Google has officially announced the release of the first developer preview for Android 15, marking the commencement of the journey toward the next significant update in the Android operating system series.
Google is encouraging Android enthusiasts and developers to rev up their engines in anticipation of the gradually unveiled array of features and improvements.
“This is just the beginning of a series of developer previews and betas for Android 15’s rollout, ultimately culminating in the final release later this year,” stated a Google spokesperson. The company emphasized that the initial focus of Android 15 is on enhancing privacy and security, supporting creators and developers, and optimizing app performance. Now, let’s dive in and discover what’s in store for you with Android 15.
Exploring the latest enhancements in Android 15.
Among the noteworthy upgrades, Android 15 elevates the Android AD Services to extension level 10. This enhancement is a stride forward in balancing user privacy with personalized advertising experiences on mobile applications.
A significant user-centric feature is the ability to share a segment of an app screen rather than the entirety, streamlining the content sharing and recording process. Additionally, the Health Connect platform will integrate more fitness and nutrition data types, bolstering the security measures for files to better shield users from bugs and undesirable file alterations.
Camera functionalities have also been refined in Android 15. Developers will now have more control over low light enhancements, brightness adjustments, and precise camera flash control. Furthermore, music creators can look forward to UMP support in virtual MIDI apps, paving the way for enhanced composition and synthesizer app functionality.
On the performance front, the Android Dynamic Performance Framework, otherwise known as ADPF, will undergo improvements to support power-efficiency modes for prolonged background work and new thermal systems to mitigate thermal throttling.
Google’s approach with Android 15 seems to be largely centered on under-the-hood refinements, with additional features expected to be announced in forthcoming developer previews and betas.
When can we expect the arrival of Android 15?
The Developer Preview 1 of Android 15 was released on 16 February, and a subsequent preview is slated for March, followed by a series of beta releases from April to July. We expect the final release to take place in either August or September, provided that there are no unexpected setbacks.
“We’re releasing the first Developer Preview of Android 15 today to foster collaboration with our developer community in crafting a better Android,” said a Google representative. “Your feedback on the Android 15 Developer Preview plays a crucial role in our continuous effort to enhance the Android platform.”
The current developer preview is primarily intended for developers and is not recommended for general consumer use due to potential bugs. However, developers or intrepid users can flash the developer preview onto compatible Google Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 series, in addition to the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet.
For developers eager to engage with the new features of Android 15, Google advises using the latest preview of Android Studio Jellyfish to ensure an optimal development experience. Regular updates will be made to the preview system images and SDK throughout the Android 15 release cycle.
For more information on the preview, including downloads for Pixel devices and detailed documentation about changes, developers are encouraged to visit the Android 15 developer site. Google extends its gratitude in advance to those who contribute to making Android a platform that benefits everyone.
