Android 15 now available for Pixel devices

Owners of Pixel smartphones will soon be able to download the update to Android 15: Google will begin distributing the new Android version to Pixel devices on Tuesday evening, according to an announcement. Other manufacturers are expected to follow suit in the coming weeks and update their phones to the new Android version.

Google released the source code for Android 15 at the beginning of September. Since then, the new version has been part of the Android Open Source Project, allowing developers to view the code and adapt their apps to it.

Compared to previous Android versions, Android 15 is a rather minor update, with many changes taking place under the hood. One of the most interesting new features is 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 holding the unlocked phone in their hands still have no access. Notifications from apps in the private space can also be hidden.

Feature Drop with theft protection

With Android 15, Google is also distributing a new Feature Drop to its Pixel phones. From the user's point of view, these functions more or less go hand in hand with the Android update, but are strictly speaking separate from it. Owners of other non-Google Android smartphones will not receive these features.

One new feature for Pixel phones is the "magic audio eraser", which can remove distracting noises such as wind and murmuring crowds from video recordings. Google also claims to have improved underwater photography. There is also a slider for the photo app that allows you to use astrophotography functions.

Finally, Google has improved anti-theft functions. In future, an AI will use motion sensors to detect when a cell phone may have been snatched from someone's hand and then immediately lock the screen.

(dahe)