Google releases Android 15 with theft detection lock, privacy features for ‘sensitive’ apps, and more – Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL)

Alphabet Co., Ltd. googlegoogle subsidiary google today officially began rolling out Android 15, the latest version of its mobile operating system, to Pixel devices.

what happened: This update introduces a variety of new security, privacy, and productivity features, with a particular focus on protecting users against theft and unauthorized access of sensitive information. The new release is designed to improve the user experience on large screen devices such as foldable devices and tablets.

Main features of Android 15

Theft prevention and recovery

One of the standout features of Android 15 is the theft detection lock. It uses artificial intelligence technology to automatically lock your device if it detects suspicious movement, such as someone running with your device or driving away. This feature is designed to stop thieves before they can access your personal data. Users can also lock their device remotely from other devices using their phone number and security check.

Additional security enhancements include protection against thieves tampering with critical settings. Android 15 adds authentication requirements for actions like removing a SIM card and turning off Find My Device to prevent thieves from easily resetting or selling stolen devices. Multiple failed attempts to access apps or settings now trigger a device lockdown.

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Private space for sensitive apps

In an effort to strengthen user privacy, Android 15 introduces the Private Spaces feature, which acts as a secure digital vault. Users can create this space to hide sensitive apps like banking, social media, dating, etc. so that they are invisible to others.

Apps in this private space are excluded from the app list, recent apps view, notifications, and settings, and cannot be accessed without an additional layer of authentication. Users can also hide the existence of Private Spaces from the main interface of their device for added security.

Enhanced multitasking on foldable devices and tablets

Google is also improving the Android experience on foldable devices and tablets. Android 15 brings the ability to pin and unpin the taskbar on the screen, giving users instant access to their favorite apps like Google Photos and Gmail.

This update introduces app pairing, a new multitasking feature that allows users to open two apps at the same time, such as Gmail or Google Drive, and drag and drop files between them. You can save a combination of apps as a single icon, making it easier to launch in split-screen mode.

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Camera, messaging, and passkey updates

Android 15 introduces several updates to camera, messaging, and authentication systems.

• Low Light Boost improves image quality in low lighting conditions and gives third-party apps more control over features like the flashlight.
• Carrier messaging apps now support satellite connectivity, allowing users to send and receive messages without a mobile or Wi-Fi connection.
• Apps that use passkeys for login benefit from a more seamless authentication process, allowing users to log in with a single tap.

Sean Chow“Android devices are constantly improving, with new features and updates rolling out all the time, not just once a year,” said VP and GM of Android Platform.

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Disclaimer: This content is created in part using AI tools, and reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Photo credit: Google