The second Developer Preview of Android 15 has arrived, introducing a range of new features compared to DP1. While most changes focus on developers, there are several user-facing improvements enhancing the overall experience. Some features were present in previous Android 14 QPR updates, while others are entirely fresh. Here’s a comprehensive look at what’s new in Android 15.
Features Available Now
Given Google’s tendency to delay feature releases and the occasional reliance on server-side switches for activation, we’ve categorized this list into features currently accessible in Android 15 and those forthcoming, to avoid any confusion. Here are the features already available for exploration:
1. Notification Cooldown
Notification Cooldown stands out as one of the finest additions to Android in recent years. Receiving multiple notifications from an app simultaneously can lead to incessant notification chimes, which can be highly irritating. To address this, Notification Cooldown gradually reduces the volume for subsequent notifications from the same app.
To activate this feature, navigate to Settings -> Notifications -> Notification Cooldown. Here, you can select from three options: Apply to all notifications, Apply to conversations, and Don’t use notification cooldown. If you’re interested, we offer a comprehensive guide on using notification cooldown.
2. Enhanced Keyboard and Brightness Haptic Settings
No need to adjust keyboard settings in third-party apps to disable keypress vibrations. Android 15 introduces a toggle for users to turn off keyboard vibrations, enhancing quality of life by default.
Android 15 now includes haptic feedback when adjusting brightness via Quick Settings, a feature previously tested and now fully implemented.
3. App Continuity on Fold
Surprisingly, the Pixel Fold lacks a fundamental feature of foldables: apps seamlessly shifting and resuming on the outer display when the main screen is folded.
Android expert Mishaal Rahman initially identified the feature in Android 14 QPR1 Beta 1, yet it remained unmentioned until Android 15 DP1.
A “Swipe up to continue” feature is under development for the Pixel Fold but is currently unavailable. Once activated, users can fold the device and resume from where they left off by swiping up on the front screen.
Regrettably, Pixel Fold users must wait longer to experience it, as it’s uncertain whether the feature will be included in the next feature drop or Android 15 stable release.
4. Bluetooth Quick Setting Tile
The Bluetooth Quick Settings button on Pixel devices lacked a pop-out menu akin to Wi-Fi Quick Settings, until Android 14 QPR 3 Beta 1 introduced it. While not entirely novel, this addition might not debut until the next feature drop or Android 15 stable release, which would be disappointing.
5. Screen Record a Single App
Though not entirely new, the ability to screen record a single app arrived with Android 14 and is now a feature in Android 15.
Previously, you could only record the entire screen, displaying unnecessary information. However, the “A single app” option in the screen recording menu allows you to record only the desired app.
Curious about app hopping? The feature records while the app is active in recent apps; deleting it from multitasking stops the recording.
6. New Easter Egg
Geeks may know Android 15’s internal codename: Vanilla Ice Cream. Each OS release has a new Android version easter egg; Android 15’s is similar to Android 14 but flipped vertically to resemble a V. Upside Down Cake is turned upside down.
7. App Archiving
App Archiving, akin to offloading apps on iOS, has arrived in Android 15 Developer Preview 2 after residing in Android’s code for some time. It compresses applications, minimizing storage usage while preserving login sessions and crucial data.
In our evaluation, an app originally occupying 107 MB of space was reduced to approximately 34 MB upon archiving. Post-archiving, the app’s listing persists in the launcher, allowing restoration with a simple tap. Additionally, restoration can be initiated by accessing the app’s settings page and selecting Restore.
8. Audio Sharing
Android 15 Developer Preview 2 introduced an “Audio Sharing” feature accessible in the Connected Devices section within Settings. This feature facilitates connecting multiple headphones supporting Bluetooth LE audio, enabling simultaneous audio playback on multiple Bluetooth devices.
Currently, the feature is non-functional, with the toggle switching off upon exiting the page. Additionally, the Stream settings section remains empty. Anticipation builds for Google’s inclusion of this feature in the stable release of Android 15, eagerly awaiting its functionality.
9. HD Video in “Device as Webcam” Feature
Recent Android 14 QPR releases added the ability to use your Android devices as a webcam, and while it’s a great feature, the video quality when connected to the phone’s camera was restricted to 720p. That changes in the latest Android 15 DP as you can now find an “HQ” icon to use your Android’s camera to its full extent.
10. New Health Connect Features
For those unaware, Health Connect helps fitness apps sync data sets so the user won’t have to enter data manually each time they switch apps. Android 15 features an updated Android Health Module and supports more data types in Health Connect like Fitness, Nutrition, etc.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
