last week my pixel 9 pro has been upgraded to Android 15. On the surface, Android 15 looks the same as 14, so it might be easy to jump to the conclusion that it’s pretty “meh.” After using the updated OS for a few days, we found that some very useful features have been added to the platform, some even game-changing.
Also: I bought a Google Pixel 9 Pro, but its most impressive feature wasn’t the software
Of course, not everyone will have the same reaction. Some people may prefer one feature over another, but this new release has something for everyone.
My favorite features are:
1. App archive
We recently covered this new feature and found it to be a welcome addition. Most modern phones have an ideal amount of internal storage, but not all devices have 256 GB. For those offering significantly fewer services, space can be at a premium. As apps multiply, that space can quickly be consumed by the apps themselves and the data they hold.
App archiving (also known as app freezing) automatically archives apps after a period of inactivity. Once archived, unnecessary data will be removed and the app will be unavailable until you launch it again. You can also manually archive your apps if your device is low on space and Android hasn’t yet handled archiving itself.
You can wait until Android archives your app automatically, or you can archive it manually.
Jack Warren/ZDNET
2. Single tap passkey
So far, my experience with passkeys has been “okay,” or a bit “blurry.” why? I created a passkey on my phone, but found that everything did not work as expected. In some cases, passkey creation may fail or use a passkey may become cumbersome. Luckily, Android 15 brings a single-tap passkey to your rescue.
Also: Passkey takes another big step towards obsolete passwords
As long as the passkey is configured and available, only one biometric scan (or “single tap”) is required to use the passkey. The first passkey I set on my Pixel 9 Pro worked every time, with the promised one tap. It’s easy. Finally, Android makes using passkeys a viable option to increase account security.
Android 15 makes using passkeys much easier and more reliable.
Jack Warren/ZDNET
3. Lock screen home controls
We use Nest cameras at home and would like to have instant access to the front door camera when we put our phone on the charger. With Android 15, that’s a reality. You can add “home controls” to your lock screen so they appear when your phone is locked.
Also: Your Roku TV gets a major smart home upgrade for free.
This will take you to a dark mode page with the home devices you added. For example, you can tap the control to see your Nest camera. This is a great feature for anyone who wants to always get the most out of their security camera, but also needs to charge their phone.
You can arrange home control items to suit your needs.
Jack Warren/ZDNET
4. Private space
This type of feature is long overdue. Private Spaces allows you to set up what is effectively a sub-account on your phone that exists at the same time as your main account. You can then add sensitive apps and files to that password-protected space. That way, anyone who gets your phone won’t be able to find out about what you’ve hidden inside.
Related article: Best Android smartphones to buy in 2024
Unless you have access to the password, PIN, or biometrics that person has applied to your private space, you won’t be able to see what’s inside it. Perfect for those who value their privacy very much.
5.Theft detection lock
Now, I have to confess that no one has ever tried to steal my phone, so I’m glad I didn’t have to test this feature. Still, I’m glad to have this feature. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to sense if someone has absconded with your phone.
Android smartphones are also coming with anti-theft upgrades. Here’s how to check if you still have it
If that happens, everything will be locked down and thieves will be denied access. If a thief tries to take your phone offline (to avoid data exfiltration or remote whipping), Android 15 also adds an offline device lock that locks the screen to prevent the thief from using your phone. lock.
If you’re worried that your phone might be stolen, enable both of these options.
Jack Warren/ZDNET
Android 15 comes with far more features than the list above, but these are the features that I believe will have the most impact on your daily life. Google’s mobile OS isn’t just convenient, it’s also more secure, and that alone is worth the upgrade.
