The stable version of stock Android 15 was released last month, but the update wasn't released for Pixel devices. Now, Google has released the stable Android 15 update for Pixel phones and tablets, adding several new features. However, Samsung still hasn't released the One UI 7.0 beta update to Galaxy devices.
Stable Android 15 update released for Pixel devices
Google has released the Android 15 update to all eligible Pixel devices, bringing several new features. Let us have a look at those features in brief:
- Theft Detection Lock: This feature uses AI and movement data from the sensor to detect if someone has snatched your phone and if they are running or driving away with it. When it senses that your phone is snatched, it locks the device so only you can unlock it. Moreover, the phone now detects common ways thieves target your phone, such as removing the SIM card and turning off the Find My Device feature. When it detects multiple failed attempts, the phone will lock down, making it harder to reset and sell the device. This feature was unveiled a few months ago and will also be available on Galaxy smartphones.
- Private Space: Similar to Samsung's Secure Folder, Google has added Private Space to Pixel devices. It is a separate, private space on the phone where you can store sensitive apps or files. When Private Space is locked, apps in that space are hidden from the apps drawer, notifications, recent apps (multitasking) menu, and settings.
- Multitasking on foldable phones and tablets: With Android 15, you can pin or unpin the taskbar easily, making it easier to access the taskbar when you require it more. Moreover, you can save app pair shortcuts on the home screen, so launching any two apps together should be easier. For example, if you create notes or to-do lists based on your work emails, you can create an app pair shortcut for Gmail and Keep Notes.
- Camera improvements: Low Light Boost and other camera controls now work better in low-light conditions. Even third-party apps have more camera controls for better image quality.
- Using camera as webcam for connected PCs: The Webcam Mode now has a High Quality (HQ) option that improves video quality. Moreover, to use a Pixel device's camera as a webcam, the device needs fingerprint authentication.
- Satellite messaging: Carrier or third-party messaging apps can now use satellite connectivity for messaging in emergency situations or where carrier networks aren't available.
- Improved passkeys support: In apps that support passkeys, logging into that app can be done with a single click.
- App archiving: You can archive apps that you aren't using to save storage space. You can do that from the Settings app.
- Improved privacy: Pixel users can disable the option to send the device name to the Wi-Fi router. Moreover, privacy options like ‘Privacy Dashboard' and ‘Privacy Space' have received more prominence in the Privacy & Security menu in the Settings app. When the authentication panel appears to unlock any section of the software, the icon of the app which is requesting authentication is displayed.
- Lockdown Mode: When you turn on this feature USB data access is blocked.
- Better understanding of storage space usage: In the Settings menu, storage space consumption is better explained by breaking system storage into ‘Android' and ‘Temporary System Files.'
- UI improvements: The volume sliders that appear when you press the volume buttons are pressed. They now have a splash of more color, based on Material You. In wallpaper settings, you can alter color contrast and get a real-time preview of how apps and toggles will look before applying that styling. The brightness slider in the ‘Display & Touch' section of the Settings app is now narrower. Edge-to-edge apps are now enabled by default. Moreover, animations and transitions across the UI has been improved.
- Predictive Back Gesture: Predictive Back Gestures are now enabled by default for apps that support it. This feature partially shows the screen to which you are going back.
- Adaptive Screen Timeout: It turns off the screen when you are not looking at it. This feature reminds us of Samsung's feature that keeps the screen turned on even after the screen timeout is passed if you are viewing the screen.
- SIM management: Pixel phones now have an easier way to enable or disable SIMs.
- Default Wallet app: You can now set a default wallet app. Google Wallet is the default wallet app on Pixel devices, but you can now change that.
- Adaptive Vibration and Haptics: The Adaptive Vibration feature changes the vibration strength based on where the phone is placed. For example, vibration strength is reduced when the phone is placed on a tablet. When increasing the volume, haptics offer more feedback.
- App suggestions in app drawer can be disabled: There is now a toggle that lets you enable or disable app suggestions in the app drawer.
- Bluetooth activation: When you disable Bluetooth, it will reactivate after 24 hours on Pixel devices. However, there is now a toggle that lets you change that behavior.
One UI 7.0 beta is still missing
Samsung usually opens the One UI Beta Program in the third quarter of every year, but the company missed that time frame this year. The company was expected to open the One UI 7.0 Beta Program at the end of July, but it was delayed multiple times, and it has still not started. However, the company announced that the One UI 7.0 Beta Program would be opened before the end of this year. The stable version should be out at the start of next year.
We managed to get our hands on the internal beta version One UI 7.0 running on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and you can watch it in our video below.
Samsung is taking its own time to release the One UI 7.0 beta update because it is a major UI revamp, and the company wants everything to be smooth and stable before it opens up the beta program. Samsung has improved animations and transitions across the UI, changed default app icons for a lot of stock apps, introduced a new two-page Quick Panel layout, and changed the battery icon and the charging animation.
