictions this might impose on certain app functions.
I’m intrigued by the enhancements to contactless payments. Contactless transactions have become the norm, and any improvement in this area is a welcome change.
Fine-tuning the audio recognition technology to support multiple languages represents a major enhancement for users who speak various languages. This improvement showcases Google’s dedication towards fostering inclusivity and enhancing worldwide communication.
Backing the CTA-2075 loudness norm is a minor yet crucial refinement. It is these insignificant alterations that enhances a flawless user interface.
Updates to PDF functionalities in applications, which includes the ability to handle files protected by passwords and the editing of forms, was something that should have happened a while back. Such enhancements are sure to boost the efficiency of numerous users.
Although the updates are causing quite a buzz, it is crucial to bear in mind that they are presently in the developer preview phase. We must await the arrival of the public beta versions for a clearer insight into how these functionalities would behave in actual settings.
Android 15 is on the horizon as a major update, putting emphasis on enhancing connectivity, user interaction, and inclusivity.
Waiting for it….