Google releases Android 15 beta on Pixel devices for testing

Google has released the first beta version of the upcoming Android 15 operating system (OS) for public testing. The update is only available for select Google Pixel device users who have enrolled for the Android Beta Programme. This is the first consumer-facing release for the Android 15 OS. However, Google has already released two developer previews for the OS.

The company confirmed in an update to the Google blog page that Android 15 Beta is now available and offers eligible users "to test new features for our next unreleased platform, which is still in active development".

However, Google has already released two developer previews for the OS. In the preview, Google had detailed the new features it plans on bringing with the upcoming system update –

Android 15: Satellite support - With Android 15, Google will be extending support for satellite connectivity. In the second developer preview for the upcoming system update, Google showed how apps on Android 15 will be able to detect when a device is connected to a satellite. Google has also reportedly added strings into the beta version, suggesting that with Android 15, Google might allow two-way-messaging with contacts over satellite and not just emergency services.

Android 15: Smoother tap-to-pay experience - With Android 15, apps on supported smartphones will be able to make a request to the device’s Near Field Communication (NFC) adapter to enter into “Observe” mode.

Android 15: Screen record detection - Google plans on introducing one of the biggest privacy features for Android devices with the next operating system. Google said that apps on Android 15 will get the ability to detect whenever it is visible to the screen recorder.

Android 15: Cover screen support - Google is expected to enhance the Android experience on flip-style foldable smartphones. With Android 15, developers will be able to declare that their app or activity can be presented on the cover screen of a flip-style foldable device.

Other notable capabilities include a feature that would let developers know if their programme would make the device overheat and cause performance degradation.