Google releases Android 15 in AOSP

Android 15 is ready. The new version of the mobile operating system is now part of the Android Open Source Project, Google announced. Developers can view the source code of the new Android version there.

"In the coming weeks", Android 15 will then also be available for the first devices, Google writes in its announcement. At the front of the queue are current Pixel smartphones from Google, before some phones from third-party manufacturers such as Samsung, Motorola and OnePlus will also get access to the latest version of Android.

Google releases new versions of Android every year, but now often without much fanfare: The days of major Android upheavals are over. Nowadays, new Android versions tend to focus on changes under the hood and convenience features.

One new feature of Android 15, for example, is that apps are displayed borderless by default. System bars are displayed transparently. In addition, all applications can now be archived to save storage space. Previously, this only worked with packages from the Play Store, but in future it will also be possible with APKs. The system now also manages keys for end-to-end encryption.

AI features and private space

Google is also improving its AI functions: Gemini should be able to spit out audio descriptions of images, Circle-to-Seach is getting a Shazam-like function for background music recognition. In addition, a text-to-speech function is being added to Google's Chrome browser, which can read websites aloud.

Android 15 also comes with several new security functions, including a digital data vault called "Private Space" for sensitive apps. Applications stored there can be secured with an additional PIN. This means that unauthorized persons who hold the unlocked phone in their hands still have no access. Notifications from apps in the private space can also be hidden.

(dahe)