Google I/O 2024 concluded not too long ago, and with it came the announcement that the Android 15 Beta is no longer locked to just Google Pixel smartphones, but a lot of other Android manufacturers can now open up their programs, including big players like Vivo, Honor, OnePlus, Nothing, and Oppo.
The second beta for Android 15 has finally come out, bringing some additional features that weren't in the first beta, and also being open for testing on several more devices, which is great. Let's talk about some of the new features coming in.
Android 15 Beta 2 Is Bringing Several New Features For Users
Google has ushered in Android 15 Beta 2, which should be the second out of four betas expected before the final release of the new operating system. With the second beta, Google has outlined several improvements, and here are some of the most notable ones for users.
Private Space
Private Space is quite like what it says it is. It's a password-protected space disconnected from the rest of Android, where you can put private apps that you don't want anyone interfering or prying into, such as financial or messaging apps.
Private Space is very safe since it uses a separate user profile, which means when you're not in it, none of those apps can be made active. Notifications, apps, settings, generated media, and so on, are also entirely kept in the private space and cannot be seen from the default Android view.
Improved Multitasking On Big Displays
If you're using a device with a big screen, like a tablet, Android 15 Beta 2 improves the multitasking experience by providing you with a way to pin the taskbar on the screen, which makes switching to other apps quicker. You can also save split-screen app pairs that you use frequently so you can open them instantly with a single tap.
Health Connect Gets Support For New Data Types
Health Connect is Google's intended destination for all health-related data, and now, it has support for two additional data types, which are skin temperature and training plans. There are many wearables that support skin temperature, so Health Connect will be able to start logging that.
Training plans are “structured workout plans” that you can use to better hit your fitness goals, and they support both completion goals (calories burned, distance, steps, etc.) and performance goals (speed, heart rate, power, cadence, etc.).
Better Widget Previews
If you intend to put a widget on your home screen, you'll now get a personalized preview before you add it, though this is dependent on a developer choosing to support it.
Rich Vibration Support
You'll be able to set a specific vibration effect for different kinds of notification channels. For example, this means that while one notification channel might have a pulse effect, another can go for a drawn-out buzz. This way, as soon as you feel the vibration in your hand or pocket, you'll know what kind of notification it is without even needing to look at your phone.
